- Startpage
- | Moving to someone in Sweden
- | Frequently asked questions
- | All frequently asked questions
All FAQs- moving to someone in Sweden
General questions
My child will soon turn 18 and is about to submit an application for a residence permit. Is there anything I can do to make sure that the decision will be made before my child's birthday?
What you can do in order to speed up the process is to attach a request for a priority with your child´s application when submitting it to a Swedish mission abroad. It is up to the mission abroad to decide if it is possible to speed up the process. If your child has not turned 18 when the application reaches the Migration Board, the Board will try to make a decision before the child turns 18.
I have heard that it is more difficult for a child to receive a residence permit to move to a parent in Sweden after the age of 18. Is this correct?
Your child is considered to be an adult upon turning 18 and an application for residence permit should then be tried according to the rules that apply to adults. This means that it will be more difficult for your child to receive a permit to move to you in Sweden.
Can I have my interview conducted at an embassy of my choice?
You must visit a Swedish embassy or consulate in your country of origin or in an other country where you are residing legally. This applies whether you have applied online or by way of paper application. If you contact an Swedish embassy or consulate in a country where you do not hold a residence permit the staff are not required to interview you.
I am an Iranian citizen planning to get married. Me and my husband to be are both living in Sweden. Are there any legal barriers for us to get married?
It is not up to the Migration Board to decide if you can marry. You must contact the Swedish National Tax Board and ask them to consider impediments to marriage. You will find more information through the link on the right.
My parents are thinking of marrying me off, but I don't want to. Where can I find information on my rights?
The National Board for Youth Affairs has produced material with tips and advice on what you can do if you think you're going to be married against your will. You'll also find more information via the links on the right.
I have a limited residence permit owing to a relationship. The relationship has now ended. Can I still live in Sweden?
The general principle is that the Migration Board does not extend your residence permit if the relationship has ended. We can also revoke the permit you already have.
Which form should I use to apply for a permanent residence permit?
There is no special form for applying for a permanent residence permit. If you have a time limited residence permit on grounds of family ties , you should apply for an extension. The case officer will decide if you can get a permanent residence permit when handling your application.
Is it easier for my parents to come and stay with me now, if I can prove that I can support them?
The rules about family ties are the same as earlier. That means that other than husband/wife/common-law spouse and children under the age of 18, only as an exception can get a permit because of family ties. The maintenance requirement means that you in addition to the main rules must show that you can support yourself and have a home of sufficient size and standard.
I have applied for an extension of my permit in Sweden but have not yet received my new permit. Can I travel abroad before I receive my new permit?
In order to travel you need a valid permit and a residence permit card. If your permit has expired you may not be able to enter Sweden. It is better to postpone the trip until you receive your new permit and the card.
Me and my common-law spouse are from Afghanistan and we have just got a baby in Sweden. How can the baby get a permit in Sweden?
A newborn baby applies for the same permit as its parents. Fill in the form Application for residence permit to settle in Sweden - for a child under the age of 18, No 163011, and send to the Migration Board. Attach a civic registration certificate, a so-called family certificate (familjebevis) for the child, wich you can order from the Tax Agency
. In most cases you need to pay an application fee. Read more about fees here.
My American husband and I are planning to move to Sweden. I am a Swedish citizen. What do we need to do?
Your husband needs to be granted a residence permit before he can move to Sweden. An application for a residence permit may be submitted to a Swedish embassy or consulate in his country of origin or the country where he is permanently resident.
My girlfriend has received a residence permit and will shortly move to live with me in Sweden. What do we need to do when she arrives here?
Your girlfriend should register with the Swedish Tax Agency in order to obtain the last four digits of her personal ID number. She should also contact the social insurance office [Försäkringskassan] in order to be included in the social security system. If she wishes to study Swedish, municipalities offer Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) courses. Contact your home municipality for more information on these courses. For more information, please go to New in Sweden.
I am a citizen of the United States of America and I want to move to my relative who is a Danish citizen living in Sweden. What should I do?
If your relative has the right of residence in Sweden, you can apply for a residence permit after entering Sweden provided that you are covered by the right of residence and that you meet the conditions for a residence card.
