As of 1 January, the new regulations regarding the EU Blue Card in Sweden have officially come into effect. These changes are part of Sweden’s ongoing efforts to attract and retain highly-qualified talent by simplifying and promoting the EU Blue Card system. The EU Blue Card serves as a residence and work permit for highly-qualified workers, regulated according to specific regulations of the “Swedish Aliens Act” (Utlänningslagen).
WHY THIS MATTERS
These changes are expected to introduce greater flexibility and more favourable terms for workers who are considering Sweden as a destination for work and residence. By simplifying the process and making it more convenient, Sweden aims to become a more attractive option for highly-qualified professionals.
Context: Updates
The updated EU Blue Card regulations in Sweden introduce several key changes to attract highly-qualified professionals.
- Firstly, the minimum employment period for an EU Blue Card has been reduced to 6 months from 12 months.
- The salary requirement has changed, and the salary threshold is now reduced from 1.5 to 1.25 times the average gross annual salary in Sweden.
- Foreign nationals already in Sweden on other residence permits can now transition to an EU Blue Card without leaving the country, simplifying the process for skilled workers wishing to stay.
- EU Blue Card holders gain more job flexibility, as they can change employers or professions by simply notifying the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) without the need to submit a new application to the Agency.
- Additionally, holders of an EU Blue Card from another EU country can conduct business in Sweden for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Those holding a Blue Card for 12 months in another EU state can apply for a Swedish Blue Card through a simplified process.
KPMG INSIGHTS
KPMG in Sweden views these regulatory changes positively, considering them a significant step toward enhancing the country’s ability to attract and retain highly-skilled talent from abroad. This initiative aligns with the broader agenda of simplifying migration processes for highly-qualified workers.
Historically, changes to work and residence permit regulations in Sweden have required time for the Swedish Migration Agency to fully implement and interpret. Therefore, KPMG in Sweden will continue to monitor developments regarding this proposal.
Footnotes:
1 Regeringskansliet website: (in Swedish) Justitiedepartementet, "Genomförande av det nya blåkortsdirektivet: Prop. 2024/25:18" (publicerad 24 september 2024).
2 Migrationsverket website (in English): "Decision on the new Blue Card Directive" (13 December 2024) (Also available in Swedish and other languages at this link).
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Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Sweden.
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