Sweden Lowers Work Permit Salary Threshold to 90% of Median Wage Under Tidö Agreement

Sweden's government and the Sweden Democrats have agreed to revise the salary requirement for labor immigrants applying for work permits. Originally mandated at 100% of Sweden's median salary under the Tidö Agreement, the threshold has now been adjusted to 90%, equivalent to 33,390 to 33,900 kronor monthly, based on current median earnings of approximately 37,100 kronor. This decision, confirmed by Migrationsminister Johan Forssell and Labor Market Minister Johan Britz, aims to balance economic needs with simplified regulatory processes by avoiding complex exceptions for various occupations.

The previous proposal to require a full median salary sparked concern from the business sector, with warnings that the more stringent rule could cost Sweden up to 30 billion kronor in GDP annually, according to Svenskt Näringsliv. The adjustment was partially influenced by these economic warnings and the Liberals' push to maintain a lower limit closer to 80% of the median wage, which was ultimately not adopted.

The new salary requirement will take effect on June 1 next year and is intended to enable easier hiring for jobs that currently face labor shortages, such as chefs and other skilled professions. The government will still retain the ability to grant exceptions to the rule in critical sectors. This pragmatic compromise highlights ongoing efforts to manage labor immigration in ways that support both employers and Sweden’s economic wellbeing under the framework established by the Tidö parties.