New Study Reveals Economic Costs of Refugees to Sweden
A report highlights the economic costs of refugees in Sweden, showing significant fiscal burdens compared to contributions from other immigrant groups.
Key Points
- • Refugees cost Sweden 25,000 SEK per year on average.
- • Other foreign-born individuals contribute 48,000 SEK per year on average.
- • The analysis covers data from 1983 to 2022 under the Tidö Agreement.
- • Refugees have had a negative net contribution to public finances throughout the analyzed period.
A recent report by the Konjunkturinstitutet (KI) has shed light on the economic implications of immigration in Sweden, particularly focusing on refugees and other foreign-born individuals. Released on June 3, 2025, the analysis indicates that refugees are costing the Swedish state an average of 25,000 SEK annually, while other foreign-born residents contribute positively, with an average net gain of 48,000 SEK per year.
The report, commissioned by the government, aims to provide insight into the fiscal effects stemming from immigration as part of the updated Tidö Agreement. It covers a longitudinal study from 1983 to 2022, analyzing how the net contributions of various immigrant groups have evolved over nearly four decades.
One of the key findings highlights that refugees have maintained a negative net contribution to public finances throughout the entirety of the study period. The financial burden of refugees, compared to the fiscal benefits derived from other immigrant groups, raises significant questions about immigration policy and economic strategy in Sweden. The report emphasizes that the economic impact of refugees can vary significantly based on factors such as the scale of immigration in specific years and the average duration of refugees' stay in the country.
The stark contrast in financial contributions has reignited a national discourse on immigration and its implications for Sweden's public finances. The findings are likely to influence future immigration policies and public attitudes towards refugees and immigration in general. In light of the economic challenges faced by the country, understanding these dynamics is more critical than ever as policymakers consider the future of Sweden’s immigration framework.