Salary Requirements for a Swedish Work Permit
Understanding the minimum salary threshold and how it affects your application.
What is the minimum salary?
To qualify for a Swedish work permit, your monthly salary must be at least SEK 13,000 before tax. However, this is only the absolute legal minimum. In practice, the Migration Agency evaluates whether your salary is in line with Swedish collective agreements for your occupation and industry.
This means that even if your salary exceeds SEK 13,000, it could still be considered insufficient if it falls below what is standard for your role in Sweden.
How salary is evaluated
- The salary must meet or exceed the minimum threshold of SEK 13,000/month
- It must be consistent with collective agreement levels for the specific occupation
- The total compensation package — including insurance and pension — is also considered
- Part-time salaries are assessed proportionally
What if your salary is too low?
If the offered salary does not meet requirements, the application will likely be rejected. The Migration Agency does not negotiate salary levels — the employer must correct the offer and resubmit. This is one of the most common reasons for work permit denials.
Industry salary benchmarks
Salary expectations vary significantly by industry. Technology and engineering roles typically require SEK 35,000–55,000+, while hospitality and service roles may be evaluated against lower collective agreement rates but still must enable self-sufficiency.
Tips for applicants
- Ask your employer to verify that your salary meets collective agreement standards
- Check salary statistics on Statistics Sweden (SCB) for your occupation
- Include all compensation details in the employment contract
- Use our case checker to evaluate whether your salary is likely sufficient
Check if your salary meets requirements
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Check your caseFrequently asked questions
Does the salary need to be paid in SEK?
The salary should be stated in SEK in the employment contract. If you are paid in another currency, the equivalent value in SEK will be assessed.
Are bonuses and benefits included in the salary assessment?
The Migration Agency primarily considers the fixed monthly salary. Variable bonuses are generally not counted toward the minimum threshold.
What about part-time work?
Part-time salaries are assessed proportionally. A 50% position must still result in sufficient income to support yourself, which can be challenging at lower salary levels.