Sweden proposes new legislation to attract highly qualified workers

At a glance

• Changes to Sweden's implementation of the new Blue Card Directive have been proposed, to take effect on 1 January 2025
• The changes are designed to improve the ability to attract and retain highly qualified workers, and to make it easier for such workers to exercise their right to free movement within the EU.

The Swedish Government has proposed legislative changes to implement the new EU Blue Card Directive, aimed at improving Sweden's ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees.

An EU Blue Card is a combined residence and work permit that can be granted to foreigners with employment contracts for highly qualified work in Sweden.

Proposed changes:

• The salary threshold for granting an EU Blue Card to highly qualified employees will be reduced to at least 1.25x  the average gross annual salary in Sweden, and the employment period requirement will be reduced to six months.
• The scope of application will also be expanded, allowing fewer groups to be excluded from obtaining an EU Blue Card, while the process for switching from other types of residence permits to an EU Blue Card within Sweden will be made easier.
• A foreign national wishing to change to a different type of work or employment will no longer need to apply for a new EU Blue Card; instead, they must inform the Swedish Migration Agency of any changes to their employer or the conditions of their permit.
• Moving forward, individuals who have been granted an EU Blue Card by another EU country will be able to enter Sweden and engage in business activity for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
• In certain circumstances, a foreign national who has held an EU Blue Card in another member state for at least 12 months will be eligible to apply for one in Sweden, following a slightly simplified procedure.

The proposal is to take effect from 1 January 2025. However, it still needs to be voted on in the Swedish parliament. This is due to happen before the end of 2024.