EU Blue Card for Sweden

For migrants with high levels of skills and work experience, Sweden is a highly attractive destination. As one of the most innovative countries in the world, home to many tech firms such as Klarna, Spotify, and iZettle, Sweden needs skilled migrants from other countries to fill roles where there are no suitable candidates in-country or within the EU. There are several ways for foreign nationals from outside the EU to secure the immigration permission they need to work in Sweden, including through the work permit, EU long residence permit, intra-company transfer permit, and EU Blue Card schemes. In this article, we will explain the purpose of the Blue Card in Sweden, the eligibility criteria, and how to apply

What is the purpose of a Blue Card for Sweden?

The Blue Card scheme has been adopted in 25 of the 27 EU nations (all except Denmark and Ireland). Under the Blue Card, nationals of a non-EU country with an offer of employment for highly-qualified work from a Swedish employer can apply for an EU Blue card to work in Sweden. Applicants must have a certain level of education or work experience and must meet the minimum salary requirements (as explained in depth below).

Am I eligible for a Blue Card to work in Sweden?

Applicants for a Blue Card for Sweden must:

• have a contract or offer of employment for highly qualified work for at least one year – in order for this offer to be made, the Swedish employer must have advertised the role in the country and within the EU/EEA/Switzerland for at least ten days. Employers also have to create an offer of employment through the Swedish Migration Agency and have this approved. The employer offers conditions of employment that are at least at the same level as Swedish collective agreements or what is customary in the profession or industry.
• have a salary that is at least one and a half times bigger than an average salary in Sweden (see below for more details on the salary requirement).
• have the equivalent of 180 credits of tertiary education or five years of relevant professional experience – the level of education is typically equivalent to degree level.
• have or have applied for comprehensive health insurance that is valid for care in Sweden (the health insurance should cover the first three months in Sweden before you get registered)
• have a valid passport
• the city where the work/training will take place
• brief description of the employee’s duties
• salary and other payroll benefits
• the employee’s professional designation or job title (not applicable to trainees).

With regard to the salary requirement, the rules state, “Each year, the Swedish Migration Agency establishes the salary threshold that needs to be exceeded in order to obtain an EU Blue Card. The salary threshold is the equivalent of one and a half times the average gross salary, and the amounts are determined in consultation with the Swedish National Mediation Office, which is the authority responsible for the official statistics on wages and salaries in Sweden”.

As of 3rd August 2021, the salary threshold is set at SEK 54,150 per month.

The rules also state that the employment contract must be translated into Swedish or English.

How do I apply for a Blue Card for Sweden?

The application process for an EU Blue Card for Sweden is completed online on the Swedish migration services website (Migrationsverket). The application process for an EU Blue Card for Sweden is as follows:

1. Your employer in Sweden starts the application process – your employer will need to submit an offer of employment to the Swedish Migration Agency.
2. Prepare any required documents
3. Pay the application fee and submit the EU Blue Card application – you will receive an email explaining how to apply if the offer of employment is approved by the Swedish Migration Agency.
4. Wait for your application to be processed

Assuming your application is approved, you will be issued with an EU Blue Card; the guidance states, “If your application is granted, you will be given a residence permit card which says, EU Blue Card. The card is proof that you have permission to be in Sweden and contains, among other things, your fingerprints and photograph”.

Those who require a visa to travel to Sweden will also need to visit their nearest Swedish embassy to have their photograph and fingerprints taken as soon as possible. If you do not need a visa, you can book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photograph taken as soon as possible after arriving in Sweden.

Can I bring my family members with me to Sweden?

Family members, including your partner/spouse and dependant children, can join you in Sweden if you have been granted an EU Blue Card. You can either include them on your Blue Card application form or, if your family plan to arrive in Sweden at a later date, they can submit a separate online application from their home country.

Can I extend my EU Blue Card for Sweden?

Your Blue Card will be issued for up to two years; however, it can be extended as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. Your family members can also have their permit extended (this can be done at the same time you apply to extend your Blue Card). Another option is to apply for permanent residence after four years on a Blue Card in Sweden.

Reiss Edwards have the resources and expertise to assist with all aspects of Swedish immigration. If you need assistance with your Blue Card for Sweden or any other immigration matter, contact our Swedish Immigration Lawyers on 020 3744 2797 or by email at info@reissedwards.co.uk