Factsheet for measure
SE-2025-1/3837
– measures in Sweden
New rules for EU Blue Card
Nya regler för EU-blåkort
Background information
The legislative foundation for the proposal is the EU directive on EU Blue Cards, and the new rules replace the former rules implemented in 2009.
The purpose of the new regulation is to attract and keep highly skilled labour to the Swedish labour market, and improve these workers mobility across the EU.
Content of measure
In november of 2024 the parliament voted to implement the new EU Blue Card directive into Swedish law. The new rules are the following:
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The wage floor is lowered from 1,5 times the average annual gross salary in Sweden to 1,25 times. In 2025 1,25 times the gross annual salary in Sweden is SEK 49,875 (€ 4,550) per month.
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The requirement for contract length is lowered from one year to six months.
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Possibility to change employment without re-applying for an EU blue card provided it is to another high skill occupation. A notice must be given to the Swedish Migration Agency of new employment, changes to the contract or other changes.
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Expanded possibility to change from other types of to an EU blue card without leaving the country
Use of measure
In 2023 there were 221 approved EU Blue Cards, which includes both newly issued and extensions.
Target groups
Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
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No special funding required
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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Consulted
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Consulted
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Form
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Direct consultation outside a formal body
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Direct consultation outside a formal body
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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No involvement
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Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level
Involvement
Social partners submitted written responses before the implementation of the directive.
Views and reactions
SACO, the peak-level white collar academics trade union, is positive to the new EU Blue Card rules.
The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise is also positive to the changes, but contend that the wage floor of 1,25 is too high and should be lowered to just 1,0 times the gross annual wage.
Sources
