Sweden is preparing to implement reforms to its single permit system for foreign workers, a move aimed at aligning national immigration policy with newly adopted European Union standards and enhancing the country’s appeal to global talent.
Slated to take effect on May 21, 2026, the proposed reforms currently under review by the Swedish Parliament are part of Sweden’s compliance with the EU’s revised Single Permit Directive, adopted in 2024.
The directive requires member states to streamline procedures for third-country nationals seeking to live and work in the EU, while improving labor mobility and strengthening legal safeguards.
If approved, the updated Swedish regulations would significantly alter how non-EU nationals apply for and maintain work and residence rights in the country, with changes expected to benefit both skilled migrants and employers.
At the heart of the reform is a plan to eliminate job-specific restrictions in the single permit system. Currently, foreign workers granted a single permit in Sweden are tied to a specific employer and job role.
The Swedish Migration Agency is also targeting faster processing timelines. The current average wait time for a decision on a single permit application is around 120 days. The agency aims to cut that down to 90 days from the date of submission, pending the availability of complete documentation.
The reforms reflect growing recognition across the EU that attracting and retaining global talent is vital to addressing skill shortages and sustaining economic competitiveness. Sweden, like many of its neighbors, faces demographic pressures and labor market gaps in key sectors.
While the legislative process is still underway, the government has signaled strong support for the reform package, which is expected to pass in the coming months. If approved, Sweden will become one of the first EU member states to fully implement the revised directive, setting a precedent for broader regional changes to labor migration systems.