If you reside in Sweden and have family members from a non-EU/EEA country who wish to join you in Sweden, there are specific requirements you need to fulfill.
Requirements
For your family member to be eligible for a residence permit in Sweden, you must meet specific criteria as the sponsor:
In addition to meeting these criteria, you must fulfill a maintenance requirement (check below).
It's important to note that if you hold a work permit or a residence permit for studies in Sweden, different rules apply when your family intends to move to you.
- You are a Swedish citizen.
- You have a permanent residence permit.
- You have permanent right of residence or a permanent residence card.
- You have a temporary residence permit as a refugee or have subsidiary protection status, and are also deemed to have promising prospects of being granted a residence permit for an extended period.
- You have a temporary residence permit on the grounds of impediments to enforcement or exceptionally distressing circumstances, and are likewise considered to have promising prospects of being granted a residence permit for a longer period.
In addition to meeting these criteria, you must fulfill a maintenance requirement (check below).
It's important to note that if you hold a work permit or a residence permit for studies in Sweden, different rules apply when your family intends to move to you.
Who is considered as family member?
In Sweden, the following individuals are recognized as family members:
Both you and your partner need to be over 18 years old for your partner to be eligible for a residence permit to move to you in Sweden.
If you are a Swedish citizen or have a permanent residence permit, your intended spouse, or cohabiting partner may also be granted a residence permit to join you in Sweden. This also applies if you have a temporary residence permit as a refugee, a person with subsidiary protection status, based on impediments to enforcement, or due to special or exceptionally distressing circumstances. However, in these cases, you must demonstrate a genuine and established relationship that existed in your country of origin but could not be pursued due to inability to live together in that country.
In exceptional circumstances, a close relative, not necessarily a spouse or live-in partner, may also obtain a residence permit to live with you in Sweden. For this, you must possess a permanent residence permit.
- Wife/Husband
- Cohabiting Partner
- Registered Partner
- Children under the age of 18
Both you and your partner need to be over 18 years old for your partner to be eligible for a residence permit to move to you in Sweden.
If you are a Swedish citizen or have a permanent residence permit, your intended spouse, or cohabiting partner may also be granted a residence permit to join you in Sweden. This also applies if you have a temporary residence permit as a refugee, a person with subsidiary protection status, based on impediments to enforcement, or due to special or exceptionally distressing circumstances. However, in these cases, you must demonstrate a genuine and established relationship that existed in your country of origin but could not be pursued due to inability to live together in that country.
In exceptional circumstances, a close relative, not necessarily a spouse or live-in partner, may also obtain a residence permit to live with you in Sweden. For this, you must possess a permanent residence permit.
Maintenance requirement
To fulfill the maintenance requirement for family members applying for a residence permit in Sweden, certain conditions must be met:
Financial Support: You, as the resident in Sweden, must have regular income to support yourself, your household, and the family members seeking a residence permit. This can include income from work, unemployment benefits, sickness benefits, or income-based pensions.
Income Amount: The amount needed to meet the maintenance requirement depends on your family's size and accommodation costs. After covering accommodation expenses, the remaining income must be sufficient to cover essential costs such as food, clothing, hygiene products, telephone expenses, and insurance for all household members.
Accommodation: You need to have suitable accommodation for all household members. For two adults without children, a home is sufficient if it has a kitchen or kitchenette and at least one room. If children are part of the household, more rooms are necessary. There is no specific square meter requirement, but the rooms must be suitable for living.
A sub-let home is acceptable with approval from the landlord or housing association. Living with someone else as a guest or at your parents' place is not considered acceptable accommodation.
It's important for your family members to apply for their residence permit only after you fulfill the maintenance requirements, including having sufficient income and suitable accommodation.
Financial Support: You, as the resident in Sweden, must have regular income to support yourself, your household, and the family members seeking a residence permit. This can include income from work, unemployment benefits, sickness benefits, or income-based pensions.
Income Amount: The amount needed to meet the maintenance requirement depends on your family's size and accommodation costs. After covering accommodation expenses, the remaining income must be sufficient to cover essential costs such as food, clothing, hygiene products, telephone expenses, and insurance for all household members.
