SWE MoJ decided on a referral to the council on legislation with proposals aimed at improving Sweden's opportunities to attract and retain highly qualified workers.
Implements the new EU Blue card directive, replacing the 2009 Blue card directive.
Proposals
For the blue card to be granted, a foreign national must have an employment contract for highly qualified employment with a period of employment of at least 6 months and that the salary is at least 1.25 times the average gross annual salary in Sweden.
Scope is extended so fewer categories of persons are excluded from the possibility of being granted a blue card; opportunities to switch from other types of residence permits to a blue card from within Sweden will be expanded.
A foreign national who wants to change to another type of work/another job will not have to apply for a new blue card, instead, foreign national must notify the Migration Agency of any change of employer or changes that affect the conditions of the permit.
A person who has been granted a blue card by another EU member state may enter Sweden and conduct business activities for a maximum of 90 days in 180-day period.
Foreign national who has held a blue card in another member state for at least 12 months may apply for an EU blue card in Sweden with a slightly simplified procedure.
Effectiveness
The legislative amendments are proposed to enter into force on Jan. 1, 2025.
Sep. 2024 Bill Submitted to SWE PRL
On Sep. 24, 2024, SWE MoJ submitted a bill to SWE PRL with proposals aimed at improving Sweden's opportunities to attract and retain highly qualified workers.
The legislative amendments are proposed to enter into force on Jan. 1, 2025.
Nov. 2024 SWE PRL Update
On Nov. 28, 2024, SWE PRL announced adoption of implementing law for EU directive.
Adopted proposal re Act amending Aliens Act (2005:716), Act amending Social Security Code, Act amending Student Support Act (1999:1395), Act on Amendments to Act (2008:290) on Approval for Research Principals to Receive Visiting Researchers.
Also impacting on Act amending Act (2013:156) on community orientation for certain newly arrived immigrants, Act on Amendments to Act (2022:894) on Amendments to Act (2013:156) on Community Orientation for Certain Newly Arrived Immigrants.
The adopted changes in Aliens Act, etc mean the salary threshold for EU Blue Cards lowered and scope of application of EU Blue Cards is expanded.
Further details provided on its background and impact on pre-existing legislation.
The law and changes to the mentioned acts will come into force on Jan. 1, 2025.
Regulators
SWE GVT; SWE MoJ; SWE PRL
Entity Types
Corp
Reference
Rp 2024/25:SfU6, PR, 11/28/2024; PR 9/24/2024; PR, 8/15/2024; Dir 2021/1883; Bill 2024/25:18, 9/19/2024
