Sweden to ease work permit rules for non‑EU migrants

The Swedish government has proposed a series of legislative changes aimed at simplifying the process for third‑country workers to obtain and retain work permits. Under the draft, a work permit will no longer be tied to a specific employer or type of job, allowing permit holders to change employers without applying for a new permit. Permit holders must inform the Migration Agency when a job ends and when a new one begins. Those who have held a permit for more than two years and become unemployed will be granted an extended transition period of up to six months. The reforms are presented as a way to strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness and attract international talent, according to Migration Minister Johan Forssell. The changes are slated to take effect on 1 February 2027.