This report examines the revision process for the EU Blue Card at the EU and national level, stakeholders’ perspectives on the proposed changes, and the possible national effects of the revised EU Blue Card, one year after its implementation in Sweden. The findings are based on an analysis of legal documents, consultation statements, and interviews with relevant stakeholders, including employees at the Swedish Migration Agency, various experts, various employers, and officials at the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs.

Key conclusions and recommendations 

  • The number of applications for the EU Blue Card has increased. However, the large majority of highly qualified third country nationals continue to apply for a work permit under Sweden’s national scheme due to employers’ familiarity with the national permit, risk-aversion and desire for efficiency, and a lack of information and misinformation about the revised EU Blue Card.
  • The report shows that it is time-consuming and challenging to stay up to date on often changing migration regulations. International Mobility Managers may therefore decide to conduct business as usual, i.e. opting for the permit they know best. The report has also shown that this decision may not be in the best interest of the company.
  • In terms of enhancing knowledge about the revised EU Blue Card, the Swedish government could decide who should be responsible for providing information about the revised EU Blue Card. Identifying the responsible party/parties would be a first step in creating an information strategy.
  • In order to enhance information about work permits and their associated rights, the Swedish Migration Agency (SMA) could develop certain digital tools, such as a digital work permit selection tool on their website, allowing employers and employees to select a permit that is most beneficial to them. The SMA could also invite employers to meetings to inform about changes in Swedish migration regulations, including particular information provision to small companies.

About the author

Micheline van Riemsdijk is a Professor of Human Geography at the Department of Human Geography, Uppsala University.

The report was published on 19 February 2026.

Picture: Thalia Karr via Unsplash.