Sweden to Raise Work Permit Salary Threshold: Key Updates for 2024

Dreaming of a career move to Sweden, the land of innovation and stunning landscapes? Securing a work permit is your first hurdle. A key factor in the application process is meeting the salary threshold.

This threshold ensures you can support yourself financially and isn’t set in stone. It adjusts annually based on the national median salary, so keeping up-to-date is crucial.

This guide will navigate you through the current work permit salary system in Sweden, upcoming adjustments based on the latest figures, and a potential future increase that could impact your application.

Current Salary Threshold

To qualify for a work permit in Sweden, you must earn at least 80% of the median salary. This figure is updated annually based on statistics from Statistics Sweden. As of today (May 31, 2024), the minimum salary requirement is 27,360 kronor per month.

Also Read: Sweden to Make It More Difficult to Become a Citizen

New Median Salary Figures

The latest median salary data from Statistics Sweden will be released on June 18, 2024. This will likely lead to an increase in the work permit salary threshold for applications submitted after that date.

Threshold Based on Application Date

The minimum salary requirement is based on the median salary figures at the time of your application, not when a decision is made. So, if you apply before June 18th, 2024, the current threshold of 27,360 kronor will still apply.

Future Plans for Salary Threshold Adjustments

The Swedish government has proposed further raising the work permit salary threshold to 100 percent of the median salary, which is currently 34,200 kronor. This proposed change, pending legislative approval, aims to take effect on June 1, 2025. Certain categories of workers may be exempt from this increase.

Also Read: Sweden Streamlines Work Permits for Highly Skilled Workers

Transition Period for Renewals

There will be a transitional grace period for work permit renewals. Applications for extensions submitted to the Migration Agency by June 1, 2026, will still be subject to the current 80 percent median salary rule. After this date, the new 100 percent threshold will apply.

Conclusion

These upcoming changes to Sweden’s work permit salary threshold highlight the need for current and prospective permit holders to stay informed and prepare accordingly. Adapting to the new requirements will be crucial for maintaining legal work status in Sweden.

For the latest information on work permit requirements and the salary threshold, it’s recommended to check the official website of the Swedish Migration Agency.