Sweden has significantly raised the salary limit for work permit applicants, impacting new applications and extensions.Â
This change follows the release of updated median salary figures by Statistics Sweden.
The threshold has jumped from 13,000 kronor in October 2023 to 28,480 kronor in June 2024, marking an almost 120 percent increase in less than a year.
Applicants now must reassess their financial plans and employment negotiations to meet this new requirement.
If the threshold rises again to the proposed 35,600 kronor, further adjustments will be necessary.
These could mean higher salary negotiations or seeking positions that offer compensation matching the new threshold.
As of June 18th, 2024, the median salary in Sweden has been updated to 35,600 kronor per month.
Consequently, the new salary threshold for work permit eligibility is 28,480 kronor per month, representing 80 percent of the median salary.
This is an increase from the previous threshold of 27,360 kronor per month, based on the earlier median salary of 34,200 kronor.
The Swedish government plans to raise the work permit threshold to 100 percent of the median salary, with a proposed implementation date of June 1st, 2025.
This significant change will include exemptions for certain categories of workers, ensuring that the new rules are equitable and considerate of various employment sectors.
There will be a one-year grace period for work permit renewals to ease the transition.
During this period, the current rule of 80 percent of the median salary will continue to apply until June 1st, 2026, giving current permit holders ample time to adjust to the new requirements.
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The updated salary threshold will apply to all new work permit applications and renewals submitted on or after June 18th, 2024.
Applications already in process will not be affected by this change.
Applicants should note that the salary threshold is subject to annual updates based on the most recent median salary figures from Statistics Sweden, meaning potential adjustments each year.
Additionally, salaries must align with industry standards or collective bargaining agreements, ensuring they are appropriate for the specific job and sector.
On a seasonal work permit, temporary workers in Sweden for 90 days or less must meet the old salary requirement of 13,000 kronor per month before tax.
However, their salaries must also comply with industry standards or collective bargaining agreements, which may exceed this minimum.
