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All FAQs- protection and asylum in Sweden
Return Directive
My application for asylum has been refused by the Swedish Migration Board. The decision states that I have a period of voluntary return of four weeks. What does this mean?
This means that you have four weeks to leave Sweden. If you do not leave the country within this period you will receive a one year re-entry ban. The re-entry ban means you are not permitted to enter Sweden or any other Schengen country.
I have been issued a one year re-entry ban. What does this mean?
A re-entry ban means you are not permitted to enter Sweden or any other Schengen country for a period of one year.
Why have I received a re-entry ban even though my deadline has not expired?
If the Swedish Migration Board assesses that you will leave Sweden voluntarily you may receive a re-entry ban to the Schengen Area which is valid for up to five years. In that case you must leave the country immediately.
How do I appeal against the decision to issue a re-entry ban?
In order to appeal against a re-entry ban you should write a letter to the Swedish Migration Board. If you have received a re-entry ban because you did not leave Sweden before your deadline expired, you have to lodge your appeal with the Swedish Migration Board at the latest three weeks after the day the Swedish Migration Board made the decision. If you have received a re-entry ban for any other reason you must lodge your appeal with the Swedish Migration Board at the latest three weeks from the day you were informed of the decision.
I do not think I will manage to leave Sweden before my deadline expires. Can I get more time?
You may be granted more time if you have special reasons. This might be, for example, if you need more time in order to obtain a passport, or so that your children can finish school in a good way. If you need more time let the Migration Board know as soon as possible.
I have been issued an order that I should go to Germany under the Dublin regulation. I have heard that I might receive a re-entry ban if I do not leave the country. What will happen if I do not go back to Germany?
Only those people who received an order to leave the Schengen Area can be issued with a re-entry ban. The re-entry ban does not apply to you if you have received a decision under the Dublin regulation and are going to another country in Europe.
How can I prove that I left the Schengen Area before my deadline expired?
Before you leave Sweden you are issued a paper from the Swedish Migration Board, known as a proof of departure. You should hand in this document when you cross the Swedish border in order to prove you have left the country. If for some reason you did not submit a proof of departure you must find another way to prove that you left Sweden — for example, tickets or stamps in your passport. You can bring these documents which prove that you left Sweden to your nearest Swedish Embassy or consulate, or make copies and send them to the Swedish Migration Board.
I am the custodian for an unaccompanied minor whose application has been rejected. Will the child have to leave within two weeks?
The Migration Board is aware that it can take a long time to arrange proper reception for an unaccompanied minor in his or her home country. For this reason these children are often granted a longer period of voluntary return. . Talk to the child´s reception unit about how much time is needed to organise the journey.
I did not leave Sweden before my period of voluntary return expired and I was issued with a re-entry ban. I have now returned to my home country but I want to apply for a residence permit on the grounds of family ties. Can I get a residence permit even though I have a re-entry ban?
The Swedish Migration Board will consider your application for a residence permit on grounds of family ties. If you do receive a temporary residence permit then the re-entry ban does not apply during the period of which your residence permit is valid. If you are granted a permanent residence permit the re-entry ban is lifted. Since the re-entry ban is not lifted until you receive a permanent residence permit, you must make sure to apply for an extension of your permit in time — that is, before your permit expires.
This means that you have four weeks to leave Sweden. If you do not leave the country within this period you will receive a one year re-entry ban. The re-entry ban means you are not permitted to enter Sweden or any other Schengen country.
I have been issued a one year re-entry ban. What does this mean?
A re-entry ban means you are not permitted to enter Sweden or any other Schengen country for a period of one year.
Why have I received a re-entry ban even though my deadline has not expired?
If the Swedish Migration Board assesses that you will leave Sweden voluntarily you may receive a re-entry ban to the Schengen Area which is valid for up to five years. In that case you must leave the country immediately.
This might happen if, for example, you have:
- previously gone into hiding
- said that you do not intend to leave Sweden
- used a false identity or failed to help The Swedish Migration Board establish your identity
- knowingly provided information which is not correct or failed to provide important information
- been convicted of an offense that may lead to a prison sentence.
How do I appeal against the decision to issue a re-entry ban?
In order to appeal against a re-entry ban you should write a letter to the Swedish Migration Board. If you have received a re-entry ban because you did not leave Sweden before your deadline expired, you have to lodge your appeal with the Swedish Migration Board at the latest three weeks after the day the Swedish Migration Board made the decision. If you have received a re-entry ban for any other reason you must lodge your appeal with the Swedish Migration Board at the latest three weeks from the day you were informed of the decision.
