Can I get a work permit in Sweden?
Yes — if you have a job offer that meets the salary requirement. Since 1 June 2026 the salary floor is 90% of the median wage. The median wage is 38,300 kr a month, so the minimum salary is about 34,470 kr a month (previously 80%, around 28,480 kr). The employer must offer terms — salary and insurance — at least matching collective agreements, and the job must have been advertised within the EU/EEA. Some occupations (about 20) and groups, such as former students and healthcare staff seeking licensing, need only 75% of the median wage. Those already holding a permit who apply to extend during a transition period keep the old rules.
📋 The rules
- Since 1 June 2026: salary floor 90% of the median wage
- Minimum salary about 34,470 kr/month (median 38,300 kr)
- Terms must at least match collective agreements
- The job must have been advertised within the EU/EEA
- Some exempt occupations: only 75% of the median wage
🔓 Exceptions
- About 20 occupations and four groups need only 75% of the median wage
- Former students and healthcare staff seeking licensing are exempt
- Those extending during the transition keep the old rules
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The permit is refused or revoked if the requirements are unmet. Employers can face a sanction charge and a ban on hiring foreign workers, and the worker risks deportation.
📎 Official sources
- Migration Agency · New work-permit rules 2026 →
- Prop. 2025/26:87 · Government →
- Aliens Act (2005:716) · Riksdagen →
❓ Frequently asked
How high a salary is needed for a work permit?
Since 1 June 2026 at least 90% of the median wage, that is about 34,470 kr a month.
What is required of the employer?
Terms at least matching collective agreements, and that the job has been advertised within the EU/EEA.
Are there exemptions from the salary requirement?
Yes. About 20 occupations and certain groups need only 75% of the median wage.
What applies if I extend my permit?
Those extending during the transition keep the old rules with 80% of the median wage.
What happens if the requirements are unmet?
The permit is refused or revoked, and the employer can face a sanction charge.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I get a work permit sweden”
- “salary requirement work permit 2026”
- “90 percent median wage 34470”
- “work permit exempt occupations”
- “work permit collective agreement”
- “migration agency work permit”