Key Points
- Sweden raised its minimum salary for work permit applicants to 29,680 SEK per month
- The update reflects 80% of Sweden’s new median wage of 37,100 SEK
- Applies to all work permit applications submitted on or after June 17, 2025
- Earlier applications will be assessed under the previous threshold of 28,480 SEK
Overview
Sweden has updated its salary requirement for foreign nationals seeking work permits, reflecting adjustments in national wage benchmarks. As of June 17, 2025, applicants must now earn a minimum monthly salary of 29,680 SEK to qualify for a work permit. This increase is tied to the country’s updated median wage, which now stands at 37,100 SEK, making the threshold equivalent to 80 percent of that figure.
The new policy applies to all applications submitted on or after the effective date. Applications received before June 17, 2025, will continue to be processed under the previous threshold of 28,480 SEK per month. The adjustment is intended to ensure that foreign workers receive fair compensation in line with Swedish wage standards and to reduce the potential for wage dumping or labor market imbalances.
The Swedish Migration Agency emphasizes the importance of meeting this requirement at the time of application to avoid delays or rejections. In addition to the salary requirement, applicants must continue to meet other existing conditions, such as holding a valid job offer and demonstrating suitable employment conditions aligned with collective agreements or industry norms.
Employers must ensure they update their employment offers to reflect the new threshold before submission and confirm compliance throughout the validity of the permit. This measure reinforces Sweden’s ongoing effort to regulate its labor market while supporting a skilled and sustainable workforce.
Looking Ahead
Employers and foreign professionals should review employment terms carefully before initiating a work permit application to ensure compliance with the updated salary threshold. The adjustment may impact hiring strategies, especially for roles close to the minimum salary level. As wage benchmarks are reviewed regularly, additional updates may follow in the coming year. Employers should continue to monitor announcements from the Swedish Migration Agency to remain compliant.