I do not think I will manage to leave Sweden before my deadline expires. Can I get more time?
You may be granted more time if you have special reasons. This might be, for example, if you need more time in order to obtain a passport, or so that your children can finish school in a good way. If you need more time let the Migration Board know as soon as possible.
I have been issued an order that I should go to Germany under the Dublin regulation. I have heard that I might receive a re-entry ban if I do not leave the country. What will happen if I do not go back to Germany?
Only those people who received an order to leave the Schengen Area can be issued with a re-entry ban. The re-entry ban does not apply to you if you have received a decision under the Dublin regulation and are going to another country in Europe.
How can I prove that I left the Schengen Area before my deadline expired?
Before you leave Sweden you are issued a paper from the Swedish Migration Board, known as a proof of departure. You should hand in this document when you cross the Swedish border in order to prove you have left the country. If for some reason you did not submit a proof of departure you must find another way to prove that you left Sweden — for example, tickets or stamps in your passport. You can bring these documents which prove that you left Sweden to your nearest Swedish Embassy or consulate, or make copies and send them to the Swedish Migration Board.
I am the custodian for an unaccompanied minor whose application has been rejected. Will the child have to leave within two weeks?
The Migration Board is aware that it can take a long time to arrange proper reception for an unaccompanied minor in his or her home country. For this reason these children are often granted a longer period of voluntary return. . Talk to the child´s reception unit about how much time is needed to organise the journey.
I did not leave Sweden before my period of voluntary return expired and I was issued with a re-entry ban. I have now returned to my home country but I want to apply for a residence permit on the grounds of family ties. Can I get a residence permit even though I have a re-entry ban?
The Swedish Migration Board will consider your application for a residence permit on grounds of family ties. If you do receive a temporary residence permit then the re-entry ban does not apply during the period of which your residence permit is valid. If you are granted a permanent residence permit the re-entry ban is lifted. Since the re-entry ban is not lifted until you receive a permanent residence permit, you must make sure to apply for an extension of your permit in time — that is, before your permit expires.
Questions and answers in view of the decision to suspend deportations to, and refusals of entry from, Syria
I have received a deportation decision to Syria. Will I be able to stay now that the Migration Board has suspended all deportations to Syria?
The decision to temporarily suspend all deportations does not mean that those affected will receive residence permits but that the Migration Board will not enforce any deportations to Syria for the time being. People who currently have deportation decisions are affected by the decision.
I have received a deportation decision to Syria. What happens now and where can I turn?
If you currently have a decision for deportation to Syria, you can contact the Migration Board to have the decision suspended — in other words, the decision will not be enforced for the time being. Feel free to contact the Reception Unit nearest you if you have any questions.
The Migration Board has temporarily suspended all deportations to Syria. Will all Syrians receive asylum in Sweden now?
The decision to temporarily suspend all deportations does not mean that it is easier to obtain asylum in Sweden now. The Migration Board determined on 16 December 2011 that severe clashes were occurring in Syria. As a result, the Migration Board can give more consideration to harassment and other serious abuse when it considers asylum applications by Syrians.
The Migration Board has temporarily suspended deportations to Syria. Will it be easier for Syrians to obtain residence permits on grounds other than protection and asylum?
The decision to temporarily suspend all deportations to Syria makes it neither easier nor harder to obtain a residence permit in Sweden.
The decision to temporarily suspend all deportations does not mean that those affected will receive residence permits but that the Migration Board will not enforce any deportations to Syria for the time being. People who currently have deportation decisions are affected by the decision.
I have received a deportation decision to Syria. What happens now and where can I turn?
If you currently have a decision for deportation to Syria, you can contact the Migration Board to have the decision suspended — in other words, the decision will not be enforced for the time being. Feel free to contact the Reception Unit nearest you if you have any questions.
The Migration Board has temporarily suspended all deportations to Syria. Will all Syrians receive asylum in Sweden now?
The decision to temporarily suspend all deportations does not mean that it is easier to obtain asylum in Sweden now. The Migration Board determined on 16 December 2011 that severe clashes were occurring in Syria. As a result, the Migration Board can give more consideration to harassment and other serious abuse when it considers asylum applications by Syrians.
