Significant changes to Sweden’s work permit rules take effect today 1. June 2026. Key updates include a higher salary threshold, mandatory comprehensive health insurance, and stricter compliance checks on employers.
Major changes include:
- Increased Salary Requirement
The minimum salary threshold is raised from 80% to 90% of the Swedish median wage currently 33,390 SEK per month. The median salary is however updated every year in mid-June, and the median salary figure at the time of application is the one used to calculate the amount required.
- Grace period
Transition Rules for work permit extensions will apply for 6 months: Applicants who already hold a valid work permit and are applying for an extension between June 1 and December 1, 2026 will be subject to the old rules (the previous 80% median salary of 29,680 SEK).
- Exemptions
The government has also announced a list of 27 jobs that will be exempted from the new 90 percent salary requirement. The exempted jobs are not fully exempted but will have to meet a lower minimum salary set at 75 percent of the median wage (currently 27,825 kronor). There is also a special exemption for employees working at startup companies in the tech and life science sectors.
- Excluded Occupations
Work permits can no longer be granted for two specific occupations, regardless of employment conditions: forest berry pickers and personal assistants.
- Stricter Employer Requirements
Applications can now be rejected if the employer is suspected or convicted of relevant crimes (such as human trafficking or tax evasion), or has been penalized for employment regulatory breaches.
- Health Insurance Mandate
Workers staying in Sweden for a maximum of one year must now show they have, or have applied for, comprehensive health insurance.
- EU Blue Card & Seasonal Work
Maximum validity periods for EU Blue Cards have been extended from two to four years, and seasonal worker permits have been extended from six to nine months per 12-month period.
Expert assistance with work permit applications
For information about fast and efficient assistance with work permit applications for current international staff and new recruits, please do not hesitate to contact us. Email us at info@relocatetosweden.com or call us on +46 8 361011
Relocate to Sweden provides expert advice and hands-on help for companies recruiting internationally or transferring staff to Sweden. We help your international recruits with the entire relocation process including immigration, home finding, tax consultancy, registration with Swedish authorities, schools, health care and intercultural training. We also provide private relocation services. Email us at info@relocatetosweden.com or call us on +46 8 361011 if you would like help. You can also read more about our relocation services at www.relocatetosweden.com or follow us on social media for tips and advice.
