As of January 1, 2025, Sweden has rolled out important adjustments to its EU Blue Card program, aiming to appeal to prime international expertise whereas simplifying the method for expert professionals. These reforms are part of Sweden’s ongoing technique to stay aggressive within the international job market and make the nation a prime vacation spot for extremely certified staff.
If you’re questioning what the EU Blue Card is, how it can profit you, and whether or not you’ll be able to work in different EU international locations like Spain with it, this text is for you. Here’s every little thing you want to find out about Sweden’s revamped EU Blue Card program for 2025.
What Is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a residence and work allow particularly designed for extremely expert professionals from non-EU international locations. It offers a streamlined pathway to reside and work in EU international locations, with advantages reminiscent of enhanced mobility throughout the EU, favorable working situations, and alternatives for household reunification.
One of its standout options is the power to work in a number of EU international locations after assembly particular necessities. For occasion, after residing in Sweden with an EU Blue Card for not less than 18 months, you’ll be able to transfer to one other EU nation, like Spain, for a brand new job.
This weblog publish focuses on the newest adjustments in Sweden’s EU Blue Card system and their implications for 2025 candidates.
New Changes to Sweden’s EU Blue Card in January 2025
The Swedish authorities has launched a number of updates to the EU Blue Card rules to make the method simpler and extra interesting for expert professionals. Here are the highlights:
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Reduced Employment Contract Duration
The required size of the employment contract has been shortened from 12 months to 6 months, providing larger flexibility for professionals and employers alike. -
Lower Salary Threshold
The wage requirement has been lowered from 1.5 instances to 1.25 instances the typical gross annual wage in Sweden. This adjustment makes this system accessible to a broader vary of expert staff. -
Expanded Eligibility Criteria
Professionals with substantial work expertise of their area can now qualify for the Blue Card, even when they lack formal tutorial {qualifications}. -
Simplified Job Change Process
EU Blue Card holders in Sweden can now change jobs or professions with out making use of for a brand new card. A easy notification to the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) suffices. -
Enhanced EU Mobility
EU Blue Card holders from different EU international locations can now apply for a Swedish Blue Card by means of a streamlined course of if they’ve held their card for not less than 12 months. Additionally, Blue Card holders from different EU states can work in Sweden for up to 90 days inside a 180-day interval.
Impact on Applications in 2025
The adjustments are anticipated to profit each candidates and employers by lowering obstacles and simplifying the method. Here’s how they’ll impression purposes:
- More Accessibility: The decrease wage threshold and shorter employment contract necessities will open doorways to a bigger pool of pros.
- Easier Mobility: The skill to transition from different residence permits to the Blue Card with out leaving Sweden is a sport-changer for current residents.
- Employer Benefits: Employers can now entry a bigger, extra various expertise pool with out dealing with prolonged administrative delays.
Can You Work in Spain with a Swedish EU Blue Card?
Yes! The EU Blue Card permits you to work in different EU international locations, together with Spain, after assembly sure necessities. For occasion, when you’ve held a Blue Card in Sweden for not less than 18 months, you’ll be able to transfer to Spain for a extremely certified job. However, you’ll want to apply for a Blue Card in Spain inside one month of your arrival.
References
Sweden Made it Easy to Obtain EU Blue Card Work Visa (Starting January 2025) FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS