Is there a minimum wage in Sweden?
No — Sweden has no statutory minimum wage. Instead, the lowest pay is set sector by sector in collective agreements between unions and employer organisations. About 90% of employees are covered by a collective agreement. Contractual minimums run roughly between about 19,000 and 28,000 kr a month depending on the sector — but these are agreement figures, not law. An employer without a collective agreement is in principle free to agree any wage with the employee; there is no statutory floor, only what you agree.
📋 The rules
- No statutory minimum wage in Sweden
- Lowest pay is set in collective agreements by sector
- About 90% of employees are covered by an agreement
- Contractual minimums: roughly 19,000–28,000 kr/month
- Without a collective agreement there is no statutory floor
🔓 Exceptions
- The EU Minimum Wage Directive does not force Sweden to introduce a statutory minimum
- Many agreements have lower entry or youth rates
- A union can use strikes/blockades against an employer without an agreement
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Paying below a collective agreement you have signed is a breach of contract and can bring damages to the union or employee. There is no criminal minimum-wage offence.
📎 Official sources
- Unionen · Minimum and lowest pay →
- LO · Minimum wage in the EU →
- National Mediation Office · Pay and agreements →
❓ Frequently asked
Is there a minimum wage by law in Sweden?
No. There is no statutory minimum wage. Lowest pay is set in collective agreements by sector.
How much is the lowest pay then?
It varies, roughly between about 19,000 and 28,000 kr a month depending on sector and agreement.
What applies if the employer has no collective agreement?
Then there is no statutory floor — pay is what you agree in the employment contract.
Does the EU force Sweden to introduce a minimum wage?
No. The EU directive respects the Swedish model of collective bargaining instead of a law.
What happens if I get less than the agreement says?
It is a breach of contract if the employer signed the agreement, and can bring damages via the union.
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