Sweden Blue Card

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 12, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Those who are highly skilled professionals from outside the EU and have a job offer in Sweden can apply for a Blue Card.

This is a tailored visa that acts as a combination of both work and residence permits, allowing you to live and work in Sweden. It's designed for people with exceptional qualifications and a job offer in a high-demand field.

 

Eligibility criteria for a Sweden Blue Card

In order to succeed with an EU Blue Card application, you need to meet the following criteria:

• A valid passport (renew it if it's expiring soon, as your permit can't be longer than your passport)
• The equivalent of a university degree or five years of relevant work experience
• Health insurance that covers you in Sweden (at least for the first three months until you're registered)
• A job offer for at least one year in a highly skilled position
• A salary that's at least 1.5 times the average Swedish salary. As of September 2024, this is around SEK 39,900 (approximately €3,500)

What your employer needs to do

• Advertise the job in Sweden and the EU/EEA for at least ten days
• Give information about the job to the relevant trade union so they can comment on the conditions
• Offer you working conditions that are at least as good as those in Swedish collective agreements or what's usual for the job
• Agree on a salary with you that's at least as high as those set by collective agreements or what's usual for the job.

Note: If you work in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector or as a service manager, you can qualify with at least five years of relevant professional experience instead of having a university degree. However, this experience must be comparable to a three-year university degree and acquired within the last seven years before your application.

Applying for a Blue Card

To apply for an EU Blue Card in Sweden, your employer will need to begin the process. Once they have initiated the application, you will then receive a link to use the e-service where you'll then provide all the documentation.

However, if you can't apply online, you can fill out this application form for Sweden Blue Cards. Submit your completed form to a Swedish embassy or consulate-general in your home country, or send it to this address:

Migrationsverket, Box 3100, 903 03 Umeå.

You can find more information on your local embassies or consulate-generals and their procedures here.

The full process looks like this:

1. Employer initiation: Your employer in Sweden initiates the process by providing information about employment to the Swedish Migration Agency. You'll receive an email from your employer containing a link to the online application (e-service).
2. Applicant completion: Access the e-service using the link provided by your employer. Complete the online application form, providing all required personal and employment details.
3. Attach documents: Scan or photograph the necessary supporting documents and upload them to the e-service. These may include:
   • Copies of relevant passport pages
   • Trade union statement regarding the conditions of employment
   • Employment contract
   • Information about the employment
   • Degree certificate or employer's certificate proving your qualifications
   • Copy of your current EU Blue Card (if applicable, if you've been granted one in another EU country)
4. Pay application fee: Pay the application fee online using a credit or debit card. This fee is SEK 2,000 (approximately €180). You can find the full list of Sweden visa fees here.

Important:

• Regardless of the application method, ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and translated into Swedish or English if necessary.
• Contact the Swedish embassy or consulate-general before submitting a non-online application for specific instructions and procedures.

How long is the duration of a Sweden Blue Card?

The first successful Blue Card you apply for will be valid for between one and two years, depending on the duration of your contract with your defined employer (the one mentioned on your application).

The durations look like this:

• First 24 months: You can only work for the employer and in the job stated on your card.
• After 24 months: If you extend your card, you can change employers as long as you stay in the same profession. You don't need a new application for this.
• Changing jobs or extending your stay: If you want to change professions or work longer than your permit allows, you must apply for an extension.
• Eligibility after 48 Months: After holding an EU Blue Card and working in Sweden for a continuous period of 48 months, you become eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit.

Note that this duration must be exclusively within Sweden; time spent working in other EU member states with a Blue Card does not count towards this requirement.

Application costs for a Sweden Blue Card

Applying for the Sweden Blue Card involves specific fees that you or your employer will need to cover:

Online application fees

• First application: SEK 2,000 (approximately €180)
• Extension: SEK 1,000 (approximately €90)
• Family member: SEK 1,000 (approximately €90) per family member

You can find all costs listed here.

Non-online application fees

• The fees for non-online applications at Swedish embassies or consulates-general may differ. Contact the specific embassy or consulate for detailed fee information.

