In a major shift in migration policy, the Swedish government has proposed raising the minimum salary required for a work permit from SEK 29,680 to SEK 33,390 per month, starting in summer 2025 — increasing the threshold from 80% to 90% of the national average wage.
The government says the move aims to attract highly skilled workers while curbing low-wage labor migration, arguing that higher pay requirements will prevent worker exploitation and ensure decent living standards for foreign employees.
However, the proposal has drawn strong criticism from trade unions, employers’ associations, and municipalities, who warn it could lead to labor shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, construction, and transport.
Although the government plans to introduce exemptions for professions facing severe labor shortages, critics argue the policy reflects a political rather than economic motive, and that it risks undermining Sweden’s long-standing collective bargaining model for wage setting.
The proposal marks part of a broader political shift toward tougher migration rules, as Sweden grapples with ongoing challenges in integration and labor market balance.
