Questions, answered · CEOs and founders
Should we use an EU Blue Card or a national work permit?
Updated · Facts checked against the official sources below
The EU Blue Card suits highly qualified roles with a higher salary and gives easier moves within the EU later; a national work permit has a lower salary level and fewer requirements. In Sweden the Blue Card needs 53,625 SEK a month against 34,470 SEK for a work permit.
Read the full guideEU Blue Card vs Work Permit Sweden: Which is Right for Your Hire?In detail
- Blue Card: higher education or recognised experience, higher salary.
- Work permit: terms at collective agreement level, lower salary threshold.
- Consider family rights and the route to permanent residence.
How Settio helps
Settio's plan asks about the role, salary and education and shows which routes fit before the offer.
Start free trial
Read more
Sources
- Migrationsverket: MIGRFS 2026:11, salary threshold for the EU Blue Card (SEK 53,625 from 15 July 2026, in Swedish)
- Migrationsverket: Apply for an EU Blue Card for highly qualified employment
- Migrationsverket: Employing highly skilled personnel who want an EU Blue Card
- Migrationsverket: Apply to extend an EU Blue Card
Related questions
- What if the country I work with isn't supported by Settio?
- What is the union statement in a Swedish work permit application?
- How do I hire an employee from outside the EU in Sweden?
- What documents are needed for a Swedish work permit?
- How long does a Swedish work permit take?
- Who submits the work permit application in Sweden, the employer or the employee?
Informational only. This guide is not legal advice. Always verify requirements with official government sources before acting. Facts checked 14 October 2026. About this information