Sweden Reduces EU Blue Card Processing Time from 90 to 30 Days to Attract Skilled Workers

In a bid to enhance Sweden's appeal to highly skilled foreign professionals, the Swedish government has announced a reduction in the processing time for EU Blue Card applications from 90 days to just 30 days.

According to officials, this expedited process is aimed at making Sweden a more attractive destination for talented workers while also helping the country's businesses address labor shortages.

This faster processing period will also apply to Intra-Corporate Transferee Permits and permits for researchers. Officials noted, however, that the shortened timeline will benefit only applicants who submit fully completed and accurate applications. Those who fail to meet these criteria could still face processing times of up to four months.

Additionally, certain industries in Sweden require additional evaluations under the country’s four-tier assessment system, meaning that applicants seeking to work in those fields will not be eligible for the accelerated process.

By reducing processing times for eligible highly qualified applicants, the government aims to enable foreign professionals to enter the Swedish workforce much sooner, easing hiring pressures on local businesses. “This change will ensure that foreign workers are able to start working in Sweden sooner rather than waiting for a long period of time to receive a response to their application,” officials stated.

Lowering the Salary Requirement for EU Blue Card Eligibility

Sweden is also considering other adjustments to the EU Blue Card program, including a reduction in the minimum salary requirement. In August, Swedish authorities announced that they are planning to lower the monthly salary threshold by approximately €866. This proposed change, said Minister of Migration Maria Malmer Stenergard, is “an important step in improving and easing the conditions for qualified foreign workers.”

Sweden’s adjustments align with trends in other EU countries aiming to attract skilled workers. Estonia, for example, announced similar updates to its EU Blue Card rules earlier this year. Since April, Estonia has allowed foreigners to apply for an EU Blue Card if they have five years of professional experience in their field, eliminating the requirement to submit formal educational credentials.

These collective efforts reflect a growing emphasis across EU member states on making it easier for highly skilled professionals to work within the European Union. 

By fLEXI tEAM