What is an EU Blue Card?

As of January 1, 2025, the Swedish Parliament has implemented a new Blue Card Directive, which has now entered into force. The EU Blue Card is a combined residence and work permit for individuals from non-EU countries who have a highly qualified job in Sweden. The aim of this updated legislation is to facilitate mobility within the EU for highly skilled workers, thereby increasing opportunities and making it easier to attract and retain top talent.

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1. What are the new rules for Sweden?

Requirements for Highly Qualified Employment

According to the new regulation, an employment contract is now required to qualify as highly qualified employment. The required minimum duration of employment has been reduced from one year to six months.

Additionally, the definition of what counts as “higher education” has been tightened. However, new provisions allow certain types of employment to be classified as highly qualified even if they don’t meet the traditional educational criteria. This means that more categories of individuals may now qualify for an EU Blue Card.

Lowered Salary Threshold

The salary threshold to qualify for employment in Sweden under the Blue Card scheme has been lowered from 1.5 times to 1.25 times the average gross annual salary in Sweden. As of now, this corresponds to a monthly salary of 53,625 SEK.

Health Insurance

The requirement for health insurance coverage has been extended. It must now cover the entire stay in Sweden, and an additional three months if the total stay is less than one year.

Switching Employment

It is now possible to change to another highly qualified job without having to apply for a new EU Blue Card. However, the EU Blue Card is valid for the employer and occupation specified in the decision. If you change jobs, you must notify the Swedish Migration Agency, and the new employment must meet the requirements for an EU Blue Card.

Expanded Opportunities

There are now more opportunities to switch from other types of residence permits to the EU Blue Card – without having to leave Sweden.

2.What are the requirements for obtaining an EU Blue Card?

Requirements for you as an applicant

• A valid passport.
• A university degree equivalent to 180 ECTS or 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Proof of health insurance covering the entire stay in Sweden, plus three additional months if the stay is less than one year.
• A highly qualified job lasting at least 6 months.
• A salary of at least 1.25 times the average Swedish salary.

Requirements for your employer

• The position must have been advertised in Sweden and within the EU/EEA and Switzerland for at least 10 days.
• The employer must provide employment details to a relevant trade union for comments.
• Employment terms must meet or exceed the standards in Swedish collective agreements, or the norms of the specific occupation/industry.
• The employer must intend to provide health insurance, life insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and occupational pension insurance from the start of employment.

3. What is the difference between an EU Blue Card and a Swedish work permit?

An EU Blue Card is a combined work and residence permit for individuals from non-EU countries with high-level qualifications who wish to work in Sweden.

A Swedish work permit is for non-EU citizens who want to work in Sweden, regardless of whether the position is highly qualified or not. In such cases, you must apply separately for a work permit and a residence permit. A Swedish work permit is generally based on a job offer from a Swedish employer, who initiates the application process.

Important: You must be granted your permit before entering Sweden—this applies to both the EU Blue Card and the Swedish work permit.

The main differences are that the EU Blue Card combines both a residence and work permit in a single application, whereas for a standard Swedish work permit, these must be applied for separately. Additionally, the EU Blue Card requires a highly qualified position, which is not a requirement for a regular Swedish work permit.

4.How long does it take to get a Blue Card after submitting the application?

After you have submitted your application, the Swedish Migration Agency needs to check your passport before a decision can be made. If you are outside Sweden, you may therefore need to present your passport at a Swedish embassy or consulate-general. If you are in Sweden, you can present your passport to the Swedish Migration Agency. In some cases, you may also need to provide fingerprints and have your photograph taken.

The time it takes to receive a decision varies. Up-to-date information on processing times is available on the Swedish Migration Agency’s website. You cannot be granted a permit for a period longer than the validity of your passport.

If your application is approved, you will receive a residence permit card. The card may take up to four weeks to be produced and delivered. If you need a visa to travel to Sweden, you must have received the card before entering the country.

How can Enkla Juridik help me as an applicant or employer?

At Enkla Juridik, we can assist you with your EU Blue Card application and everything that comes with it. Whether you need help submitting an application, extending your permit, or simply have general legal questions — we’re here for you. Contact us and we’ll guide you through the process.