In connection with the acute shortage of specialists, European countries are gradually softening the procedure for obtaining a Blue Card, and Sweden is no exception. Find out how to get a Blue Card in the country and what changes to the document registration procedure the local authorities will introduce in 2025

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Sweden is ready to make its immigration policy more attractive to highly skilled workers by updating the rules for obtaining an EU blue card. In particular, it is predicted that in 2025 salary requirements will be reduced, the list of professions will be expanded and the procedure for changing positions will be simplified. The main goal of innovations is to preserve international talents.

What procedure for issuing the Blue Card of Sweden is relevant in 2024? What requirements will be placed on highly qualified specialists in 2025? We tell.

What is the EU Blue Card in Sweden?

The Blue Card is a permit that has been introduced in most EU countries in order to facilitate the employment procedure in the region for highly qualified workers.

The Swedish Blue Card is key for non-EU nationals who want to work and live in Sweden, as it not only opens the door to work there, but also offers a number of benefits, including the ability to bring family members and travel within the Schengen zone without additional visa requirements. The permit facilitates the relocation to Sweden of specialists from the Philippines, Kenya, Australia, the Republic of South Africa and other countries of the world.

Benefits of the EU Blue Card work permit

1. The right to legally work in positions experiencing a shortage of qualified personnel and receive a competitive salary.

2. Moving with the family - spouse and children under 18 years of age.

3. A simplified path to permanent residence and citizenship - a permanent residence permit can be obtained after 33 months, and citizenship after 5 years.

4. Equal treatment and access to services – EU blue card holders enjoy the same working conditions, training opportunities and social benefits as citizens of the host country.

5. Mobility within the EU – after 12 months of residence in an EU country, blue card holders can move to work in another EU member state. For this, it will be necessary to obtain a new permit.

Requirements for obtaining a Blue Card in Sweden in 2024

The Blue Card permit has slightly more requirements than a standard work permit, so not every expat can qualify for it. In order to receive the Blue Card of Sweden, the following requirements must be met:

- Have a bachelor's degree or 5 years of relevant work experience.

- Provide a comprehensive health insurance policy valid in Sweden for at least the first 3 months (Sweden's national health insurance does not count, it must be private insurance).

- Have a contract or job offer from a Swedish employer.

- The salary level of the contract must exceed the average salary in Sweden by at least 1.5 times (about SEK 54,150 or EUR 4,770 per month).

Also, in addition to employees, a certain number of requirements are also put forward to the employer:

- It is necessary to announce the vacancy at least 10 calendar days before employment. It must be posted in Sweden, EU/EEA countries and Switzerland (usually the job portal that should be used to meet this requirement is the Arbetsförmedlingen portal).

- Create an employment offer and send it to the union for comments on employment conditions.

- To provide health insurance, life insurance, accidents at work, pension insurance.

If all the above requirements are met, a foreigner can apply for an EU Blue Card in Sweden.

In order to safely move, travel or work in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

How to apply for an EU Blue Card in Sweden?

Step 1 - Get a job offer in Sweden

The first step is to find a job in Sweden that meets the special requirements for Blue Card applicants.

The job must be in a field that requires a high level of qualification, such as advanced skills or a university degree. The duration of the employment contract must be at least 1 year. Conditions of employment, including wages, working hours and other conditions, must comply with Swedish collective agreements or customs in the profession or industry.

To search for a job in Sweden, use the following resources - LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Arbetsförmedlingen and Thelocal.  

Step 2 – Get an application link from the employer

When you receive a suitable job offer, your employer will initiate the process for you to obtain a blue card on the website of the Swedish Migration Agency.

Step 3 – Prepare the required package of documents

- Your passport and copies of its pages.

- A valid job offer and employment contract from your Swedish employer.

- Documents proving your professional qualifications, such as a degree certificate or an employer certificate.

- Application for employment conditions from the relevant trade union.

- Confirmation of full medical insurance valid in Sweden.

Step 4 – Fill out the application and submit it

Now that you have collected all the documents, you must follow the link provided by your employer to access the electronic service. Here you will need to fill in your personal and professional details, attach the required documents and pay the application fee by credit card. Then send the application through the electronic service.

Step 5 – Wait for the decision

The processing time for the Blue Card application can last up to 90 days. During this period, you can track the status of your application online on the website of the Swedish Migration Agency.

Step 6 – After approval, issue the document

If your application is approved, the next steps are aimed at processing your residence status. These "steps" can be taken at the nearest Swedish embassy or consulate if you are outside Sweden, or, if you are already in Sweden, at the Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) office located in your current city of residence.

Here you will provide your biometric data (photo and fingerprints). They are required for the issuance of your Blue Card residence permit, which you will receive in a few weeks from the embassy/consulate or the nearest Swedish migration agency if you already live in Sweden.

The cost of the Swedish Blue Card

The cost of obtaining a Swedish Blue Card is SEK 2,000 (€180) for the initial application. If you need to renew your Blue Card in the future, the renewal application fee is SEK 2,200 (€195).

Blue card validity period

Initially, the Blue Card is valid for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years, which entitles you to work in Sweden only for the employer and in the occupation specified in your application.

After you have worked in Sweden for 24 months and successfully extended your blue card, you are given the opportunity to change employers without having to submit a new application, provided that you remain in the same professional field.

Continuation of the Swedish Blue Card Visa

To extend your EU Blue Card in Sweden, you can apply online at the Swedish Migration Agency's website.

Having held an EU Blue Card for 48 months, you are eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit.

What will change in the Swedish Blue Card issuance procedure in 2025?

Sweden's proposals are aimed at making the Blue Card more accessible and attractive to qualified professionals. The following key changes are part of the new offer:

1. Reduced salary threshold

The new rules reduce the required salary to 1.5 of the average gross salary in Sweden, making it easier for highly skilled foreign workers to meet the financial eligibility criteria.

2. Requirement for a shorter employment contract

Under the new proposal, foreign workers can only apply for an EU Blue Card with a six-month employment contract, reducing the prior requirement and improving access for short-term professionals.

3. The list of professions has been expanded

The updated EU Blue Card Directive will allow a wider range of professionals to apply, including in various industries and sectors that were previously excluded from the program.

4. Flexible change of employer

The new rules will allow professionals who hold an EU Blue Card to move to another highly skilled job without having to apply for a new Blue Card, providing more career flexibility.

5. Seamless transitions

The changes will make it easier for foreign workers with other types of residence permits to switch to an EU Blue Card, simplifying the process and improving labor mobility within the EU.

If these changes are approved, Sweden could become even more competitive in attracting the world's best talent.

The updated Blue Card Directive aims to meet the future needs of the EU labor market and address the shortcomings of the previous system, making it more attractive to qualified professionals worldwide. These proposed changes make Sweden a more attractive destination for top talent from around the world, while the EU Blue Card provides a more convenient route for skilled professionals to work and live in the country.

We will remind you! We have already told you what the blue card allows, which European countries issue it, as well as what list of documents you need to have to issue a blue card in 2024.

Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department

To organize a safe move to Sweden, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations when traveling abroad.

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