If your relative does not have the right of residence in Sweden, according to national laws you should apply for a residence permit before entering Sweden. If you have special reasons the Migration Board might be able to make an exception, and you will then be able to apply for a residence permit after entering Sweden. Exceptions can be made if you have a strong tie to your relative and it is not reasonable for you to return to your home country to apply.
What you can do in order to speed up the process is to attach a request for a priority with your child´s application when submitting it to a Swedish mission abroad. It is up to the mission abroad to decide if it is possible to speed up the process. If your child has not turned 18 when the application reaches the Migration Board, the Board will try to make a decision before the child turns 18.
I have heard that it is more difficult for a child to receive a residence permit to move to a parent in Sweden after the age of 18. Is this correct?
Your child is considered to be an adult upon turning 18 and an application for residence permit should then be tried according to the rules that apply to adults. This means that it will be more difficult for your child to receive a permit to move to you in Sweden.
Can I have my interview conducted at an embassy of my choice?
You must visit a Swedish embassy or consulate in your country of origin or in an other country where you are residing legally. This applies whether you have applied online or by way of paper application. If you contact an Swedish embassy or consulate in a country where you do not hold a residence permit the staff are not required to interview you.
I am an Iranian citizen planning to get married. Me and my husband to be are both living in Sweden. Are there any legal barriers for us to get married?
It is not up to the Migration Board to decide if you can marry. You must contact the Swedish National Tax Board and ask them to consider impediments to marriage. You will find more information through the link on the right.
My parents are thinking of marrying me off, but I don't want to. Where can I find information on my rights?
The National Board for Youth Affairs has produced material with tips and advice on what you can do if you think you're going to be married against your will. You'll also find more information via the links on the right.
I have a limited residence permit owing to a relationship. The relationship has now ended. Can I still live in Sweden?
The general principle is that the Migration Board does not extend your residence permit if the relationship has ended. We can also revoke the permit you already have.
In exceptional cases there may be reason to grant a continued permit despite the relationship ending. You can get a continued permit if you have a special connection to Sweden. For example, it could be that you have children with permanent resident permit or who are Swedish citizens, or that you have a new relationship with someone who is a resident in Sweden, or that you have a job here.
Other reasons for the Migration Board to grant continued permission could be because the relationship ended owing to violence and/or serious offences against you or your children; or you are seriously ill, severely handicapped, or risk being socially outcast upon return to your homeland.
Which form should I use to apply for a permanent residence permit?
There is no special form for applying for a permanent residence permit. If you have a time limited residence permit on grounds of family ties , you should apply for an extension. The case officer will decide if you can get a permanent residence permit when handling your application.
Is it easier for my parents to come and stay with me now, if I can prove that I can support them?
The rules about family ties are the same as earlier. That means that other than husband/wife/common-law spouse and children under the age of 18, only as an exception can get a permit because of family ties. The maintenance requirement means that you in addition to the main rules must show that you can support yourself and have a home of sufficient size and standard.
I have applied for an extension of my permit in Sweden but have not yet received my new permit. Can I travel abroad before I receive my new permit?
In order to travel you need a valid permit and a residence permit card. If your permit has expired you may not be able to enter Sweden. It is better to postpone the trip until you receive your new permit and the card.
Me and my common-law spouse are from Afghanistan and we have just got a baby in Sweden. How can the baby get a permit in Sweden?
A newborn baby applies for the same permit as its parents. Fill in the form Application for residence permit to settle in Sweden - for a child under the age of 18, No 163011, and send to the Migration Board. Attach a civic registration certificate, a so-called family certificate (familjebevis) for the child, wich you can order from the Tax Agency
. In most cases you need to pay an application fee. Read more about fees here.
My American husband and I are planning to move to Sweden. I am a Swedish citizen. What do we need to do?
Your husband needs to be granted a residence permit before he can move to Sweden. An application for a residence permit may be submitted to a Swedish embassy or consulate in his country of origin or the country where he is permanently resident.
My girlfriend has received a residence permit and will shortly move to live with me in Sweden. What do we need to do when she arrives here?
