Sweden: New Immigration Agency and Work Permit Conditions  

Key Points  

• Sweden will establish a new international recruitment unit with the goal of providing better services to employers recruiting highly qualified foreign nationals  
• The new immigration model will include four work permit categories 

Overview  

The government of Sweden will establish a new international recruitment unit with the goal of providing better services to employers recruiting highly qualified foreign nationals from countries outside of the European Union. The new international recruitment units will replace the current certification process. The new module will include four work permit categories: 

• Category A: includes work permit applications for highly qualified occupations, which are defined by the Swedish Standard Classification of Occupations (SSYK) in three areas: managerial, advanced university competence and higher education or equivalent. 
  • The agency aims to process applications within 30 days. 
• Category B: covers specific occupations such as seasonal workers, intra-corporate transferees, artists, researchers, athletes/coaches and more. 
  •  It also includes applications for business activities and tracks changes from asylum cases. 
• Category C: covers non-highly qualified occupations that do not require a high level of case investigation but may have social benefits or be within growth areas. 
• Category D: includes work permit applications for demanding industries such as cleaning, construction, personal assistance, hotels and restaurants. 

What are the Changes?  

The government of Sweden will overhaul its current immigration system at the end of 2023. According to the government announcement, these measures will shorten processing times and build a more competitive labor market in Sweden.  

Looking Ahead 

The introduction of the new model is planned for the end of 2023, following dialogue with the business community.  

Continue to check the government of Sweden’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.