Documentations requirement for work permit extensions causing delays

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Swedish Migration Agency has begun requesting extensive salary and insurance documentation as part of the work permit renewal process, leading to significant processing delays.

What does the change mean? The change is the result of a 2015 court decision. Authorities are going back as far as five and six years in requesting pay slips and proof of insurance, aiming to make sure that non-EU nationals who worked in Sweden received proper pay and insurance coverage every month they were employed in Sweden. The change also affects non-EU nationals applying for new work permits if they have previously worked in Sweden.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
• Who is affected: Employers and non-EU nationals applying for work permit renewals or new work permits if they have worked in Sweden in the past.
• Impact on processing times: Processing times have slowed significantly because of the changes. Work permit renewals are now taking two to three months and sometimes longer if documentation is incomplete.
• Business impact: Employers should adjust their timelines to account for delays. They should also check if new work permit applicants have worked in Sweden previously.

Background: Under a 2015 court decision, Swedish authorities processing extension applications must be satisfied that applicants for work permit extensions received proper pay and insurance coverage for every month they were employed in Sweden on their initial work permit. Applicants may need to provide pay slips and other documentation going back five or six years. Those applying from abroad for new work permits are also affected if they have worked in Sweden in the past. The changes have delayed work permit extension processing significantly.  

BAL Analysis: Applicants should prepare for longer processing times and be prepared to supply additional documentation. Even if proper documents are submitted at the time of filing, additional documentation may be requested given that processing may take two to three months and authorities must confirm monthly pay and insurance before they can issue an extension. Businesses may need to adjust start dates or timelines to account for the increased processing times.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Sweden. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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