When you apply for a Swedish work permit, one of the core conditions you must meet is the livelihood requirement, known in Swedish as försörjningskrav. This means your income must be high enough to support yourself without relying on public funds. The bar has been rising steadily and is now at its highest point ever.
The livelihood requirement sets a minimum salary threshold for work permit holders in Sweden. (Source: Migrationsverket)
Quick Facts
- Best for: Non-EU/EEA citizens applying for or renewing a Swedish work permit
- Current threshold: SEK 29,680 per month (80% of median salary as of June 2025)
- Who sets the median: Statistics Sweden (SCB), updated annually
- Applies to: New applications and extensions alike
- Exempt groups: EU/EEA citizens, EU Blue Card holders, ICT permit holders, researchers, au pairs, seasonal workers, and more
How the Salary Threshold Works
The livelihood requirement states that your monthly gross salary must reach at least 80% of Sweden’s official median salary. As of the most recent update on June 17, 2025, the median salary stands at SEK 37,100 per month, making the minimum threshold SEK 29,680 per month.
This is not a fixed number. Migrationsverket applies the median salary figure that is current at the time your application is decided, not the figure that was current when you submitted it. If the median goes up between submission and decision, the higher figure applies.
The threshold has climbed significantly over the past few years:
- Before 2023: SEK 13,000 per month
- 2023 to mid-2025: Progressive increases
- Current (June 2025 onwards): SEK 29,680 per month
Beyond the numeric threshold, your salary must also be in line with Swedish collective agreements or the going rate for your specific profession and industry. Migrationsverket checks both conditions, not just the number on paper.
The requirement applies regardless of whether your contract is full-time or part-time.
Who Is Exempt from the Requirement
Certain applicant categories do not need to meet the livelihood threshold:
- EU/EEA citizens and their family members
- EU Blue Card applicants (these have their own salary floor)
- ICT permit holders (Intra-Corporate Transfer)
- Seasonal workers
- Athletes and coaches
- Au pairs
- Exchange programme trainees
- Higher education interns
- Researchers
If you fall into one of these groups, the standard försörjningskrav does not apply to your application. Always check with Migrationsverket for the most current rules for your specific situation, as criteria can change.
Several categories of applicants are exempt from Sweden’s livelihood requirement for work permits.
From Temporary Permit to Permanent Residency
One of the major benefits of meeting the livelihood requirement consistently is the path it opens toward permanent residency. If you hold a Swedish work permit for a total of 48 months within a seven-year period and continue to meet the income threshold, you may qualify to apply for a permanent residence permit.
Once you hold a permanent residence permit, you no longer need a separate work permit to be employed in Sweden. Your right to work becomes independent of your employment sponsorship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my salary is below SEK 29,680 but meets the collective agreement rate?
Migrationsverket evaluates both conditions. Your salary must clear both the 80% median threshold and be consistent with the applicable collective agreement or industry standard.
Can I include my spouse’s income to meet the requirement?
No. The livelihood requirement applies to the applicant individually. Dependents or joint household income do not count toward meeting the threshold.
Does the threshold apply to part-time contracts?
Yes. The requirement is applied to your actual monthly salary, whether the contract is full-time or part-time.
Expat communities online frequently discuss the livelihood threshold and share experiences navigating Migrationsverket’s requirements.
Final Thoughts
The försörjningskrav is one of the most concrete ways Migrationsverket measures whether a work permit holder can establish themselves in Sweden. Keep in mind that the median salary figure is reviewed annually, and the threshold tends to rise rather than fall. If you are planning to apply or renew, check the current figure on Migrationsverket before submitting your application.
Read the official Migrationsverket explanation of the livelihood requirement
Learn more about the EU Immigration Portal for highly qualified workers