Additional costs

Beyond the application fees, you might also incur additional expenses:

• Translations and legalisation: If any of your documents are not in Swedish or English, you might need to have them translated and legalised, which can incur extra costs.
• Health insurance: You'll need to secure comprehensive health insurance, the cost of which will depend on your chosen provider and level of coverage.
• Travel expenses: Factor in potential travel and accommodation expenses for visiting the embassy or consulate if required for document verification or biometric data collection.

Please note that these fees are subject to change. It's crucial to always check the official Swedish Migration Agency website for the most up-to-date and accurate information on application fees.

After you have submitted your application

Once you've submitted your Blue Card application, here's what to expect:

• Passport verification: The Swedish Migration Agency will confirm your passport's validity. If you're outside Sweden, you might need to visit a Swedish embassy or consulate. If you're already in Sweden, you might need to visit a Migration Agency service centre. Sometimes, a digital passport check might be enough – they'll let you know.
• Residence permit card: If your application gets the green light, you'll receive a special residence permit card stating "EU Blue Card." This card is your official proof of residency in Sweden and includes your photo and fingerprints for security.
  • If you need a visa to enter Sweden and haven't provided your biometrics yet, you'll need to visit the embassy or consulate as soon as possible, even if you've had a residence permit before.
  • If you don't need a visa, you can schedule an appointment to have your biometrics taken after arriving in Sweden.
• Track your application online: If you applied online, you can easily monitor your application's progress through the "My Page" feature on the Migration Agency website. You'll be able to see if a decision has been made.

The decision

• Timeline: A decision on your Blue Card application should be made within 90 days.
• Notification: The decision will be sent to the embassy or consulate you specified in your application or directly to your Swedish address if you applied online.
• Collecting your decision: Remember to bring your passport when you make the decision.
• If approved, You'll get your residence permit card within four weeks of providing your biometrics.
• If you don't need a visa, You can usually enter Sweden with a copy of the approval decision, but make sure to book an appointment for biometrics capture soon after you arrive.

Keep in mind

• Work while you wait: If you applied before your previous permit expired, you have the right to continue working while your application is being processed.
• No rush delivery: The Migration Agency can't speed up the production or delivery of your residence permit card, so patience is key.

By staying informed and following the Migration Agency's instructions, you'll ensure a smooth and efficient process after submitting your application.

Permit for family members

The Blue Card isn't just for you - your close family can come to Sweden with you, too. They will simply need to apply for a residence permit that lasts as long as the Blue Card duration.

Who can apply?

• Your partner (this includes someone you live with, your spouse, or registered partner)
• Your or your partner's unmarried children under 18

There are two ways your family can apply:

• Together with you: If you're applying for the Blue Card online, you can include your family in your application.
• Separately, If you already have your Blue Card, your family members can apply online on their own.

Important:

• Your family will get residence permits that last as long as your Blue Card.
• They can also work in Sweden without any restrictions.

Bringing your family along lets you build a happy life together in Sweden.

Other important things to know

Beyond the core eligibility criteria and application process, here are some additional points to keep in mind when considering the Sweden Blue Card:

• Limitations during the first 24 months: During the initial two years of your Blue Card, you are tied to the specific employer and profession stated in your application. You can only change employers or professions after 24 months and extend your card, provided you stay within the same profession.
• Obligation to report changes: If your employment ceases or your salary falls below the required threshold, you must inform the Swedish Migration Agency promptly. Failure to report such changes could lead to your application for an extension being rejected or your permit being withdrawn.
• EU Blue Card from another EU country: If you already have a valid EU Blue Card from another EU country and have resided there for at least 18 months, you may be able to apply for the Sweden Blue Card directly in Sweden. This application must be made within one month of entering Sweden.
• Extension and permanent residency: You can apply for an extension of your Blue Card or a permanent residence permit online. Remember to submit your application before your current permit expires to maintain your legal status and continue working while awaiting a decision.
• Appealing a decision: If the Swedish Migration Agency rejects your application, you can appeal the decision within three weeks of receiving the notification. The decision letter will contain information on how to appeal.

Talk to a visa consultant

The Sweden Blue Card is a key to unlocking a world of opportunities in one of the most innovative and sought-after countries in the world. However, while navigating the application process can be daunting, remember that you don't have to do it alone.

Partnering with an experienced immigration consultant can transform your Blue Card journey. They'll guide you through every step, making sure your application shines and meets all the requirements.

With their expertise, you can significantly increase your chances of success and save valuable time and energy.

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