Your girlfriend should register with the Swedish Tax Agency in order to obtain the last four digits of her personal ID number. She should also contact the social insurance office [Försäkringskassan] in order to be included in the social security system. If she wishes to study Swedish, municipalities offer Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) courses. Contact your home municipality for more information on these courses. For more information, please go to New in Sweden.
I am a citizen of the United States of America and I want to move to my relative who is a Danish citizen living in Sweden. What should I do?
If your relative has the right of residence in Sweden, you can apply for a residence permit after entering Sweden provided that you are covered by the right of residence and that you meet the conditions for a residence card.
If your relative does not have the right of residence in Sweden, according to national laws you should apply for a residence permit before entering Sweden. If you have special reasons the Migration Board might be able to make an exception, and you will then be able to apply for a residence permit after entering Sweden. Exceptions can be made if you have a strong tie to your relative and it is not reasonable for you to return to your home country to apply.
Proving your identity
Will all family members, who are not able to show passport/identity documents that are accepted in Sweden, now be granted a residence permit due to close family ties?
No, the judgement means that a child who is not able to prove its identity may still be given a residence permit in order to move in with a parent in Sweden. If a DNA test proves that the child and the parent are related, the child can receive a residence permit, despite its identity not being ascertained. This alleviation can also apply to a parent who is applying together with the child, or a parent who would like to move to child who lives in Sweden, if parenthood is proved.
When an adult applies for a residence permit on the grounds of ties to a husband, wife, partner or cohabitee (without the couple having mutual children), the requirement still stands for the applicant to be able to prove his or her identity.
How can my child who is applying for a residence permit to come and live with me in Sweden — and who does not have any documents to prove his/her identity — prove his or her identity?
The child's identity can be considered to have been proved if one of these alternatives is satisfied:
What does the new judgement from the Migration Court of Appeal mean?
The judgement means that it will be easier for children who are not able to prove their identity to be given a residence permit so that they can move in with a parent in Sweden. If it is proved throughDNAtesting that the child and parent are related, the child can receive a residence permit in spite of the fact that its identity has not been ascertained. This alleviation can also apply to a parent who is applying together with the child, or a parent who would like to move in with a child who lives in Sweden, provided that parenthood is established.
For many years, asylum seekers have been coming to Sweden from Somalia and they have been able to be reunited with their families here. For a few years, suddenly, no family members were allowed to come here, but, now, a family from Iraq was reunited even though they do not have acceptable identification documents. Why has the Swedish Migration Board refused to grant a resident permit to so many Somali families? Has the Swedish Migration Board been too harsh in their conclusions in recent years?
No, the Swedish Migration Board had not been too harsh in its assessments. The assessment that the Swedish Migration Board carries out on applications is controlled by the Aliens Act (Utlänningslagen). It is the judgements made by the Migration Court and the Migration Court of Appeal that show how the law should be applied.
In one judgement from 12 May 2011, the Migration Court of Appeal concluded that all those applying for a residence permit from abroad in order to move to a person who is settled in Sweden must establish his or her identity in order to be granted a residence permit. Following that decision, the Swedish Migration Board could not consider applications regarding close family ties from individuals who were not able to prove their identity.
On 18 January 2012 , a new judgement was handed down by the Migration Court of Appeal that shows that reuniting families can be more important than proving one's identity. This means that the Swedish Migration Board can now be more generous in its assessments of applications from families with children. The Swedish Migration Board can now assess applications even if passports or identification documents are missing. If the applicant comes from a country where it is not possible to obtain identification documents that are accepted in Sweden, the Swedish Migration Board can still in some cases grant a residence permit — if parenthood is established and the identity is credible.
Has the Swedish Migration Board changed its view of Somali passports?
Sweden does not accept any Somali passports that were issued or extended after 31 January 1991. The rules are the same as the Swedish Migration Board has had for a long time and there is no change.
The change that comes about due to the recent decision from the Migration Court of Appeal does, however, mean that children have a greater opportunity to receive a residence permit even though they do not have a passport that Sweden accepts.
The Swedish Migration Board said that I was not allowed to represent my child. Is that still true?
