Highlights: Sweden increased the salary threshold for foreign workers
- Sweden raised the salary threshold for foreign workers to SEK 30,0000 in June 2024.
- The revisions made to the salary requirements for work permit applicants took effect on June 18, 2024.
- The updated salary changes are set to impact the new work permit applications, application extensions, and renewals.
- A minimum threshold of SEK 13,000 for temporary, seasonal workers must be met.
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Salary threshold increased by Sweden from June 2024
Sweden increased the salary threshold for work permit applicants in June 2024. The recently released data with the updated median salary figures by Statistics Sweden prompted the change in the threshold. A 120% rise in the salary threshold has been noted from October 2023 to June 2024. This significant increase requires potential applicants to evaluate their job negotiations and other financial plans to fulfill the latest criteria.
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Major changes to the Salary Threshold for Work Permits
Some of the key changes announced by Sweden for work permit applications are as follows:
- The median salary in Sweden has been hiked to SEK 35,600 per month from June 18, 2024.
- The revised salary threshold to become eligible for a Swedish work permit is now SEK 28,480 per month, 80% of the median salary.
- The government announced plans to increase the work permit salary threshold to 100% of the median salary with an anticipated date of June 2025.
- The updated changes will include exemptions for a specific category of skilled workers to ensure that the rules are equal for all employment sectors.
- A 12-month grace period will be granted for work permit renewals, and the existing rule of 80% of median salary will continue to be in effect.
- The grace period will be applicable until June 1, 2026, giving current work permit holders enough time to adjust to the requirements.
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Who will the updated salary threshold apply to?
The new salary threshold will apply to new work permit applications and those requiring renewals provided they were submitted on or after June 18, 2024. The change will not impact the applications currently in the processing stage. The adjustments in the salary threshold are based on the annual median salary data that Statistics Sweden releases. Applicants must meet the salary threshold while also ensuring that their salaries align with the collective bargaining agreements or the industry standards. It is important to note that the salary, job, and sector must be in line with the industrial standards.
For Seasonal workers in Sweden
Temporary workers in Sweden on a seasonal work permit for 90 days or less have a different set of criteria. They must meet the previous salary requirement of SEK 13,000 per month. The temporary workers' salaries must align with the bargaining agreements and industry standards, which may be slightly higher than the minimum.
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