The Migration Board has temporarily suspended deportations to Syria. Will it be easier for Syrians to obtain residence permits on grounds other than protection and asylum?
The decision to temporarily suspend all deportations to Syria makes it neither easier nor harder to obtain a residence permit in Sweden.
Work
I am an asylum seeker and have had two part-time jobs at the same time over the last six months. Can I add the wages together in order to show that I can support myself?
No, the condition is that you must satisfy the requirement for support of SEK 13,000 a month before tax from one job.
I am an asylum seeker and have had two part-time jobs at the same time over the last six months. Can I add the wages together in order to show that I can support myself?
No, the condition is that you must satisfy the requirement for support of SEK 13,000 a month before tax from one job.
I have been an asylum seeker and plan to apply for a work permit. My family have also applied for asylum. Can they be granted residence permits together with me?
Your family has the possibility of getting permits if you are approved for a work permit. Each family member must apply separately. Their applications must also have been received in the stipulated time, that is within two weeks from the decisions to reject their asylum applications coming into force*.
What documents do I need to submit with my application for a work permit as an asylum seeker?
If you are an asylum seeker, in addition to a completed application form, you must also submit:
My application for asylum has been refused but I have a job. What do I need to do to get a work permit?
In order to be granted a work permit you must first and foremost be exempted from the requirement to hold a work permit (AT-UND), and submit your application for a work permit within the correct time, that is within two weeks of the decision to reject your application for asylum coming into force*. You must also:
No, the condition is that you must satisfy the requirement for support of SEK 13,000 a month before tax from one job.
I am an asylum seeker and have had two part-time jobs at the same time over the last six months. Can I add the wages together in order to show that I can support myself?
No, the condition is that you must satisfy the requirement for support of SEK 13,000 a month before tax from one job.
I have been an asylum seeker and plan to apply for a work permit. My family have also applied for asylum. Can they be granted residence permits together with me?
Your family has the possibility of getting permits if you are approved for a work permit. Each family member must apply separately. Their applications must also have been received in the stipulated time, that is within two weeks from the decisions to reject their asylum applications coming into force*.
Family members include:
- husband/wife, common law spouse or registered partner,
- children under 18 of the employee or of his or her husband/wife, common law spouse or registered partner.
*See the significance of "come into force" in another answer.
What documents do I need to submit with my application for a work permit as an asylum seeker?
If you are an asylum seeker, in addition to a completed application form, you must also submit:
- a copy of your passport. Your passport must be valid,
- a receipt proving you have paid your application fee,
- a job offer signed by your employer. Your employer must use the Swedish Migration Board's form no. 232011 for offer of employment,
- written confirmation from your employer that proves you have been working over the last six months. The confirmation must also show how much you have worked and earned each month.
My application for asylum has been refused but I have a job. What do I need to do to get a work permit?
In order to be granted a work permit you must first and foremost be exempted from the requirement to hold a work permit (AT-UND), and submit your application for a work permit within the correct time, that is within two weeks of the decision to reject your application for asylum coming into force*. You must also:
- have had your job over the last six months and have an offer to continue the same job for at least another year from the date of the application,
- have terms of employment that are equal to those of a Swedish collective agreement or what is customary within the profession or sector,
- be able to support yourself from your work. The Swedish Migration Board considers that you must earn at least SEK 13,000 a month before tax,
- have a passport that will still be valid after the permit expires.
Family issues
Which groups are covered by the amendment about not having to leave Sweden when getting a permit on the grounds of family ties made by the Swedish Riksdag?
The amendment applies to persons who are expecting or having a baby in Sweden or a person who is a child to someone living here.
When applying on the grounds of family ties, what is the difference between the old law and the new amendment?
It will be easier to keep families together in Sweden. In some cases you do not have to leave Sweden to get a residence permit on the grounds of family ties if you fulfill the requirements of the law.
The Migration Board should more carefully look into the consequences for a child to be separated from its parent when making decision according to the new amendment.
Wich demands do I need to meet, to get a residence permit on grounds of family ties if I have applied from within Sweden?
Can I apply on the grounds of family ties even if my case has been handed over to the police?
You can apply on the grounds of family ties even if your case has been handed over to the police. However, you cannot appeal against the Migration Board's decision to the Migration Court.
I am an asylum seeker and I have met a woman in Sweden. She is pregnant. Can I get a permit on the grounds of family ties instead because of her and the baby?