In a decision made on 17 March 2011, the Migration Court of Appeal rejected an application where three Somali children wanted to come to Sweden because of having family ties to their father, who had a permanent residence permit.
According to Swedish law, a child may not submit an application itself — the application must be made by a guardian. In this case, the father was not able to prove that he was the legal representative of the children and had the right to speak for them and submit an application for them. Therefore, the Swedish Migration Board could not consider the children's application at all.
This changed following the decision handed down by the Migration Court of Appeal on 18 January. If DNA tests prove parenthood, and there is nothing else that indicates otherwise, the parent shall have the right to act as representative for the child and can therefore submit an application for the child.
My application for a residence permit was rejected and I have appealed. What happens now?
If you have appealed and have not yet received a decision from the court, you do not need to do anything. The Migration Courts follow the decision made by the Migration Court of Appeal.
Some European countries accept Somali passports — why does Sweden not accept Somali passports?
It is correct that some European countries accept certain Somali passports. Sweden does not accept any Somali passports issued or extended after 31 January 1991. The reason for this is that they have not been authorised by a competent authority that could be said to have been in control of the territory within which it issued the passport.
I cannot prove my identity through a passport from my homeland since I have a passport that the Migration Board does not accept — can I prove my identity in some other way?
You can personally decide what you want to submit to prove your identity. You are free to submit whatever evidence you wish to submit and the Migration Board will take account of all evidence you present.
Who will decide whether we need to undertake a DNA analysis?
If the Migration Board believes that a DNA-analysis may contribute to clarifying claimed kinship between the applicant and his or her relative in Sweden, then the applicant will be offered a DNA-test.
A DNA-analysis does not in itself prove a person´s identity. It may, however, indicate a kinship between two persons, thereby contributing to the credibility of a testimony submitted with the application or during an investigation.
Who pays for the DNA analysis?
If the Migration Board offers the analysis, the Board will also be responsible for the cost.
What is the procedure for DNA analyses?
The applicant is invited to the Swedish mission abroad to provide a saliva sample and the reference person in Sweden is invited to the Migration Board to provide a saliva sample there.
My children are applying for a residence permit so they can come and live with me here in Sweden — I want them to have a DNA analysis done, who do I contact?
You should contact the Migration Board with your request, but it is important to remember that a DNA analysis by itself is not sufficient for your identity to be considered proved.
The Migration Board will offer a DNA analysis to all applicants who can be granted a residence permit if a relationship can be proved.
No, the judgement means that a child who is not able to prove its identity may still be given a residence permit in order to move in with a parent in Sweden. If a DNA test proves that the child and the parent are related, the child can receive a residence permit, despite its identity not being ascertained. This alleviation can also apply to a parent who is applying together with the child, or a parent who would like to move to child who lives in Sweden, if parenthood is proved.
When an adult applies for a residence permit on the grounds of ties to a husband, wife, partner or cohabitee (without the couple having mutual children), the requirement still stands for the applicant to be able to prove his or her identity.
How can my child who is applying for a residence permit to come and live with me in Sweden — and who does not have any documents to prove his/her identity — prove his or her identity?
The child's identity can be considered to have been proved if one of these alternatives is satisfied:
- Parents in Sweden are Swedish citizens or have previously been considered to have proved their identity in Sweden. A requirement for this is, however, that the parents have lived together with the child in their homeland or in a third country.
- Parents applying for a residence permit together with the child have proved their identities.
In both these cases, it is also necessary for the relationship to be proved through a DNA analysis. The DNA analysis will also increase the credibility of both the applicant parent and the person living in Sweden as it will prove the family relationship stated in the application.
What does the new judgement from the Migration Court of Appeal mean?
The judgement means that it will be easier for children who are not able to prove their identity to be given a residence permit so that they can move in with a parent in Sweden. If it is proved throughDNAtesting that the child and parent are related, the child can receive a residence permit in spite of the fact that its identity has not been ascertained. This alleviation can also apply to a parent who is applying together with the child, or a parent who would like to move in with a child who lives in Sweden, provided that parenthood is established.
