Sofia, Bulgaria – Sweden’s Migration Agency has submitted three distinct lists to the government outlining professions that could be exempted from a novel, higher salary threshold for function permits. The lists, containing 81, 55, and 21 professions respectively, offer varying degrees of leniency as the country prepares to implement stricter requirements for foreign workers. The move comes amidst ongoing debate about balancing labor needs with immigration policies, and follows a parliamentary vote on Wednesday to introduce the new threshold on June 1st.
The impetus for these lists stems from a government order in January, directing the Migration Agency to identify roles potentially deserving of exemption from the new minimum salary requirement. This threshold is set at 90 percent of Sweden’s median wage, currently equivalent to 33,390 Swedish kronor per month, a reduction from the full median wage initially recommended in February 2024. The agency was tasked with delivering its recommendations by March 20th, a deadline it met, according to information obtained through a freedom of information request. The differing lists represent a spectrum of approaches, allowing the government to choose a level of restriction that best aligns with its policy goals.
New Salary Threshold and Government Control
The decision to task the Migration Agency with creating the lists, while ultimately retaining the power to decide on exemptions for itself, reflects a shift in control. Previously, a government inquiry had recommended granting the Migration Agency the authority to determine which jobs would qualify for exemptions. However, the government opted to maintain direct oversight, effectively making the agency an advisory body in this process. This decision underscores the government’s desire to directly influence which skilled workers are permitted to enter the Swedish labor market.
The new salary threshold is a significant development in Sweden’s immigration policy. The aim is to ensure that foreign workers are compensated at a level comparable to their Swedish counterparts, and to prevent the exploitation of migrant labor. However, concerns have been raised by employers who fear that the higher salary requirements will create it more difficult to recruit skilled workers in certain sectors, particularly those facing labor shortages. The three lists submitted by the Migration Agency are an attempt to address these concerns by identifying professions where exemptions may be warranted.
The Three Lists: A Breakdown of Professions
The most restrictive list, comprising just 21 professions, focuses on roles with high demand and existing labor market needs. To qualify for exemption under this scenario, a profession must have seen more than 50 work permit applications in 2025 and have more than 25 valid permits extending beyond December 1, 2026, while still falling below the 33,390 kronor salary threshold. This list includes crucial roles such as primary school teachers, IT technicians (operating, support, and system administrators), cooks, waiters, various nursing positions, gardeners, bricklayers, welders, electricians, and taxi drivers (specifically in Stockholm and Upper Norrland).
The intermediate list of 55 professions expands the scope of potential exemptions, including roles where the 10th percentile salary (P10) is below the 33,390 kronor mark. This broader approach acknowledges that even within professions with generally higher salaries, some positions may not meet the new threshold. This list encompasses a wider range of occupations, including horticulturalists, livestock breeders, sheet metal workers, machine operators, forestry workers, veterinary nurses, and various types of mechanics and electricians.
The most expansive list, containing 81 professions, represents the least restrictive option. While the specific criteria for inclusion in this list are not detailed in the available information, it suggests a willingness to provide exemptions for a wider range of roles. The agency’s analysis indicates that reducing the number of professions on the list would have a greater impact on both employers and employees, highlighting the trade-offs involved in setting the threshold.
Impact on Key Sectors and Future Outlook
The implementation of the new salary threshold and the subsequent decisions regarding exemptions are expected to have a significant impact on several key sectors of the Swedish economy. Healthcare, construction, and the hospitality industry are particularly vulnerable to labor shortages, and the new regulations could exacerbate these challenges. The inclusion or exclusion of specific professions on the final exemption list will determine the extent of these impacts.
The situation is further complicated by broader trends in migration and labor markets. Sweden, like many European countries, is facing an aging population and a growing demand for skilled workers. Attracting and retaining foreign talent is therefore crucial for maintaining economic competitiveness. However, there is also increasing public concern about the social and economic impacts of immigration, leading to calls for stricter controls. The government is attempting to navigate these competing pressures by implementing policies that aim to balance economic needs with social considerations.
The Swedish Migration Agency’s role in this process is primarily advisory. The ultimate decision on which professions to exempt rests with the government, which is expected to announce its final decision in the coming weeks. This decision will be closely watched by employers, workers, and policymakers alike, as it will shape the future of Sweden’s labor market and immigration policy. The government’s choice will signal its priorities and its approach to managing the challenges and opportunities presented by globalization and demographic change.
Key Takeaways
- Sweden is implementing a new salary threshold for work permits, set at 90% of the median wage (33,390 SEK/month).
- The Migration Agency submitted three lists of professions for potential exemption: 21, 55, and 81 jobs.
- The government retains the final decision-making power on exemptions, despite the agency’s recommendations.
- The changes are intended to ensure fair wages for foreign workers but may impact sectors facing labor shortages.
- The final decision is expected soon and will significantly shape Sweden’s future immigration and labor policies.
The next step in this process is the government’s announcement of its final decision regarding the exemptions. Stakeholders are awaiting this announcement with anticipation, as it will provide clarity on the future of work permits for foreign nationals in Sweden. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and perspectives on this important issue in the comments section below.