Sweden: Fast Track Company Registration Program to Close
November 24, 2023
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At a Glance
- The Swedish Migration Agency has announced that the Fast Track company registration program (under which registered companies benefit from expedited and streamlined processing) will close on December 15, 2023.
- The program will be replaced by a new work permit processing system starting on January 29, 2024.
- Employers and foreign nationals should anticipate processing delays for Fast Track (and potentially other) work permit and renewal applications lodged between December 15, 2023, and January 28, 2024, which may result in delays in work start dates in Sweden.
- Where possible, sponsoring employers should try to submit Fast Track work permit applications as soon as possible and prior to December 15, 2023, to benefit from Fast Track processing.
The situation
The Swedish Migration Agency has announced that the Fast Track company registration program (under which registered companies benefit from expedited and streamlined processing) will close on December 15, 2023. The program will be replaced by a new work permit processing system starting on January 29, 2024.
A closer look
- Closure dates. Effective December 15, 2023, the Swedish Migration Agency will no longer accept work permit applications under the Fast Track program. December 14 will be the last day for certified employers to apply for work permits under the program.
- New application category system. Effective January 29, 2023, the Fast Track program will be replaced by the new four-tiered application category system which aims to expedite work permit applications.
- Applications lodged between December 15 and January 28. The Migration Agency has announced that during the period between December 15, 2023, and January 28, 2024, it will focus on transitioning to the new tiered system. The Agency will process applications lodged during this period, but these will be handled by other units within the Agency which will likely impact processing times. Additional details are expected to be forthcoming.
Impact
- Potential delays. Employers and foreign nationals should anticipate processing delays for work permit applications lodged between December 15, 2023, and January 28, 2024, which may result in delays in work start dates in Sweden.
- New Fast Track permit applications. Where possible, sponsoring employers should try to submit Fast Track work permit applications as soon as possible and prior to December 15, 2023, to benefit from Fast Track processing.
- Renewals. Foreign nationals with permits expiring on or after December 14, 2023, are encouraged to submit the renewal application as soon as possible. Renewals are possible for permits expiring between December 14 and January 28, but longer processing should be expected. Travel restrictions may apply for foreign nationals with expired permits.
- Other permit categories. Other permit categories such as EU ICT, Blue Card and Researchers will be unaffected as these are handled by other units within the Migration Agency. However, since Fast Track applications will need to be redistributed to other units within the Agency, and due to the upcoming holiday season, adjudication delays for all permit categories could occur.
Background
- Fast Track program. The Fast Track program, implemented in 2011, aimed to offer expedited and streamlined processing for eligible sponsoring companies in Sweden. However, in 2023 the Swedish government decided to end the program due to inefficiencies which have resulted in significant application backlogs.
- New tiered application system. The new four-tiered application category system will instead focus on the applicant’s profession and educational background and aims to improve the work permit application process.
Looking ahead
During the transition period, and the initial implementation period of the new tiered system, foreign nationals and employers should expect delays with application processing and increased scrutiny of applications.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