For many years, asylum seekers have been coming to Sweden from Somalia and they have been able to be reunited with their families here. For a few years, suddenly, no family members were allowed to come here, but, now, a family from Iraq was reunited even though they do not have acceptable identification documents. Why has the Swedish Migration Board refused to grant a resident permit to so many Somali families? Has the Swedish Migration Board been too harsh in their conclusions in recent years?
No, the Swedish Migration Board had not been too harsh in its assessments. The assessment that the Swedish Migration Board carries out on applications is controlled by the Aliens Act (Utlänningslagen). It is the judgements made by the Migration Court and the Migration Court of Appeal that show how the law should be applied.
In one judgement from 12 May 2011, the Migration Court of Appeal concluded that all those applying for a residence permit from abroad in order to move to a person who is settled in Sweden must establish his or her identity in order to be granted a residence permit. Following that decision, the Swedish Migration Board could not consider applications regarding close family ties from individuals who were not able to prove their identity.
On 18 January 2012 , a new judgement was handed down by the Migration Court of Appeal that shows that reuniting families can be more important than proving one's identity. This means that the Swedish Migration Board can now be more generous in its assessments of applications from families with children. The Swedish Migration Board can now assess applications even if passports or identification documents are missing. If the applicant comes from a country where it is not possible to obtain identification documents that are accepted in Sweden, the Swedish Migration Board can still in some cases grant a residence permit — if parenthood is established and the identity is credible.
Has the Swedish Migration Board changed its view of Somali passports?
Sweden does not accept any Somali passports that were issued or extended after 31 January 1991. The rules are the same as the Swedish Migration Board has had for a long time and there is no change.
The change that comes about due to the recent decision from the Migration Court of Appeal does, however, mean that children have a greater opportunity to receive a residence permit even though they do not have a passport that Sweden accepts.
The Swedish Migration Board said that I was not allowed to represent my child. Is that still true?
In a decision made on 17 March 2011, the Migration Court of Appeal rejected an application where three Somali children wanted to come to Sweden because of having family ties to their father, who had a permanent residence permit.
According to Swedish law, a child may not submit an application itself — the application must be made by a guardian. In this case, the father was not able to prove that he was the legal representative of the children and had the right to speak for them and submit an application for them. Therefore, the Swedish Migration Board could not consider the children's application at all.
This changed following the decision handed down by the Migration Court of Appeal on 18 January. If DNA tests prove parenthood, and there is nothing else that indicates otherwise, the parent shall have the right to act as representative for the child and can therefore submit an application for the child.
My application for a residence permit was rejected and I have appealed. What happens now?
If you have appealed and have not yet received a decision from the court, you do not need to do anything. The Migration Courts follow the decision made by the Migration Court of Appeal.
If you have received a negative judgement from the Migration Court, you can appeal to the Migration Court of Appeal.
If you have received a final decision and cannot appeal, you are welcome to submit a new application. The Swedish Migration Board will then consider your application according to the conclusion come to by the Migration Court of Appeal.
Some European countries accept Somali passports — why does Sweden not accept Somali passports?
It is correct that some European countries accept certain Somali passports. Sweden does not accept any Somali passports issued or extended after 31 January 1991. The reason for this is that they have not been authorised by a competent authority that could be said to have been in control of the territory within which it issued the passport.
I cannot prove my identity through a passport from my homeland since I have a passport that the Migration Board does not accept — can I prove my identity in some other way?
You can personally decide what you want to submit to prove your identity. You are free to submit whatever evidence you wish to submit and the Migration Board will take account of all evidence you present.
If you do not have a valid passport, it is often the case that no other individual document can prove your identity. On the other hand, after making an overall assessment of all the documents you have submitted the Migration Board may find that you have proved your identity.
On the part of the Migration Board, we would like to point out that all identity documents and other documents from Somalia are of very little value when the question of identity is to be determined.
Examples of documents that may contribute towards proving your identity are:
- identity documents issued in a third country,
- witness statements from close relatives - e.g. a relative in Sweden (i.e. the reference individual) or other close relatives´ information about you.
Who will decide whether we need to undertake a DNA analysis?
