Recently, Sweden has introduced clear and positive changes to the requirements for getting the EU Blue Card. This will make it easier for highly skilled foreign workers to get the EU Blue Card. According to the Swedish government, these measures aim to attract qualified workers to Sweden to fill labor shortages in certain job sectors.
Updates to the EU Blue Card in Sweden
Sweden is one of 25 EU countries that issue the EU Blue Card. Recently, the Swedish government has made several changes to the EU Blue Card policy to simplify the application process. Here are the key updates:
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Easier Employment Contract Requirements
Under the new law, highly skilled foreign workers can now apply for the EU Blue Card with a job contract of just 6 months. This is a reduction from the previous requirement of a one-year contract.
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Ability to Change Jobs
It is now possible to convert existing work permits in Sweden to the EU Blue Card through a simpler process. Additionally, foreign workers in Sweden can change jobs without needing to apply for a new Blue Card. Previously, changing jobs required applying for a new card.
The Swedish government stated: “Foreigners who wish to change their job or employer no longer need to apply for a new EU Blue Card. Instead, they should inform the Migration Agency of any changes to their employer or other conditions affecting their permit.”
Now, you only need to notify the Swedish Migration Agency of any job changes, and your existing Blue Card will remain valid.
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EU Blue Card from Other European Countries Valid in Sweden
Under the new changes, highly skilled foreign workers holding an EU Blue Card from another EU member state can enter Sweden for business purposes for up to 90 days within 180 days.
However, the worker must have held the Blue Card from another country for at least 12 months. If they wish to get a Swedish Blue Card, the process will be very simple.
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Reduced Salary Requirement
A minimum monthly salary is required to obtain the EU Blue Card. To make the Blue Card easier to get, Sweden has reduced the required salary for EU Blue Card applications by 866.17 euros.
Previously, the minimum salary for the EU Blue Card in Sweden was 1.5 times the average monthly salary in Sweden. This has been reduced to 1.25 times the average monthly salary.
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Applying for the EU Blue Card in Sweden
The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for high-skilled jobs, governed by a specific section of Swedish immigration law (Utlänningslagen).
Sweden is one of 25 EU countries that issue the EU Blue Card. Other countries that issue this permit include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.
To apply for the EU Blue Card, you must meet several conditions, including qualifications equivalent to 180 higher education credits (about 3 years of study) or five years of relevant professional experience, health insurance, and job contract and salary requirements.
The employer offering the job in Sweden must have advertised the position in Sweden, the EU/EEA, and Switzerland for at least 10 days and must provide clear job requirements and qualifications.
Applying for the EU Blue Card from outside Sweden can be done online at migrationsverket.se or through the nearest Swedish embassy.
The proposed changes to the EU Blue Card laws in Sweden are positive and an important step in attracting and retaining highly skilled foreign workers in Sweden.
For more information, we recommend checking: migrationsverket.se، government.se، immigration-portal.ec.europa.eu، apply.eu.
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