Sweden has carried out its biggest overhaul of work permit rules in over a decade, effective from 1 June 2026. The headline change is a much higher salary requirement, alongside stronger worker protections. This guide explains the latest rules for foreign workers in Sweden in plain English.

The threshold tracks the median wage and is reviewed each year, so always confirm the current figure before you act.

The Big Picture

Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland can work in Sweden freely. Other workers need a work permit, usually applied for by the employer through the Swedish Migration Agency.

The New Salary Requirement

From 1 June 2026, a work permit normally requires a salary of at least 90% of the Swedish median wage — currently SEK 33,390 per month (up from the old 80% level of SEK 29,680). The pay must also match the relevant collective agreement or industry practice. Importantly, the new threshold applies at the time the decision is made, so it can affect applications already pending.

Exemptions for Shortage Roles

About 27 shortage occupations — including assistant nurses, several IT roles, welders and maintenance staff — qualify for a lower threshold of around SEK 27,825 per month (75% of the median). Some other groups also use the lower figure, including certain former students, foreign-trained health professionals working toward a Swedish licence, and employees of small, young tech or life-science companies.

Other Key Changes

• The EU Blue Card can now be granted for up to four years (previously two).
• Seasonal work permits can run up to nine months (previously six).
• Comprehensive health insurance is mandatory for stays of up to one year.
• An employer’s history — such as crimes or tax penalties — can lead to refusal, and liability extends along subcontracting chains.
• Some occupations, such as forest berry pickers and personal assistants, are no longer eligible for a standard work permit.

What Foreign Workers and Employers Should Do

• Check the salary against the current median-based threshold before applying or extending.
• See whether the role qualifies for a shortage-occupation exemption.
• Arrange comprehensive health insurance for shorter stays.
• For extensions of older permits, apply within the transitional window to use the previous rules.

Quick Summary

1. From 1 June 2026, the work permit salary is 90% of the median wage — SEK 33,390 per month.
2. About 27 shortage occupations use a lower 75% threshold (around SEK 27,825).
3. The EU Blue Card now lasts up to four years and seasonal work up to nine months.
4. Health insurance is mandatory for stays of up to one year.