Sweden's median salary rose to 38,300 kronor in 2025, up from 37,100 kronor in 2024, according to new figures posted by Statistics Sweden on June 16th.
This means that the minimum monthly salary non-EU workers have to earn to be eligible for a work permit in Sweden now stands at 34,470 kronor as the default, as the work permit salary threshold is tied to 90 percent of the median salary. Salaries also need to be in line with industry standards or collective bargaining agreements to qualify for a work permit.
The new hike comes two weeks after the work permit salary threshold rose from 80 percent of the median to 90 percent, following the government's tightening of the permit requirements.
As of June 1st, there's also a list of 27 jobs for which the threshold is 75 percent of the median salary (or in other words 28,725 kronor), rather than 90 percent.
Furthermore, anyone who already has a work permit and applies for an extension between June 1st and December 1st, 2026, still only has to earn 80 percent of the median salary (30,640 kronor).
You can read more about what the work permit salary threshold means for foreign workers in Sweden in The Local's guide.
If you have a valid work permit in Sweden but you earn below the new limit, you'll be allowed to stay in Sweden until your permit expires.
You will, however, need to earn above the threshold that applies to you when you apply for a work permit extension.
The next median salary update will be published by Statistics Sweden in June 2027.