If the Migration Board believes that a DNA-analysis may contribute to clarifying claimed kinship between the applicant and his or her relative in Sweden, then the applicant will be offered a DNA-test.
A DNA-analysis does not in itself prove a person´s identity. It may, however, indicate a kinship between two persons, thereby contributing to the credibility of a testimony submitted with the application or during an investigation.
Who pays for the DNA analysis?
If the Migration Board offers the analysis, the Board will also be responsible for the cost.
What is the procedure for DNA analyses?
The applicant is invited to the Swedish mission abroad to provide a saliva sample and the reference person in Sweden is invited to the Migration Board to provide a saliva sample there.
My children are applying for a residence permit so they can come and live with me here in Sweden — I want them to have a DNA analysis done, who do I contact?
You should contact the Migration Board with your request, but it is important to remember that a DNA analysis by itself is not sufficient for your identity to be considered proved.
The Migration Board will offer a DNA analysis to all applicants who can be granted a residence permit if a relationship can be proved.
Getting a permit without having to leave Sweden
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.
Which groups are covered by the amendment about not having to leave Sweden when getting a permit on 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.
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.
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.
Which groups are covered by the amendment about not having to leave Sweden when getting a permit on 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.
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.
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.
Residence permit cards
I have a new passport from my country of origin. What should I do to get a new residence permit card?
If you have a valid residence permit card you do not need to do anything. You should now get a residence permit card only if you had a sticker in your old passport. Visit the Migration Board to be fingerprinted and photographed in order to obtain a residence permit card.
How long do I have to wait until I receive my residence permit card if I have had my photograph and fingerprints taken at the embassy?
The waiting time is about four weeks. For information about how to receive your UT card, contact the embassy.
I will travel abroad but I only have a residence permit sticker in my passport. Is it still valid?
You may travel abroad if you have a valid residence permit sticker affixed in your passport. You can travel with your permit sticker during its validity period, but no later than 20 May 2015.
I have a permanent residence permit and I have a new passport. How can I receive a new permanent residence permit stickers in my passport?
Those who were granted residence permits in Sweden before 20 May 2011 received permit stickers affixed into their passports. Nowadays a residence card is issued as a proof of your residence permit instead. The card will contain your photo and fingerprints of two fingers.
I have applied for an extension of my permit and want my residence permit card sent to a Swedish embassy, as I will be abroad until I receive my extension. Is that possible?
If you have a Swedish address, the residence permit card will, without exception, be sent there. The decision can be forwarded to an embassy but the card will arrive at your home address.
Will the Swedish mission abroad send the residence permit card the same way the Migration Board Permit Units do, or is a personal visit required to collect it?
There is no fixed requirement that the residence permit card must be collected personally; this can be decided by the individual authority. The card can also be dispensed via legal representative or sent by mail. Contact the Swedish mission abroad where you submitted your application and/or your finger prints for more information.
I have a permanent residence permit. Can I receive a residence permit card issued for 5 years even if my passport expires before then?
Yes, you can receive a residence permit card issued for 5 years even if your passport expires earlier.
I've got married and changed my name. How do I get a new residence card with my new name?
You must first go to the Swedish Tax Agency, which is responsible for national registration, to register your new name. When the information is registered, you can visit the Migration Board to be fingerprinted and photographed for a new residence permit card. It is especially important when crossing the border that the same information in the passport is found in the national registration and on the residence permit card.
The information on my residence permit card is incorrect. What should I do?
Contact the Swedish mission abroad or the Migration Board's office where you submitted your application, or where you were photographed and fingerprinted. To obtain a new card with the correct information, you must be fingerprinted and photographed again.
I have been waiting for my residence permit card for more than a week but I haven't received it at home. I'm travelling tomorrow; who should I turn to for help?
Contact the Swedish mission abroad or the Migration Board's office where you submitted your application, or where you were fingerprinted and photographed to find out if they have received your residence permit card. It is not possible to speed up the production of a residence permit card.
I've had a residence permit card for a while and have now registered in the national registry. Do I need a new residence permit card?
No, you do not need a new card. Your national ID number is not printed on the residence permit card.
What should I do if I lose my card?