- For 2023, the monthly amount required after accommodation costs:
- SEK 5,717 for a single adult
- SEK 9,445 for cohabiting spouses or partners
- SEK 3,055 for children 0–6 years
- SEK 3,667 for children 7–10 years
- SEK 4,279 for children 11–14 years
- SEK 4,889 for children 15 years or older.
Accommodation: You need to have suitable accommodation for all household members. For two adults without children, a home is sufficient if it has a kitchen or kitchenette and at least one room. If children are part of the household, more rooms are necessary. There is no specific square meter requirement, but the rooms must be suitable for living.
A sub-let home is acceptable with approval from the landlord or housing association. Living with someone else as a guest or at your parents' place is not considered acceptable accommodation.
- Exemptions: There are exemptions from the maintenance requirement for specific situations, including if you are under 18, a family member is applying to extend their residence permit, you are a Swedish citizen or an EU/EEA citizen with a well-established relationship, or if there are special grounds such as impaired working capacity due to illness or disability.
It's important for your family members to apply for their residence permit only after you fulfill the maintenance requirements, including having sufficient income and suitable accommodation.
You have to be able to prove your identity
To secure a residence permit for moving to someone in Sweden, it is imperative to demonstrate your identity. Typically, this is accomplished through presenting a valid passport. However, in situations where you cannot provide a valid passport as proof of identity, there are specific cases where a residence permit can still be obtained by demonstrating a biological relationship with the individual residing in Sweden. This exception is applicable, for instance, to families with children who have shared a residence outside of Sweden.
If you're unable to prove your identity through an approved passport, obtaining a residence permit in Sweden can still be possible. Typically, applicants need to provide valid identification, but exceptional cases apply. Specifically, for those wanting to reunite with family members in Sweden, even without an approved passport, residence permits can be granted under certain circumstances.
These exceptional cases involve individuals in specific relationships, including children wanting to move to a parent in Sweden, parents seeking to relocate to a child already residing in Sweden, or parents desiring to join a partner in Sweden with whom they share a child.
DNA analysis may be required in cases where identity proof is lacking. This involves providing a saliva sample for the analysis, conducted either at the embassy/consulate or the Swedish Migration Agency, to establish biological relationships between family members.
Additionally, individuals without a passport need to apply for an alien's passport when seeking a residence permit. The person you plan to live with in Sweden must meet maintenance requirements and have suitable accommodation. Online applications are available for eligible parents and their children under 18, provided they have lived together outside of Sweden. Applications for those above 18 need to be submitted at an embassy or consulate-general.
These exceptional cases involve individuals in specific relationships, including children wanting to move to a parent in Sweden, parents seeking to relocate to a child already residing in Sweden, or parents desiring to join a partner in Sweden with whom they share a child.
DNA analysis may be required in cases where identity proof is lacking. This involves providing a saliva sample for the analysis, conducted either at the embassy/consulate or the Swedish Migration Agency, to establish biological relationships between family members.
Additionally, individuals without a passport need to apply for an alien's passport when seeking a residence permit. The person you plan to live with in Sweden must meet maintenance requirements and have suitable accommodation. Online applications are available for eligible parents and their children under 18, provided they have lived together outside of Sweden. Applications for those above 18 need to be submitted at an embassy or consulate-general.
If family member cannot apply online
If your family member is unable to apply for a residence permit online, they must apply through a Swedish embassy or consulate-general. Here's how the process unfolds:
It's important to follow the instructions diligently and not fill out a questionnaire until you have received the correct guidance on which one to complete.
- Application Submission: Your family member submits their application at a Swedish embassy or consulate-general in their home country.
- Review in Sweden: Once the application reaches Sweden, the Swedish Migration Agency reviews it.
- Notification to Registered Address: If the application is deemed complete, a letter is sent to your registered address in Sweden. This letter informs you that your family member's application has been received and provides instructions to complete a questionnaire.
- Completing the Questionnaire: You will receive specific instructions on which questionnaire to fill out. It's crucial to wait for these instructions before completing any questionnaire.
- Waiting Period: The duration for you to receive the letter with questionnaire information can range from a few weeks to a few months.
