New rules for work permits took effect in Sweden on June 1, 2026, affecting salary requirements, health insurance obligations, employer compliance checks, and permit durations.
New Salary Threshold
- From June 1, 2026, the minimum monthly salary for a work permit must be equivalent to 90% of the Swedish median salary as updated annually by Statistics Sweden each June (SEK 34,470 – as perStatistics Sweden median salary update, 16 June 2026). The salary must also meet collective agreement or industry practice standards. Both conditions apply simultaneously. The threshold applies at the point of decision, not application, meaning live applications filed before June 1 are not automatically protected.
- Transitional rule: Employees holding a permit granted before June 1, 2026 who apply for an extension between June 1 and December 1, 2026 remain subject to the previous 80% threshold. The 90% threshold applies to all extensions filed from December 2, 2026.
- Exemptions: Twenty-seven occupations qualify for a reduced 75% threshold, and certain roles are excluded from work permit eligibility entirely. See the full list in the Aliens Ordinance (utlänningsförordningen 2006:97, Chapter 5, §6).
New Health Insurance Requirement
A comprehensive health insurance valid in Sweden is now required across all standard work permit categories where the applicant’s total continuous permitted residence in Sweden amounts to less than 12 months, including extensions. Absence of valid insurance is grounds for refusal. The policy must cover medical care, hospitalisation, emergency dental care, and medical repatriation. Proof of a policy applied for, taking effect from the first day of employment, is sufficient. Employees with cumulative permitted residence exceeding 12 months are expected to register with the Swedish population register and access the public healthcare system and are not subject to this requirement.
Stricter Employer Compliance Checks
From June 1, 2026, an employer’s history can directly cause a work permit application to be refused. Grounds include criminal convictions above fine level, convictions for labor exploitation, human trafficking, or tax evasion, and active government sanctions. Liability extends through contracting chains to client companies.
Changes to Other Permit Categories
The maximum EU Blue Card permit duration has been extended from two to four years. The salary threshold remains unchanged at SEK 52,000 per month, while the ICT permit salaries must meet collective agreement or industry practice minimums, including for part-time arrangements.
Action for Employers
Employers should audit current work permit holders against the new salary threshold, identify upcoming renewals ahead of the December 1, 2026 transitional deadline, factor the increased salary floor into new hire budget planning, and review supply chain arrangements for employer compliance risk. Please contact your Newland Chase adviser for case-specific guidance.
Source: Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket), New rules for work permits from 1 June 2026 (17 April 2026); Statistics Sweden median salary update, 16 June 2026; Government Bill Prop. 2025/26:87.
This alert is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact Newland Chase directly for case-specific guidance.
