Sweden is preparing to overhaul its labour migration framework, with a planned relaxation of work permit rules for third-country nationals set to come into effect from May 2026.
The move is part of the government’s effort to align national legislation with the revised EU Single Permit Directive and bolster the country’s competitiveness in attracting international talent.
The proposal, currently under parliamentary review, would introduce a streamlined application system for foreign workers by integrating residence and work permits into a single procedure. Under the new rules, third-country nationals will no longer need to submit separate applications for residence and employment, a process that has long been criticised as bureaucratic and time-consuming.
The reform also aims to enhance legal clarity for both employers and applicants by introducing more transparent criteria for permit issuance, including provisions for intra-EU mobility and faster processing for skilled professionals in sectors facing labour shortages.
Labour Minister Johan Pehrson emphasised that the changes are intended to make Sweden “a more attractive destination for highly qualified workers,” particularly in fields such as technology, engineering, and healthcare. “Global competition for talent is intensifying, and Sweden must remain competitive,” Pehrson said.
Sweden’s planned reforms come amid a broader recalibration of immigration and labour policies across the EU, where demographic pressures and ageing populations have prompted member states to revisit their talent strategies. Berlin and The Hague have recently introduced similar measures to expedite entry for skilled workers and address domestic shortfalls.
However, Swedish trade unions have expressed concerns that easing work permit requirements could lead to a rise in precarious employment and undermine wage standards, especially in sectors with weak collective bargaining coverage. The government insists that safeguards will remain in place to prevent labour exploitation.
If enacted, the new framework would mark one of the most significant liberalisations of Sweden’s labour migration policy in over a decade, signaling a strategic shift from humanitarian-focused immigration to talent-based economic migration.