Residence Permit

A residence permit can be either permanent or temporary. Those granted a residence permit in Sweden have the right to live here during the validity period of the permit. A permanent residence permit is valid as long as the person resides in Sweden, provided it is not revoked. A temporary residence permit is valid for a specific period but can be extended.

EU citizens do not need to apply for a residence permit to work, study, or live in Sweden. This right of residence applies to employees, self-employed persons, students, or those with sufficient means to support themselves. The following rules apply to non-EU citizens.

Residence permit based on family ties 

A residence permit is required to move to a family member or other relative living in Sweden. To obtain a residence permit based on family ties, the family member or other relative must be residing in Sweden, have a residence permit in Sweden, or hold a temporary residence permit with refugee status. Family members or other relatives include spouses, cohabiting partners, registered partners, parents, and children under 18. Adult siblings or parents of adult children usually cannot obtain a residence permit based on family ties. 

In some cases, a future spouse, cohabiting partner, or registered partner can be considered a relative. In such cases, the relationship must be serious, meaning that the parties are well-acquainted, speak the same language, have been in the relationship for some time, and meet regularly. Expecting a child may also be considered in the assessment.

In exceptional cases, a residence permit can be granted to persons over 18 who wish to move to their parents or children under 18 who wish to move to their grandparents. In such cases, it must be shown that they lived together before the relative in question came to Sweden and that they have strong bonds, meaning they are socially and emotionally dependent on each other. In these exceptional cases, it is important that the residence permit application is submitted shortly after the relative arrived in Sweden. Otherwise, it is difficult to argue that a dependency relationship exists if a long time has passed since the relative moved to Sweden.

The application for a residence permit must be submitted and approved before the applicant comes to Sweden. The family member or other relative listed as the connection must be able to support both themselves and the applicant for the residence permit to be granted. The required income for the family member or relative depends on the size of the family and the housing costs. For two cohabiting spouses or partners, there must be 10,061 SEK left after rent is paid. Some exceptions to the maintenance requirement exist.

Residence permit for workers and entrepreneurs

A person who wants to move to Sweden to work needs a work permit. To obtain a work permit, the applicant must have secured employment in Sweden. The job must provide a sufficient income for the applicant to support themselves. More about work permits can be read HERE. 

Those who wish to move to Sweden to start or run their own business must have a residence permit if they plan to work for more than three months. The person must also demonstrate that they can support themselves and any family members during the first two years.

More about residence permits for entrepreneurs can be read HERE. 

Residence permit for visiting students 

Those who are not citizens or family members of a citizen of Switzerland or a country outside the EU/EEA need to apply for a residence permit to study in Sweden for longer than three months. 

To be granted a residence permit for studies in Sweden, the student must first be admitted to full-time studies in Sweden. In addition, the student must demonstrate that they can support themselves during their entire study period. 

High school students and exchange students must show that they have pocket money for the planned period. A residence permit for studies must be approved before entering Sweden.

Residence permit to seek asylum 

A person who is persecuted or at risk of persecution or inhumane treatment in their home country can apply for asylum in Sweden. 

The asylum application should be submitted either to the border police upon entry into Sweden or to the Swedish Migration Agency. An asylum seeker is granted a residence permit provided they are considered a refugee under the UN Convention or alternatively in need of protection according to the EU’s common rules.

More information about asylum seekers and the conditions for obtaining a residence permit as a refugee can be read HERE. 

Residence permit for visits 

A citizen of a country outside the EU must have a residence permit to visit Sweden for longer than three months. Such a residence permit is usually valid for six months, but can last up to one year.

To be granted a residence permit for a visit, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

1) Only intend to visit Sweden

2) Intend to return to their home country or country of residence after the visit

3) Be able to support themselves during their stay in Sweden

4) Have a valid passport that is valid for at least three months after the visit ends

5)Have medical travel insurance 

(Some exceptions to the requirement for medical travel insurance exist)

Those who wish to stay in Sweden for less than three months without being a citizen of an EU country or another country that has a visa-free agreement with the EU do not need a residence permit. However, a visa is required. More information about visas for visiting Sweden can be read  HERE.

We are here to help 

At Advantage law firm, we have extensive and in-depth knowledge of migration law. We are happy to assist you with questions about residence permits and other matters. Contact us if you need help with your case.