You must first notify the police. To get a new residence permit card, you must bring the police report, as well as be fingerprinted and photographed, in order for a new residence permit card to be issued.
I have to travel a long way to get to the embassy. Is there no other way?
No, unfortunately. Since the residence permit card contains your finger prints, you must go there personally to submit them and be photographed.
Who must submit finger prints?
Finger prints must be submitted by persons over the age of 6 at the time of application, or when the biometric data is collected. Persons with permanent physical impediments — permanent damage on the fingers, for example — are exempt. Difficulty in getting to a Swedish mission abroad is not grounds for exemption due to physical impediment.
Where do I go to be photographed and fingerprinted?
If you are in Sweden, contact the Migration Board. If you are abroad, visit the Swedish mission abroad where you live to be fingerprinted and photographed.
If you have a valid residence permit card you do not need to do anything. You should now get a residence permit card only if you had a sticker in your old passport. Visit the Migration Board to be fingerprinted and photographed in order to obtain a residence permit card.
How long do I have to wait until I receive my residence permit card if I have had my photograph and fingerprints taken at the embassy?
The waiting time is about four weeks. For information about how to receive your UT card, contact the embassy.
I will travel abroad but I only have a residence permit sticker in my passport. Is it still valid?
You may travel abroad if you have a valid residence permit sticker affixed in your passport. You can travel with your permit sticker during its validity period, but no later than 20 May 2015.
I have a permanent residence permit and I have a new passport. How can I receive a new permanent residence permit stickers in my passport?
Those who were granted residence permits in Sweden before 20 May 2011 received permit stickers affixed into their passports. Nowadays a residence card is issued as a proof of your residence permit instead. The card will contain your photo and fingerprints of two fingers.
You will need to visit the Swedish Migration Board to be fingerprinted and photographed. It takes about a week to produce a residence card. Note that the card is not an ID card or a travel document; it must be used with a valid passport when you travel.
I have applied for an extension of my permit and want my residence permit card sent to a Swedish embassy, as I will be abroad until I receive my extension. Is that possible?
If you have a Swedish address, the residence permit card will, without exception, be sent there. The decision can be forwarded to an embassy but the card will arrive at your home address.
Will the Swedish mission abroad send the residence permit card the same way the Migration Board Permit Units do, or is a personal visit required to collect it?
There is no fixed requirement that the residence permit card must be collected personally; this can be decided by the individual authority. The card can also be dispensed via legal representative or sent by mail. Contact the Swedish mission abroad where you submitted your application and/or your finger prints for more information.
I have a permanent residence permit. Can I receive a residence permit card issued for 5 years even if my passport expires before then?
Yes, you can receive a residence permit card issued for 5 years even if your passport expires earlier.
I've got married and changed my name. How do I get a new residence card with my new name?
You must first go to the Swedish Tax Agency, which is responsible for national registration, to register your new name. When the information is registered, you can visit the Migration Board to be fingerprinted and photographed for a new residence permit card. It is especially important when crossing the border that the same information in the passport is found in the national registration and on the residence permit card.
The information on my residence permit card is incorrect. What should I do?
Contact the Swedish mission abroad or the Migration Board's office where you submitted your application, or where you were photographed and fingerprinted. To obtain a new card with the correct information, you must be fingerprinted and photographed again.
I have been waiting for my residence permit card for more than a week but I haven't received it at home. I'm travelling tomorrow; who should I turn to for help?
Contact the Swedish mission abroad or the Migration Board's office where you submitted your application, or where you were fingerprinted and photographed to find out if they have received your residence permit card. It is not possible to speed up the production of a residence permit card.
I've had a residence permit card for a while and have now registered in the national registry. Do I need a new residence permit card?
No, you do not need a new card. Your national ID number is not printed on the residence permit card.
What should I do if I lose my card?
You must first notify the police. To get a new residence permit card, you must bring the police report, as well as be fingerprinted and photographed, in order for a new residence permit card to be issued.
I have to travel a long way to get to the embassy. Is there no other way?
No, unfortunately. Since the residence permit card contains your finger prints, you must go there personally to submit them and be photographed.
