On February 13, 2025, the government assigned the Swedish Migration Agency, with the support of the Swedish Public Employment Agency, to present proposals for occupations that should be exempt from an increased salary requirement in work permit applications.
Maintenance requirement explained: Swedish work permit salary threshold
The current maintenance requirement, which came into effect on November 1, 2023, stipulates that all individuals applying for a work permit must demonstrate that they have a good ability to provide for themselves through their employment. This is defined as a monthly salary equivalent to at least 80 percent of the Swedish median salary. Currently, the maintenance requirement amounts to 28,480 SEK per month. The maintenance requirement has been introduced as part of the government's initiative to attract highly qualified labor and applies to all individuals applying for work permits, regardless of the occupational group.
Sweden's new proposal to raise work permit salary minimum
In the report New Rules for Labor Immigration, the government has proposed a further increase in the salary requirement. The Swedish Migration Agency’s assignment will be to identify and propose occupational groups that should be exempt from the increased maintenance requirement.
Why some occupations may be exempt
The purpose of allowing certain occupations exemptions from the requirement is to facilitate companies in finding the right skills in shortage occupations and to gain a better understanding of the needs in the Swedish labor market. According to the government, the goal is to have an orderly labor immigration system that helps address the skills shortage in certain occupational groups.
The proposals are to be reported to the Ministry of Justice by August 1, 2025.
KPMG's comment
The government's proposal to further increase the maintenance requirement is expected and is in line with previously implemented measures in the immigration area. It is also expected that a review of potential exemptions from the increased maintenance requirement will be conducted for occupational groups where recruitment needs cannot be met with labor within Sweden.
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