Yes, you can if you meet the demands:
I have been living illegally in Sweden for a year. What happens if I apply on the grounds of family ties?
Even if you have been living in Sweden illegally you can apply and in some cases be granted a permit on the grounds of family ties. When the Migration Board processes your application we will take into consideration that you have been living illegally in Sweden in our assessment..
I am an asylum seeker in Sweden. Can I apply on the grounds of family ties before I get a decision on my asylum application?
Yes, you can refer to family ties at any time while you are in Sweden, and whether you have a case at the Migration Board or the Migration Court. If you already have a case, you will get your application on the grounds of family ties processed with your case.
How much does it cost to apply according to the rules on family ties?
If you already have an application with the Migration Board, the Migration Court or Migration Court of Appeal you do not have to pay any fee. Your family ties will be examined together with your other reasons.
I want to apply according to the rules on family ties. How do I inform the Migration Board that me and my husband are expecting a child?
If you have not gotten a decision from the Migration Board, write to your case officer. You do not need to visit the Migration Board.
The amendment applies to persons who are expecting or having a baby in Sweden or a person who is a child to someone living here.
The foreigner has a strong connection to a family member in Sweden and there is no sufficient reason to require the person to travel to another country to apply.
The Migration Board should pay particular attention to the consequences for a child getting separated from its parent and it is clear that the foreigner should have been granted a permit if he or she would have applied before he or she entered Sweden.
The amendment also applies to persons with a case of impediments to enforcement (verkställighetshinder). When assessing whether there is particular reasons not to deport a person, the Migration Board should look particular into the consequences for a child to be separated from its parent. It should also be clear that the person would have been granted a permit if the person would have applied before he or she entered Sweden.
When applying on the grounds of family ties, what is the difference between the old law and the new amendment?
It will be easier to keep families together in Sweden. In some cases you do not have to leave Sweden to get a residence permit on the grounds of family ties if you fulfill the requirements of the law.
The Migration Board should more carefully look into the consequences for a child to be separated from its parent when making decision according to the new amendment.
Wich demands do I need to meet, to get a residence permit on grounds of family ties if I have applied from within Sweden?
- You have a strong tie to a family member in Sweden — if you have children in another country, it might affect your case
- There is not sufficient reason to require you to travel to another country to apply
- You are expecting or having a child with someone living in Sweden. You can also be a child to someone living in Sweden. The consequences of you and your child being separated are crucial to if you get a permit.
- It is clear that you would have been granted a permit if you would have applied before you entered Sweden. For example you need a valid passport.
The consequences for you and your child to be separated from each other are crucial if you get a permit or not, but there should not be any reasons against granting a permit., for example crimes or threat to public order and safety.
Illegal stay may affect the assessment of your case, but it is an individual assessment of your particular case.
Can I apply on the grounds of family ties even if my case has been handed over to the police?
You can apply on the grounds of family ties even if your case has been handed over to the police. However, you cannot appeal against the Migration Board's decision to the Migration Court.
I am an asylum seeker and I have met a woman in Sweden. She is pregnant. Can I get a permit on the grounds of family ties instead because of her and the baby?
Yes, you can if you meet the demands:
- You have a strong tie to a family member in Sweden — if you have children in another country, it might effect your case
- There is not sufficient reason to require you to travel to another country to apply
- You have or are expecting a child with someone who lives in Sweden. You may also be a child to someone living in Sweden. The consequences of you and your child being separated is crucial to if you get permit or not
- It is clear that you would have been granted a permit if you would have applied before you entered Sweden. For example you need a valid passport.
I have been living illegally in Sweden for a year. What happens if I apply on the grounds of family ties?
Even if you have been living in Sweden illegally you can apply and in some cases be granted a permit on the grounds of family ties. When the Migration Board processes your application we will take into consideration that you have been living illegally in Sweden in our assessment..
I am an asylum seeker in Sweden. Can I apply on the grounds of family ties before I get a decision on my asylum application?
Yes, you can refer to family ties at any time while you are in Sweden, and whether you have a case at the Migration Board or the Migration Court. If you already have a case, you will get your application on the grounds of family ties processed with your case.
How much does it cost to apply according to the rules on family ties?
If you already have an application with the Migration Board, the Migration Court or Migration Court of Appeal you do not have to pay any fee. Your family ties will be examined together with your other reasons.