Who must submit finger prints?
Finger prints must be submitted by persons over the age of 6 at the time of application, or when the biometric data is collected. Persons with permanent physical impediments — permanent damage on the fingers, for example — are exempt. Difficulty in getting to a Swedish mission abroad is not grounds for exemption due to physical impediment.
Where do I go to be photographed and fingerprinted?
If you are in Sweden, contact the Migration Board. If you are abroad, visit the Swedish mission abroad where you live to be fingerprinted and photographed.
Online applications
Where can I find the control number that needs to be included in the referent's (the person in Sweden's) questionnaire?
The control number can be found in the E-mail sent to you by the Swedish Migration Board.
Can I add something to my web application that I have already submitted?
No, it is not possible to make additions via the internet. If you would like to submit additional documents or details, you should send them by mail to: Migrationsverket, 601 70 Norrköping. Always include your personal details and control number or case number when writing to the Swedish Migration Board.
Where can I see if my application has been received and if a decision has been made?
You can check the status of your application on our web site. In order to check the status of your case you must have your case number (file number). You can not check the status of your case using the reference number your received during your electronic application. If you have questions about your case you can phone the Swedish Migration Board's customer service.
How long does it take for my partner/relative in Sweden to receive a message via email to fill in the questionnaire?
When you have registered your application we will send a message via email to your partner/relative in Sweden with instructions on what he or she is to do. You will also receive a copy of this email.
Why can't I pay with my credit card?
If you are having problems paying the application fee with your credit card and receive an error message with technical information, this could be because you have a card that is connected to the 3D-Secure service. These cards must be verified before payment can take place, but in some cases communication fails between the card issuer and the bank during the card verification process. Because these problems arise outside the Swedish Migration Board´s system, we cannot help you with this. If you have problems using your card please contact your bank.
Why was my address not accepted?
The characters you can use are:
Have you received my application? I have been given reference number xxxxxxxx-xx.
If you have received a reference number your application has been registered.
Why did I not get a confirmation when I registered my application and paid the application fee?
If you have not received confirmation upon completing the application or via email then your application has not been registered.
Why did I receive several confirmations that my application is registered?
You will receive a receipt of your payment and also confirmation that the Swedish Migration Board has received your application.
The control number can be found in the E-mail sent to you by the Swedish Migration Board.
Can I add something to my web application that I have already submitted?
No, it is not possible to make additions via the internet. If you would like to submit additional documents or details, you should send them by mail to: Migrationsverket, 601 70 Norrköping. Always include your personal details and control number or case number when writing to the Swedish Migration Board.
Where can I see if my application has been received and if a decision has been made?
You can check the status of your application on our web site. In order to check the status of your case you must have your case number (file number). You can not check the status of your case using the reference number your received during your electronic application. If you have questions about your case you can phone the Swedish Migration Board's customer service.
How long does it take for my partner/relative in Sweden to receive a message via email to fill in the questionnaire?
When you have registered your application we will send a message via email to your partner/relative in Sweden with instructions on what he or she is to do. You will also receive a copy of this email.
Why can't I pay with my credit card?
If you are having problems paying the application fee with your credit card and receive an error message with technical information, this could be because you have a card that is connected to the 3D-Secure service. These cards must be verified before payment can take place, but in some cases communication fails between the card issuer and the bank during the card verification process. Because these problems arise outside the Swedish Migration Board´s system, we cannot help you with this. If you have problems using your card please contact your bank.
Why was my address not accepted?
The characters you can use are:
A-Z
a-z
Å Ä Ö Ü É
å ä ö ü é
-
blanksteg
0-9
. , : & #
Other characters are not accepted in the address field.
Have you received my application? I have been given reference number xxxxxxxx-xx.
If you have received a reference number your application has been registered.
Why did I not get a confirmation when I registered my application and paid the application fee?
If you have not received confirmation upon completing the application or via email then your application has not been registered.
Why did I receive several confirmations that my application is registered?
You will receive a receipt of your payment and also confirmation that the Swedish Migration Board has received your application.
Sidan senast uppdaterad: 2011-12-14
Migrationsverket
