Sweden's new work permit rules take effect – 90% median salary threshold live from 1 June
Sweden’s Migration Agency confirmed that its new work permit rules came into effect on 1 June 2026, raising the salary threshold for non-EU/EEA hires to 90% of the Swedish median salary at the time of application. The change applies to first-time applicants receiving decisions on or after 1 June, including applications submitted before that date if processed later.
A transitional regime applies to extensions. Workers granted a permit before 1 June 2026 can extend under the previous 80% rule if they apply between 1 June and 1 December 2026. From 2 December onwards, the 90% threshold applies to all extensions. About twenty occupational categories are exempt from the 90% requirement and instead need to meet 75% of the median salary, alongside four further exempt categories: former students, foreign-qualified medical professionals, recipients of Temporary Protection Directive permits applying for work, and employees of tech or life-science start-ups (under five years old, fewer than 100 employees). The start-up exemption became live on 11 June 2026.
Why this matters
For remote workers and freelancers considering Sweden as a base, the new rules narrow the band of work permit-eligible roles substantially. The 90% median-salary requirement means that under-market hires – often used by start-ups and SMEs to access talent – will no longer support a work permit, with the exception of the new tech/life-science start-up window. EU and EEA citizens are not affected, since freedom of movement applies.
The Migration Agency now also has the power to reject applications based on employer circumstances: pending criminal investigations, prior sanctions for unauthorised employment, or deficiencies in tax or social security obligations. Employers must notify the Agency if an employee has not started work within four months of permit issue; the permit can otherwise be revoked.
The EU Blue Card permit period has been extended from two to four years, and seasonal work permits from six to nine months in any twelve-month period. Work permits for forest-berry pickers and personal assistants have been abolished entirely.
Context
The 1 June changes are part of a broader Swedish tightening of immigration policy under the current government, alongside the Migration Agency’s expanded enforcement powers and the upcoming Platform Work Act (targeted for 2 December 2026 entry into force). Sweden has also formally called for renegotiation of the EU Pay Transparency Directive in the direction of simplification.
Workers planning to extend a work permit should file before 1 December 2026 to lock in the 80% transitional rate where it makes a material difference; those switching employers or applying for the first time should plan on the 90% threshold from day one.