Sweden work permit for employees
Sweden's work permit salary requirement became a percentage of the national median in June 2026 and floats with it; the employer's four insurances and the collective-agreement benchmark are two further separate tests.
Core requirements
Since 1 June 2026 the salary must be at least 90 per cent of the median salary in Sweden at the time of the application. The threshold moves with the median and is fixed at the moment you apply.
As of 16 June 2026 the median is SEK 38,300, putting the minimum at SEK 34,470 a month.
Certain exempted professions and applicants face 75 per cent of the median instead, currently SEK 28,725.
Between 1 June and 1 December 2026, existing permit holders extending a permit meet the previous maintenance requirement instead; the page states no figure for that transitional standard.
By the time you start your job, your employer must have taken out health, life, industrial injuries, and occupational pension insurance for you. All four are required.
Salary and other working conditions must be at least on par with Swedish collective agreements or common practice in the profession or industry. This is a separate test from the threshold amount.
A work permit is granted for a maximum of two years, and not for longer than the term of the employment contract.
A permit is never granted for longer than the passport is valid. A short remaining passport validity is a common and avoidable reason for a shorter permit.
Official sources
- Salary requirements for a work permitSwedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) · Reviewed 2026-09-06
- Apply for a work permit in SwedenSwedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) · Reviewed 2026-09-06
How immigration works in Sweden — the process in order, the current figures with their dates, and what commonly blocks an application.
General educational information only, not personalized immigration or legal advice. Requirements can change; confirm them with the responsible government authority before acting. Next scheduled review: 2026-12-06.