Trends with: Global Goes Local
What trends do you see within your line of business?
We see a continuing trend of international talents coming to Sweden to fill the gap of highly qualified people, such as engineers, IT- as well as research and development specialists. These professionals compete in an international employment market and therefore it is important that Sweden can offer an efficient process for work permit applications.
We have seen some stricter requirements regarding work permit applications for non-EU citizens during the past year.
For example, a signed employment agreement needs to be attached to each work permit application.
The Migration Agency also introduced new procedures for passport control in connection with applications for residence permits. From 1st November 2022, non-EU candidates applying for resident permits must show their passports at a Swedish embassy or consulate before the Migration Agency can make a decision.
Furthermore, the Government proposes to double the minimum salary requirement for work permits in Sweden from a gross salary of SEK 13,000 per month to SEK 26,650 per month as of October 1st, 2023.
From your perspective, what are the greatest challenges right now?
The greatest challenge is the reply time for work permits. Companies and their employees that can not make use of the fast-track process for work permit applications often need to wait 6 months or more to receive a reply. However, for employers that are certified or registered under a representative’s certification, the reply times are between 10-20 working days from the moment a work permit application has been submitted.
The Migration Agency has announced that the current certification (fast-track) system will be replaced with a new model for handling work permit cases. The new model promotes the recruitment of employers seeking to hire highly qualified workers from outside the EU and it also aims to shorten the processing time for all labour market cases. Employers that submit a complete work permit application for highly qualified workers will have a reply time of maximum 30 days.
And, opportunities?
As described above, the Migration Agency will implement a new process towards the end of 2023 for highly qualified non-EU employees so that Sweden can compete for talent on an international level. The new model means a greater focus on the employer’s opportunity to recruit highly qualified people to Sweden and will reduce processing times at the Swedish Migration Agency for all employers and thus contribute to a more competitive Sweden. We recommend employers to make sure that applications are complete and Global Goes Local happily assists with work permit applications.