Swedish authorities have issued 27,009 residence permits for employment purposes in 2024, showing a downward trend for these types of permits.
According to data from the Swedish Agency for Migration, residence permits for work purposes have decreased each year, changing from 41,396 in 2022 to 27,009 in 2024. This is a drop of 35 per cent for a three-year period, Schengen.News reports.
While the number of permits issued is decreasing, Sweden is dealing with labour shortages across different sectors, some of those being in the healthcare sector.
Number of Work Residence Permits for Researchers Up Since 2022
As the data reveals, the number of residence permits granted to researchers has only been increasing. During the three-year period, 3,897 permits were issued to these workers. From 1,121 recorded in 2022 to 1,325 in 2023, this figure rose to 1,451 in 2024, showing an increase of nearly 30 per cent.
In addition, the Swedish authorities have granted more residence permits to those seeking work. The number of candidates who obtained residence permits to seek work in Sweden has increased from 48 in 2022 to 183 in 2023 – increasing by nearly three times. In 2024, this number reached 253 – nearly five times higher than in 2022.
On the other hand, residence permits issued for international exchange, including youth exchange, had fluctuations. In 2022, 1,298 permits were granted for such purposes, while in 2023, this number dropped to 1,119. Last year, this number increased to 1,337. Residence permits granted to volunteers also dropped from 15 to 12.
Sweden Granted Fewer Permits for These Categories of Employment Candidates
The issuance of most types of residence permits for employment purposes is plummeting. For example, during the three-year period, the number of permits issued for workers has dropped from 24,117 in 2022 to 13,427. In conclusion, Sweden granted 44.3 per cent fewer residence permits for workers.
Similarly, residence permits for self-employed persons are on a downward trend. In 2024, a total of 107 applicants for this type of residence permit had their application approved – 33.1 per cent less than in 2022, when 160 residence permits were granted.
In addition, Sweden has also decreased the number of permits granted to professional athletes and coaches during this period. In 2024, 415 residence permits were granted to athletes, down from 501 granted in 2023 and 520 recorded in 2022.
