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If you have a permanent residence permit

A permanent residence permit can be revoked if you move away from Sweden. If you do not intend to  settle in another country, you can be away from Sweden for up to twelve months.  
Your permanent residence permit is valid as long as you live in Sweden. The Migration Board revokes your PUT if you move out of Sweden to live in your native country or anywhere else.

If you have been granted a residence permit as a refugee or as a person in need of protection and you move back to a country where you have lived before, the permit is withdrawn two years after you have moved.

If you wish to return


If your residence permit no longer is valid and you wish to return to Sweden, you can apply for a new residence permit. You must submit your application to the Swedish consulate or embassy closest to you. If you have been granted a residence permit you will receive your residence permit card from the embassy or consulate. You must have your residence permit card and a valid passport with you when you travel to Sweden.

When the Migration Board processes your application to return to Sweden, we will look at your links with this country. We will take into consideration how long you had lived in Sweden with a residence permit and how long you have lived in your native country or elsewhere.

Guidelines


Here are some of the Migration Board's guidelines:
  • If you are out of Sweden for one year or less, you can receive a new residence permit even though you had lived in Sweden for only a short time before returning to your native country.
  • If you are out of Sweden for 1—3 years, you must have lived in Sweden with a residence permit for at least four years in order to receive a new one.
  • If you are out of Sweden for more than three years, you must have lived in Sweden for 10—15 years with a residence permit in order to receive a new one.
  • If you get married after returning to your native country, you cannot generally receive a residence permit in Sweden on the basis of having lived here earlier.
Sidan senast uppdaterad: 2012-02-14