It's important to follow the instructions diligently and not fill out a questionnaire until you have received the correct guidance on which one to complete.
If you already are in Sweden and want to apply for a residence permit to live with someone in Sweden
If you're considering living with someone in Sweden, there are important rules to follow regarding your residence permit application:
It's essential to carefully follow these rules and procedures to successfully apply for a residence permit to live with someone in Sweden.
- Application from Country of Origin or Residence: Typically, you must apply for a residence permit from your home country or the country where you legally reside. Your permit must be approved before you travel to Sweden. However, there are exceptions in certain cases.
- Special Cases for Application in Sweden: Under certain circumstances, you may be able to receive a new residence permit without leaving Sweden if you already have a valid residence permit. This includes various permit types like work, self-employment, or study permits.
- Having or Expecting a Child in Sweden: If you're in Sweden without a valid residence permit and have or are expecting a child with a Swedish citizen, permanent resident, or someone with a valid permit to live in Sweden, you may be eligible for a residence permit without leaving the country.
- Maintenance Requirement: The person you intend to live with in Sweden must be able to financially support all of you and provide suitable housing.
- Child's Best Interests: The impact on your child due to potential separation plays a significant role in determining whether you can be granted a residence permit without leaving Sweden.
- Application Procedure: You need to fill out specific application forms and provide necessary documentation based on your situation, ensuring compliance with the requirements.
It's essential to carefully follow these rules and procedures to successfully apply for a residence permit to live with someone in Sweden.
After a decision has been made
After a decision has been made regarding your residence permit application to move to someone in Sweden, here are the important outcomes and procedures:
Residence Permit Card: If your application is approved, you'll receive a residence permit card. This card serves as proof of your right to reside in Sweden and includes your fingerprints and photograph.
Traveling to Sweden with an Entry Visa: If you require an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you should wait until your residence permit card is ready. Once ready, the embassy or consulate-general will either hand it to you or send it to you. You should present this card along with your valid passport when traveling to Sweden.
Traveling to Sweden without an Entry Visa: If you can travel to Sweden without a visa, you may need to demonstrate a copy of the decision when entering and leaving the country.
Providing Fingerprints and Photograph: After arriving in Sweden, you need to book an appointment with the Swedish Migration Agency to provide your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. You'll need to bring your passport to this appointment.
Work Permit: When granted a residence permit to move to someone in Sweden, you'll also receive a work permit, allowing you to work in Sweden.
Period of Validity: The period of validity for residence permits varies based on the relationship:
Extension of Permit: If you plan to continue living in Sweden after your permit expires, you should apply for an extension.
Relationship Changes: If your relationship ends while you have a temporary residence permit, special rules apply regarding extension or continuation of the permit.
Withdrawal of Permit: The Migration Agency may withdraw a permit if you provided incorrect information or failed to disclose significant details in your application.
Appealing a Rejection: If your application is rejected, you have the option to appeal the decision within three weeks of receiving the notification.
Ensure you follow these procedures and understand the implications of the decision regarding your residence permit application to live in Sweden.
Residence Permit Card: If your application is approved, you'll receive a residence permit card. This card serves as proof of your right to reside in Sweden and includes your fingerprints and photograph.
Traveling to Sweden with an Entry Visa: If you require an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you should wait until your residence permit card is ready. Once ready, the embassy or consulate-general will either hand it to you or send it to you. You should present this card along with your valid passport when traveling to Sweden.
Traveling to Sweden without an Entry Visa: If you can travel to Sweden without a visa, you may need to demonstrate a copy of the decision when entering and leaving the country.
Providing Fingerprints and Photograph: After arriving in Sweden, you need to book an appointment with the Swedish Migration Agency to provide your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. You'll need to bring your passport to this appointment.
Work Permit: When granted a residence permit to move to someone in Sweden, you'll also receive a work permit, allowing you to work in Sweden.
Period of Validity: The period of validity for residence permits varies based on the relationship:
- Married couples, registered partners, and cohabiting partners typically receive a residence permit for two years.
- Children under 18 years of age receive a residence permit for up to two years.
- Other close relatives above 18 years of age also receive a residence permit for up to two years.
Extension of Permit: If you plan to continue living in Sweden after your permit expires, you should apply for an extension.
