The government risks excluding the expertise that Sweden claims to want to attract 

Yesterday, the government submitted a bill to parliament proposing stricter conditions for labor immigration (Prop. 2025/26:87). The aim is to tighten regulations to combat abuse while protecting highly skilled workers. TechSverige believes that the proposals create increased unpredictability and legal uncertainty, rather than making Sweden more attractive to international talent. This makes it more difficult for companies to recruit skilled workers and reduces Sweden's attractiveness. 

TechSweden haspreviously pointedout that the increased salary requirement risks making it more difficult to recruit several important professional groups within the tech sector. The proposals for exemptions from the salary requirement now add further uncertainty, with the government being given decisive influence over which professions are covered and which are excluded through regulations.  In TechSweden'sconsultation responseto the reportNew rules for labor immigration, etc.(SOU 2024:15), we warned that the exemption rules risk leading to reduced legal certainty and longer processing times. These views are also reflected in the bill. Despite this, the government dismisses these concerns and assumes that the exceptions can be handled uniformly by linking them to SSYK codes. We do not share this confidence.  

Firstly, occupational classification is blunt. SSYK codes are developed to enable statistical comparisons between occupations and are not designed to form the basis for migration law decisions. In the tech sector, roles are often hybrids: a software developer can also be a data analyst and systems architect. The same role can end up with different SSYK codes depending on how the job duties are described, what title is used, or how the application is worded. In addition, the same code can cover very different skill profiles, for example, SSYK 2519 Other IT specialists, which includes both globally sought-after researchers and more general roles such as UX designers. When the right to a work permit or exemption from the salary requirement is determined by the choice of code, small differences in classification can mean the difference between yes and no, a permit or deportation.  

Secondly, exemption lists that change over time directly impact long-term planning and the possibility of extending permits. The government itself admits in the bill that the system may reduce predictability, especially when it comes to extensions. When conditions can change over time, it creates uncertainty for companies that invest in international teams in the long term. This is not an administrative issue, but a business risk and a factor that makes Sweden less attractive compared to countries where the regulatory framework is stable and predictable in the long term. 

Thirdly, the exemption system risks becoming bogged down in questions of interpretation. When the right to work in Sweden is determined by how a profession or role is classified, disputes arise over occupational codes, exemptions, and compliance with conditions. This leads to more supplementary information and appeals, longer processing times, and increased uncertainty for both companies and individuals. 

Overall, the proposals in the bill risk creating a system where Sweden says it wants to attract highly skilled workers but in practice makes it more difficult to recruit, plan, and retain international talent. Tech Swedenwarnedearly on about these consequences. 

Given that the Riksdag and the government are moving forward with the proposals, it is crucial that the professions in demand within the tech industry are actually covered by the exemptions. A system that fails to meet these needs risks directly weakening Sweden's innovative capacity and competitiveness. The assessment of which professions should be exempted must therefore be made in close dialogue with employer organizations and companies.  

If Sweden is to remain a leading technation, more than just good intentions are needed. A regulatory framework is required that is characterized by predictability, legal certainty, and an understanding of what modern professions actually look like.

Ana Andric
Economic policy expert