Sweden · Work visa

EU Blue Card

Processing: About 1 month
Cost: From SEK 2,000
Validity: 9 months to 4 years

Permit for highly qualified employment in Sweden. From 1 June 2026 the first Blue Card can be issued for up to 4 years, and it offers intra-EU mobility that the ordinary work permit lacks.

Requirements

Higher education qualification (at least 3 years) or 5 years of relevant professional experience
Employment contract for highly qualified work lasting at least 6 months
Gross salary of at least SEK 52,000 per month (1.25 times the Swedish average; verify the current figure)
Health insurance until covered by Swedish social insurance
Maintenance requirement if family members apply with you

Time and cost

Processing time: About 1 month for complete applications; up to 3 months if incomplete
Validity: 9 months to 4 years (4-year maximum from 1 June 2026)
Cost: From SEK 2,000
Required
SEK 2,000 application fee
Optional
SEK 1,500 application fee for an adult family member, if family members come with you
SEK 750 application fee for a child, if family members come with you
Path to residency: Permanent residence after 4 years; EU long-term resident status after 5 years combining Blue Card time across the EU

Documents

Valid passport
Covering the intended permit period
Employment contract
At least 6 months of highly qualified employment
Degree certificate or proof of experience
University diploma or evidence of 5 years’ professional experience
Proof of health insurance
Valid until Swedish social insurance applies
Proof of maintenance (if it applies)
Required if family members apply together with you

Tips

The SEK 52,000/month threshold is set separately from the new 90%-of-median work-permit rule
Blue Card time in other EU states can count toward EU long-term residence
After 12 months, a move to another highly qualified job requires notification instead of a new permit