Extending a temporary residence permit based on need for protection
When your temporary residence permit runs out, you will have the opportunity to apply for an extension. You can receive an extended residence permit if you are still in need of protection.
In certain cases, you can also receive a residence permit if you have other reasons for remaining in Sweden.
Temporary or permanent residence permit
If you are still in need of protection, you can have your temporary residence permit extended.
Employee or self-employed
If you can demonstrate that you are able to support yourself through income from employment or your own business, you can receive a permanent residence permit.
Read more about permanent residence permits for employees or the self-employed
Residence permit for upper secondary school studies
If you are studying at the upper secondary school level, and are between 17 and 24, you will have the opportunity in certain cases to receive a longer temporary residence permit to complete your studies. This applies to those of you who are studying at an upper secondary school, including one for students with special needs, or who are taking an equivalent course of study at e.g. a folk high school or municipal adult education program (komvux).
The length of the permit depends on how much time you have left in your studies. In order to maintain your permit, you must regularly show that you meet the requirements for student activity. This means that, each year, you must turn in documentation from your school to the Swedish Migration Agency.
When you have completed your upper secondary school studies, you can apply for a permanent residence permit if you are able to support yourself.
Read more about residence permits for upper secondary school studies for those aged 17–24
Relative of a person who is a resident of Sweden
If you live together with a partner who is a Swedish citizen or has a permanent residence permit, you can receive a residence permit on the grounds of your relationship to your partner. If you have lived together for at least two years, you can receive a permanent residence permit; otherwise, you will receive a temporary residence permit that is valid for up to two years.
Other reasons
In exceptional cases, those who have particularly or exceptionally distressing circumstances, and whose expulsion would conflict with Sweden's treaty obligations, have the opportunity to receive an extended residence permit.
Apply before your residence permit expires
It is important that you apply for an extension before your temporary residence permit runs out, but not earlier than three months before. If you do not apply for an extension before your residence permit runs out, you will not be able to work while waiting for a decision, and you will also risk losing certain benefits, such as establishment support, student grants or parental benefits.
Turn in your application in person
To apply for an extension, you must visit the Swedish Migration Agency in person. All family members who are applying for an extension must come to the Swedish Migration Agency. Unaccompanied children must bring along their guardian or specially-appointed custodian.
Read where you can submit your application at Find us
Book an appointment to apply for an extension
Fill out the application form
Fill out the form Underlag för ansökan om förlängning av uppehållstillstånd (“Supporting documentation for application to extend residence permit”), and bring it to the Swedish Migration Agency when you are apply for an extension. Each family member must have his/her own form. This also applies to family members who came to Sweden to be reunited with you after you received a residence permit on the grounds of needing protection.
If you want to apply for a permanent residence permit as an employee or self-employed person, you must also fill out the form Uppgifter om försörjning (“Support information”).
If you wish to apply for a residence permit to live with a partner in Sweden, your partner must fill out the form Frågeformulär om förhållande (“Relationship questionnaire”).
Underlag för ansökan om förlängning av uppehållstillstånd, form number 200011 (only in Swedish)
Uppgifter om försörjning, form number 202011 (only in Swedish)
Frågeformulär om förhållande, form number 204011 (only in Swedish)
What you should bring with you when you apply
Bring your residence permit card when you are going to apply for an extension. If you have any ID documents, you should bring them, even if you have already presented them to the Swedish Migration Agency before.
The forms and questionnaire will tell you if you need to bring any other documents. Read the forms carefully.
If you have new information
If you are still in need of protection, you must state this when you apply for an extension. If you have new reasons, you should state this as well.
If you have a new passport or new identity documents, or if you have new documents that substantiate your new reasons, you should bring them when you apply for an extension.
Photograph and fingerprint
When you apply for an extension, you will be photographed and will provide your fingerprint. Your photograph and your fingerprint will be used for your new residence permit card, if you receive a new residence permit. Children under six do not need to provide a fingerprint.
Questions and answers about extending temporary residence permits according to the temporary law