🚨 Sweden Just Raised Its Work Visa Salary Requirement in 2026

Sweden has introduced stricter rules for people applying for work permits. One of the biggest changes is a higher minimum salary requirement, which could affect non-EU workers planning to move to Sweden for employment.

The new rules came into effect on 1 June 2026. (Migrationsverket)

💰 How Much Do You Need to Earn?

The current Swedish work-permit salary requirement is SEK 34,470 per month.

This amount represents 90% of Sweden’s median salary, which is currently SEK 38,300 according to Statistics Sweden. The salary requirement is based on the median salary applicable when the application is made. (Migrationsverket)

That means a foreign worker generally needs a job offering at least SEK 34,470 per month to meet the salary requirement.

🚨 Why Did Sweden Change the Rule?

Sweden’s new work-permit rules are intended to strengthen the conditions for labour immigration.

The government has introduced a higher salary threshold as part of wider changes to Sweden’s labour-migration system. The new rules also include changes involving health insurance and salary requirements for certain types of permits. (Migrationsverket)

👷 Who Is Affected?

The new salary requirement primarily matters to people applying for a Swedish work permit based on employment.

It can also affect people applying to extend their work permit, although transitional rules apply to some existing permit holders. (Migrationsverket)

For example, some people who already held a work permit under the previous rules and apply for an extension between 2 June and 1 December 2026 may temporarily remain subject to the previous 80% salary requirement. (Migrationsverket)

⚠️ There Are Exceptions

The 90% threshold does not apply in exactly the same way to everyone.

Certain occupations and groups are exempt from the main salary requirement. For people covered by these exemptions, the salary must generally reach 75% of the Swedish median salary instead. (Migrationsverket)

So applicants should check whether their occupation or situation falls within an exemption before deciding that they do not qualify.

📈 The Requirement Can Change

One important detail is that the salary threshold is not necessarily a permanent fixed amount.

Sweden calculates the requirement using the median salary published by Statistics Sweden. When the median salary changes, the work-permit salary requirement can change as well. (Migrationsverket)

For comparison:

(Migrationsverket)

What Does This Mean for Foreign Workers?

If you’re planning to work in Sweden, getting a job offer is no longer simply about finding an employer willing to hire you.

Your proposed salary must also meet the applicable immigration requirements.

This could make lower-paid jobs more difficult to use as a route to a Swedish work permit, while professionals with higher-paying positions may be better positioned to meet the threshold.

The salary must also be consistent with applicable collective agreements or common practice in the occupation or industry. (Migrationsverket)

💼 What About Sweden’s 9-Month Job-Seeker Route?

Sweden still has a separate residence-permit route for certain highly qualified professionals who want to come to Sweden to look for work or explore starting a business.

Eligible applicants can receive a permit for up to nine months, subject to the requirements. (Migrationsverket)

However, finding a job through this route does not remove the work-permit requirements. If you later apply for a work permit, the relevant salary and other requirements still need to be met.

📌 What You Should Know

🇸🇪 New rules: Effective from 1 June 2026
💰 Current general salary threshold: SEK 34,470/month
📊 Equivalent to: 90% of Sweden’s median salary
👷 Some exemptions: 75% of median salary may apply
📈 Threshold can change: Based on updated median salary data
⚠️ Not every applicant is treated identically: Transitional rules and exemptions exist

🔑 Final Takeaway

Sweden has raised the salary bar for many foreign workers seeking work permits.

The current general requirement of SEK 34,470 per month means applicants need to pay close attention to the salary stated in their employment contract before applying. (Migrationsverket)

For anyone planning to work in Sweden in 2026, the safest approach is to check the latest Swedish Migration Agency requirements and determine whether their occupation qualifies for an exemption.

🔗 Official Sources

Swedish Migration Agency — Salary requirements for a work permit

Swedish Migration Agency — New rules for work permits

Swedish Migration Agency — Exempt occupations and groups