Sweden Work Permit

Sweden’s ordinary work permit is the main employer-backed employee route for non-EU citizens who do not need, or do not meet, EU Blue Card requirements. Since June 2026, the standard salary floor is tied to 90 percent of the Swedish median salary.

Start Here

Need	Best page
Compare with the EU Blue Card	Sweden work permit vs EU Blue Card
Check salary, collective agreement, and exemptions	Salary, terms, and occupation rules
Plan filing and documents	Timeline and documents
Review family, changes, and settlement	Family, job changes, and settlement

Programme Snapshot

Item	Current Rule
Main audience	Non-EU employees with a Swedish job
Standard salary floor	SEK 34,470/month from the June 2026 median-salary update
Salary logic	At least 90 percent of median salary, and at least collective-agreement or industry practice
Exemption floor	SEK 28,725/month for covered exempt occupations or groups
Employer process	Employer starts the e-service application
Advertising	New recruitments normally need EU/EEA/Swiss advertising for at least 10 days
Union comment	Relevant trade union is given the opportunity to comment on terms
Insurance	Employer insurance is required; short stays also need comprehensive health insurance
First permit	Up to 2 years, limited by contract and passport
Family	Family can apply together and adult family members may work if granted permits

Good Fit

This route is strongest for standard Swedish employment where the role is not Blue Card-level or the salary is below the Blue Card threshold, but the job is properly advertised, salary-compliant, insured, and supported by an employer willing to run the process.

Poor Fit

It is usually a poor fit for jobs below the salary floor, roles blocked from ordinary work permits, informal work, self-employment, remote work for a foreign employer without a Swedish employment route, or cases where employer insurance and union-review evidence are weak.