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Residence Permits

Details on permits for living in Sweden, including family reunification, long-term stays, and EU/EEA residency rules.

Sections

1. Overview of Residence Permits in Sweden

A Residence Permit is required for non-Swedish citizens who wish to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days. The type of permit you need depends on the purpose of your stay, such as work, studies, family reunification, or asylum. Citizens of EU/EEA countries have different rules compared to non-EU/EEA nationals.

2. Relevant National Regulations

The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) is the authority responsible for processing residence permit applications. The legal framework governing residence permits includes:

  • Aliens Act (Utlänningslagen): Regulates the entry, stay, and departure of foreign nationals.
  • Aliens Ordinance (Utlänningsförordningen): Provides detailed rules on the implementation of the Aliens Act.
  • EU Free Movement Directive: Applies to EU/EEA citizens and their family members.

3. Types of Residence Permits

The type of residence permit you apply for depends on your reason for staying in Sweden. Below are the main categories:

a) Work Permit

  • For individuals who have been offered a job in Sweden.
  • Requirements:
    • A valid job offer that meets Swedish labor market standards.
    • The employer must advertise the job in the EU/EEA for at least 10 days before offering it to a non-EU/EEA citizen.
    • The salary must meet the minimum threshold (at least SEK 13,000/month before taxes).
  • Validity: Typically tied to the duration of the employment contract.
  • Renewal: Possible if employment continues.

b) Study Permit

  • For students admitted to a Swedish university or higher education institution.
  • Requirements:
    • Proof of admission to a full-time program.
    • Proof of financial support (at least SEK 9,450/month for living expenses).
    • Health insurance (if the study period is less than one year).
  • Validity: Covers the duration of the study program.

c) Family Reunification Permit

  • For family members of Swedish citizens or residents.
  • Eligible family members:
    • Spouse/registered partner/cohabiting partner.
    • Children under 18 years.
    • In some cases, other close relatives.
  • Requirements:
    • Proof of relationship.
    • The sponsor (resident in Sweden) must meet income and housing requirements.

d) Permanent Residence Permit

  • Granted after living in Sweden for a certain period (usually 4 years for work permit holders or 5 years for EU/EEA citizens).
  • Requirements:
    • Continuous residence in Sweden.
    • No criminal record.
    • Ability to support yourself financially.

e) Asylum and Protection

  • For individuals seeking refuge due to persecution or danger in their home country.
  • Processed under international and Swedish asylum laws.

4. General Costs

The application fees for residence permits vary depending on the type of permit and the applicant's age. Below are the standard fees (as of 2023):

  • Work Permit: SEK 2,000 (adults), SEK 1,500 (for certain professions like researchers).
  • Study Permit: SEK 1,500.
  • Family Reunification: SEK 2,000 (adults), SEK 1,000 (children under 18).
  • Permanent Residence Permit: SEK 2,000.
  • EU/EEA Citizens: No fee for registration of residence.

Note: Fees are non-refundable, even if the application is denied.

5. Standard Procedures

The process for applying for a residence permit generally involves the following steps:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

  • Identify the type of residence permit you need based on your purpose of stay.
  • Ensure you meet the specific requirements for that permit.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

  • Common documents include:
    • Valid passport.
    • Proof of purpose (e.g., employment contract, university admission letter, marriage certificate).
    • Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, salary slips).
    • Health insurance (if applicable).
    • Housing details (for family reunification).

Step 3: Submit Application

  • Applications are typically submitted online via the Swedish Migration Agency's website.
  • In some cases, you may need to visit a Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

  • Payment is made online or at the embassy/consulate.

Step 5: Attend an Interview (if required)

  • Some applicants may be called for an interview to verify their information.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

  • Processing times vary:
    • Work permits: 1–6 months.
    • Study permits: 1–3 months.
    • Family reunification: 9–12 months.
  • You can track your application status online.

Step 7: Receive Decision and Residence Permit Card

  • If approved, you will receive a residence permit card, which serves as proof of your right to stay in Sweden.
  • The card is issued after your biometric data (photo and fingerprints) is collected.

6. Country-Specific Considerations

Sweden has some unique aspects to consider when applying for a residence permit:

a) Digital Application Process

  • Most applications are submitted online, making the process efficient.
  • Ensure all documents are scanned and uploaded in the correct format.

b) Language Requirements

  • While there are no language requirements for most permits, learning Swedish can significantly improve your integration and job prospects.

c) Housing

  • Finding housing in Sweden can be challenging, especially in cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Start your search early.

d) Financial Proof

  • Sweden has strict requirements for proving financial means. Ensure your bank statements or other financial documents clearly show you can support yourself.

e) Processing Delays

  • Applications for family reunification and asylum often face long processing times. Plan accordingly and ensure your documents are complete to avoid delays.

f) EU/EEA Citizens

  • EU/EEA citizens do not need a residence permit but must register their right of residence with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) if staying for more than 90 days.

7. Additional Tips

  • Plan Ahead: Start your application process well in advance, as processing times can be lengthy.
  • Keep Copies: Always keep copies of your submitted documents and correspondence with the Migration Agency.
  • Seek Assistance: If you are unsure about the process, consult the Swedish Migration Agency or a legal expert specializing in immigration.

8. Useful Resources

By following this guide, you should have a clear understanding of the residence permit process in Sweden. If you have specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!