Relationship Changes: If your relationship ends while you have a temporary residence permit, special rules apply regarding extension or continuation of the permit.
Withdrawal of Permit: The Migration Agency may withdraw a permit if you provided incorrect information or failed to disclose significant details in your application.
Appealing a Rejection: If your application is rejected, you have the option to appeal the decision within three weeks of receiving the notification.
Ensure you follow these procedures and understand the implications of the decision regarding your residence permit application to live in Sweden.
Application fees for residence permits to live with someone in Sweden
To apply for a residence permit to live with someone in Sweden, there is an associated application fee. Here are the details regarding the fee:
It's important to note that the application fee will not be refunded if your application is refused.
Here are the various methods to pay the application fee:
Exceptions to the Fee:
If you accidentally paid the wrong application fee, you can request a refund. Provide necessary details and documentation to the Migration Agency or the embassy/consulate-general where you submitted the application.
Make sure to follow the appropriate payment method based on your application location and situation.
- Adults: SEK 2,000
- Children under the age of 18: SEK 1,000
It's important to note that the application fee will not be refunded if your application is refused.
Here are the various methods to pay the application fee:
- Paying Online: If you apply online, you pay the fee using a credit card in connection with the application. Ensure that your card is enabled for Internet payment.
- Paying at an Embassy or Consulate-General: If you apply at an embassy or consulate-general, you pay the fee when you hand in your application. Contact the respective embassy or consulate-general for detailed information about the fee and payment terms.
- Paying via Bankgiro (For Applications within Sweden): If you are not applying online, you can pay the fee to the bankgiro number 5223-7005. The IBAN for the account is SE6912000000012810106908, and the BIC/SWIFT code is DABASESX (Danske Bank). In the message to the recipient box, provide the name and surname of the applicant, their personal identity number, and/or case number. If you are paying for multiple people, provide the relevant information for each of them.
Exceptions to the Fee:
- Family members of EU/EEA citizens (Swedish nationals not included in "EU citizens" in this context)
- EU/EEA citizens applying for residence permits
- Swiss citizens and their family members
- Japanese citizens
- Husbands, wives, cohabiting partners, registered partners, and unmarried children under 18 applying for a residence permit to live with a family member with a Swedish residence permit based on specific circumstances.
If you accidentally paid the wrong application fee, you can request a refund. Provide necessary details and documentation to the Migration Agency or the embassy/consulate-general where you submitted the application.
Make sure to follow the appropriate payment method based on your application location and situation.
20 Swedish residence permit interview questions
During a Swedish residence permit interview, immigration officials may ask a range of questions to assess the validity and nature of the relationship. Here are some common questions that could be asked:
These questions are designed to verify the authenticity and legitimacy of the relationship between the applicant and their partner in Sweden. It's important for the applicants to provide accurate and truthful information during the interview.
- Could you provide your full name?
- Can you share your partner's complete name?
- What is your partner's date of birth?
- In which city was your partner born?
- Please share the names and ages of your partner's siblings.
- Can you provide the names and ages of your partner's parents?
- What is your partner's occupation or profession?
- Have you arranged housing in Sweden? If so, could you provide the address?
- When and in what manner was your marriage conducted?
- Could you describe the details of your wedding ceremony?
- When did you last have the opportunity to see your partner?
- How do you and your partner maintain communication?
- Could you recount when, how, and where you and your partner first met?
- Is your partner currently residing with others? If so, who?
- Are you currently residing with others? If so, who?
- What are your plans regarding moving to Sweden?
- Is your marriage officially registered in Sweden?
- Has your marriage been registered in your home country?
- What is the religion of your partner?
- Has your partner visited your country in the past?
These questions are designed to verify the authenticity and legitimacy of the relationship between the applicant and their partner in Sweden. It's important for the applicants to provide accurate and truthful information during the interview.
Moving to someone in Sweden - timeline
The waiting time needed to process a spouse visa is influenced by several factors. To illustrate, an application for relocating with a spouse could take approximately 16 months. Similarly, the processing period for children above 18 years might be around 12 months, while applications for children under 18 years aiming to move in with their parents could extend up to 13 months.
