Sweden Reduces the 90-Day EU Blue Card Processing Time to 30 Days
Sweden has made the decision to expedite the EU Blue Card application procedure in an effort to attract and retain highly skilled individuals.
Sweden has made the decision to expedite the EU Blue Card application procedure in an effort to attract and retain highly skilled individuals. The processing period for highly skilled workers seeking a Swedish EU Blue card has been reduced from 90 days to just 30 days. For researchers and Intra-Corporate Transferee Permits, the typical processing time has also been decreased.Both international workers and the Swedish labor market will benefit from the new timeline that the authorities will use to process the applications. However, not everyone who fits into the aforementioned categories will be covered by the streamlined process. The authorities pointed out that only applicants who have filed an exact and complete application are subject to the new deadline. The processing period may go up to four months for those who don't fit this requirement.In addition to this, it was emphasized that competent candidates who wish to work in fields that demand additional tests in accordance with Sweden's four-tier evaluation system are not eligible for the accelerated processing time. Sweden aims to ensure that it is assisting companies nationwide in addressing the shortages by reducing the processing time for these specific applicants. Additionally, this move will guarantee that foreign workers can begin working in Sweden sooner rather than waiting for longer durations to receive the responses to their applications. Sweden is also attempting to reduce the wage criteria for acquiring an EU Blue Card as part of its efforts to make the nation a desirable place for international workers. Earlier in August, the authorities announced a €866 reduction in the monthly earnings needed to receive the card. Maria Malmer Stenergard, the Swedish Minister of Migration, stated in the same months that the plan to reduce the income criteria is a significant step toward bettering and relaxing the circumstances for eligible foreign workers. To draw in more highly skilled people, Sweden is not the only EU member state altering its Blue Card regulations.Additionally, earlier this year in April, Estonia made the decision to ease some of its regulations for individuals wishing to apply for EU Blue Cards. Foreign nationals who have five years of professional experience in their line of employment are now qualified to apply for the nation's EU Blue Card under the new regulations. Additionally, they are no longer required to provide their academic credentials.
