On 8 July, the Swedish Government presented a legislative proposal aimed at simplifying the process for work permit holding individuals who change employers or profession in Sweden.
Under the current regulations, a work permit is tied to both a specific employer and profession during the first two years. During the following two years, the permit remains linked to the profession. Consequently, individuals who wish to change employer or occupation must apply for a new work permit before starting their new position.
The Government’s proposal would remove the requirement for work permits to be tied to a specific employer or occupation. Instead, individuals would be required to notify the Swedish Migration Agency when an employment ends and a new one begins.
The proposal also includes changes to the rules concerning unemployment. Currently, work permit holding individuals generally have three months to find new employment, in order to retain their permit. The Government proposes extending this so-called transition period to six months for individuals who have held a valid work permit for more than two years.
Furthermore, the proposal includes a new provision stipulating that an employer who pays the application fee for a work permit or the extension of such a permit may not seek reimbursement of that cost from the employee. Any contractual term requiring such reimbursement will be considered null and void.
The proposed legislative changes are expected to enter into force on 1 February 2027.