If you need to leave a new application, the fee is SEK 1 500. Read more under Fees.
I want to apply according to the rules on family ties. How do I inform the Migration Board that me and my husband are expecting a child?
If you have not gotten a decision from the Migration Board, write to your case officer. You do not need to visit the Migration Board.
If your application is at the Migration court or the Migration Court of Appeal, you have to contact the court directly.
If you have already gotten a rejection from the Migration Board and the court you can write a letter to Administrative Procedure at the Migration Board. You will find addresses under visit us.
General questions
The Swedish Migration Board has withdrawn my refugee status and I must return my travel document. Does this mean that I have to leave Sweden?
No. You are no longer considered a refugee, but the withdrawal of your refugee status does not necessarily affect your permit.
Why do I have to submit my national passport?
A person who applies for a refugee status declaration or a travel document must submit his or her national passport (if he or she has one). If you refuse to do so, the Migration Board has reason to believe that you wish to stay in contact with the authorities in your country of origin, and continue to make use of your civil rights in that country. A person, who can make use of the protection his or her country of origin offers, is not a refugee and does not have the right to a travel document or to international protection.
I need to visit my country of origin. Will I lose my refugee status?
The Swedish Migration Board can withdraw your refugee status if you show that you intend to make use of the protection of your country of origin. For instance; by applying for a new national passport or by demanding that his or her old national passport is returned. If the Migration Board believes that your contact with your country of origin or its authorities is based on free will and not of a temporary nature, your refugee status can be withdrawn.
How can I apply to become a protected person according to the law amendment 1th of July 2010?
A person who is already in Sweden can not apply to become a protected person. It is the National Police Board in cooperation with police authorities in other countries that can apply for someone to become a protected person. For more information visit Swedish Government's web site
.
Who can apply for an alien's passport?
Persons without valid passports and who have no opportunity to acquire one can, in some cases, apply for an alien's passport from the Swedish Migration Board. In order to obtain an alien's passport, it must be the case that you are unable to obtain a passport from your country of origin. In most cases it is not reason enough that it is difficult or expensive to obtain a passport from your country of origin. Read more about alien's passport.
What does "come into force" mean?
Come into force means the decision can no longer be changed. A decision that is not appealed against comes into force when three weeks have elapsed after you have been served with the decision by the Swedish Migration Board or the Migration Court. A decision by the Migration Court of Appeal comes into force on the day the decision is made by the Court. A decision also comes into force immediately if you declare that you accept the decision.
No. You are no longer considered a refugee, but the withdrawal of your refugee status does not necessarily affect your permit.
Why do I have to submit my national passport?
A person who applies for a refugee status declaration or a travel document must submit his or her national passport (if he or she has one). If you refuse to do so, the Migration Board has reason to believe that you wish to stay in contact with the authorities in your country of origin, and continue to make use of your civil rights in that country. A person, who can make use of the protection his or her country of origin offers, is not a refugee and does not have the right to a travel document or to international protection.
I need to visit my country of origin. Will I lose my refugee status?
The Swedish Migration Board can withdraw your refugee status if you show that you intend to make use of the protection of your country of origin. For instance; by applying for a new national passport or by demanding that his or her old national passport is returned. If the Migration Board believes that your contact with your country of origin or its authorities is based on free will and not of a temporary nature, your refugee status can be withdrawn.
How can I apply to become a protected person according to the law amendment 1th of July 2010?
A person who is already in Sweden can not apply to become a protected person. It is the National Police Board in cooperation with police authorities in other countries that can apply for someone to become a protected person. For more information visit Swedish Government's web site
.
Who can apply for an alien's passport?
Persons without valid passports and who have no opportunity to acquire one can, in some cases, apply for an alien's passport from the Swedish Migration Board. In order to obtain an alien's passport, it must be the case that you are unable to obtain a passport from your country of origin. In most cases it is not reason enough that it is difficult or expensive to obtain a passport from your country of origin. Read more about alien's passport.
What does "come into force" mean?
Come into force means the decision can no longer be changed. A decision that is not appealed against comes into force when three weeks have elapsed after you have been served with the decision by the Swedish Migration Board or the Migration Court. A decision by the Migration Court of Appeal comes into force on the day the decision is made by the Court. A decision also comes into force immediately if you declare that you accept the decision.
Sidan senast uppdaterad: 2012-05-04
Migrationsverket
