The EU Blue Card is a prestigious work permit designed to attract highly skilled professionals to European Union member states, including Sweden. While it offers many benefits, obtaining this card comes with specific requirements that both employees and employers must meet. Here's a detailed breakdown of what is needed to secure a Blue Card in Sweden in 2025.

Employee Requirements

To qualify for the Blue Card, prospective candidates must fulfill the following conditions:

1. Educational Qualifications or Work Experience

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or have at least five years of relevant professional experience in their field.

2. Health Insurance Coverage

A comprehensive private health insurance policy valid in Sweden for at least the first three months is mandatory. Note that Sweden’s national health insurance system does not meet this requirement.

3. Employment Contract or Job Offer

Candidates must have a job offer or signed contract with a Swedish employer. The contract must have a minimum duration of six months.

4. Salary Threshold

The offered salary must be at least 1.25 times the average salary in Sweden. This equates to a minimum monthly salary of approximately 45,125 SEK (or 3,760 euros).

Employer Requirements

Employers in Sweden also have responsibilities when hiring non-EU Blue Card applicants. These include:

1. Job Posting

The vacancy must be advertised for at least 10 calendar days before hiring. This posting must be accessible in Sweden, across EU/EEA countries, and in Switzerland. The Arbetsförmedlingen portal is typically used to meet this requirement.

2. Union Consultation

Employers must draft an employment offer and submit it to the relevant trade union for feedback on the proposed employment terms and conditions.

3. Insurance Provision

Employers are required to provide essential employee benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, work accident insurance, and pension coverage.

Application Process

Once all the above requirements are satisfied, the foreign applicant can proceed with the Blue Card application in Sweden. This permit grants not only the opportunity to work in Sweden but also easier mobility within other EU member states, making it a valuable option for highly skilled professionals.

The EU Blue Card remains a key pathway for fostering international talent in Sweden, benefiting both the nation’s workforce and the global career aspirations of skilled professionals.