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Sweden Simplifies EU Blue Card Rules for Foreign Professionals Starting January 1, 2025

Sweden Eases Blue Card Requirements: Implications for the Labor Market and Talent Attraction.
Beginning January 1, 2025, Sweden will implement simplified conditions for obtaining the EU Blue Card, marking a significant step towards attracting highly skilled workers from non-EU countries. These changes, approved by the Swedish parliament (Riksdag), align with the new EU Blue Card Directive and aim to enhance conditions for skilled migrants while expediting their integration into the Swedish economy.
Lowering the Salary Threshold
Starting in 2025, the minimum salary requirement for obtaining an EU Blue Card in Sweden will be reduced from 1.5 to 1.25 times the average gross annual salary before taxes. This adjustment broadens access to the card for more qualified professionals, increasing Sweden's competitiveness in the global talent market.
Simplified Job Transitions
Blue Card holders will be able to change employers without the need to apply for a new card.
A simple notification to the Migration Agency will suffice, removing bureaucratic barriers to career advancement for skilled migrants.
Shorter Minimum Employment Contract Duration
The required duration of an employment contract for obtaining an EU Blue Card has been reduced from one year to six months.
This change makes the program more flexible and appealing to professionals interested in short-term projects.
Switching from Other Residence Permits
Foreign professionals already residing in Sweden on other types of residence permits will be able to transition to the EU Blue Card without leaving the country. This streamlines the process for status changes and supports talent retention.
Easier Process for Holders of EU Blue Cards from Other Countries
Highly skilled migrants who hold an EU Blue Card from another EU Member State will be eligible for a Swedish Blue Card through a simplified procedure if they have held the card for the past 12 months.
Faster Processing Times
Swedish authorities have already started accelerating the processing of EU Blue Card applications.
Previously, processing times could take up to 90 days. Since November 2024, this has been reduced to 30 days, making Sweden a more attractive destination for foreign professionals by ensuring swift handling of immigration requests.
Objective of the Reforms: Attracting and Retaining Talent
Impacts on the Labor Market
Positive Impacts:
- Lowering the salary threshold and simplifying employer transitions could increase the number of foreign professionals moving to Sweden.
- The reforms will make the labor market more dynamic and help address workforce shortages in critical sectors such as IT, engineering, and science.
- Faster processing of applications will improve hiring efficiency and reduce barriers for employers.
Potential Challenges:
- Increased competition for jobs between local and foreign professionals may lead to social tensions.
- Lowering the salary threshold could result in wage dumping in certain industries.
- Simplifying transitions from other residence permits may place additional strain on migration services.
The EU Blue Card reforms in Sweden represent a major step forward in enhancing the country's attractiveness to highly skilled workers. However, balancing the interests of local residents and foreign professionals will be critical to the program’s long-term success.
Sweden will need to focus on effectively integrating migrants and minimizing social risks. Without careful management, the relaxed requirements could exacerbate issues related to social adaptation, wage competition, and job fairness.