How have migration regulations changed?
Several reforms and legislative changes have affected the migration area. Has it become more difficult to obtain protection in Sweden? Is it easier to receive financial support to return to one’s country of origin? Has expulsion due to criminal offences become more common? In this article, we clarify what has changed and what is to come.
The Swedish Migration Agency answers
A series of articles using facts and figures to explain different aspects of the Swedish Migration Agency’s activities. The articles are not updated after they have been published.
Published 29 April 2026
Both the current and the previous government have tightened migration rules in a number of areas. This includes, among other things, the possibilities of being granted asylum, family reunification, deportation due to crime, detention activities, and citizenship.
The pace of reform is accelerating in 2026, as reflected in the text. Some changes have already been implemented, while many are expected to be introduced during the year, provided that the Riksdag adopts the proposals submitted by the government and that political decisions are taken as planned.
The reforms are divided into three categories.
Implemented: The reform has entered into force.
In progress: The matter has been investigated and has been or is expected to be adopted by the Riksdag.
Proposed: There is a proposal or an ongoing inquiry, but the timing of any implementation is after the parliamentary election in September.
Transition from permanent to temporary residence permits
Implemented
Following the major shift in Swedish asylum policy in autumn 2015, the main rule became that residence permits should be temporary rather than permanent. This was first introduced through temporary legislation and later through the current provisions of the Aliens Act, which entered into force in July 2021.
In progress
In a Swedish government bill referred to the Council on Legislation, it is proposed that individuals with an asylum-related residence permit should no longer be granted permanent residence permits. This would mean that the possibility of permanent residence permits in asylum cases is phased out. The change is proposed to enter into force on 12 July 2026.
Proposed
The so-called “minimum level inquiry,” tasked with aligning the Aliens Act with the EU’s minimum standards, has proposed that existing permanent residence permits should be revocable and replaced with temporary permits. Following consultation and further consideration, the issue of revoking permanent residence permits has been postponed to the next electoral term.
Family immigration
Implemented
In 2023, the conditions for family immigration were tightened. For example, the age threshold for refusing residence permits to spouses was raised from 18 to 21 years, and the possibilities for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection to be exempted from the maintenance requirement were restricted. In addition, the provisions on residence permits based on particularly distressing circumstances were removed and replaced with a requirement of exceptionally distressing circumstances, which is a much more restrictive provision.
Proposed
The government has examined stricter rules for family immigration, with the aim of aligning legislation with the minimum level under EU law. The proposals include stricter maintenance requirements, extended requirements for permit extensions, and a waiting period of two years before family reunification can be granted for certain groups. The government intends for these changes to enter into force on 1 January 2027.
Good conduct assessment
In progress
New rules on extended good conduct assessments may enter into force on 13 July 2026. The proposals also include expanded possibilities to revoke residence permits. The intention is to allow criminality and misconduct to be taken into account to a greater extent when assessing residence permit cases. In addition to criminal offences, misconduct may include failure to comply with laws or decisions by authorities, posing a security threat, or having unpaid debts.
Statute of limitations for expulsion decisions
Implemented
New rules on extended good conduct assessments may enter into force on 13 July 2026. The proposals also include expanded possibilities to revoke residence permits. The intention is to allow criminality and misconduct to be taken into account to a greater extent when assessing residence permit cases. In addition to criminal offences, misconduct may include failure to comply with laws or decisions by authorities, posing a security threat, or having unpaid debts.
Track change abolished and rules on statutory limitation period changed
Return
Implemented
Strengthened efforts to increase returns
Increasing return is a priority area. In addition to legislative changes, the Swedish Migration Agency has, on government assignment, adjusted its working methods in several ways. For example, the agency has developed a national action plan and established dedicated return centres in connection with certain asylum accommodation facilities.
New reintegration support upon return
There are different forms of support available to individuals who choose to return voluntarily to their country of origin. Since 1 March 2025, applicants from certain countries may receive so-called reintegration support under a new model. The support is intended to facilitate re-establishment in the country of origin, for example through education or employment, and can be applied for until 31 May 2026.
Read more about financial support for re-establishment
Stöd vid självmant återvändande [Support for voluntary return, only in Swedish)
In progress
The government has proposed new rules to increase return, which are intended to enter into force on 13 July 2026. As the police are responsible for enforced removals, some of the reforms are directed at them; for example, the police will be able to carry out more internal immigration checks. For the Swedish Migration Agency, the changes include expanded possibilities to use biometric data, such as photographs and fingerprints. In addition, six authorities will be required to notify the police if they suspect that a person does not have the right to stay in the country (healthcare, schools, social services and libraries are exempt from this obligation).
Proposed
At EU level, negotiations are ongoing on a new Return Regulation, which is intended to replace the current Return Directive as the final “building block” of the Migration and Asylum Pact. The negotiations are based on a proposal from the European Commission from March 2025 for a faster, simpler and more uniform return system.
In official terminology, a distinction is made between "return" (referring to persons who have received an expulsion decision following a refusal of their residence permit application) and "repatriation" (referring to persons who hold a residence permit in Sweden – see further below). A distinction is also made between voluntary return and enforced return; voluntary return is managed by the Swedish Migration Agency, while enforced return is handled by the Swedish Police Authority.
Detention
Implemented
In autumn 2025, new provisions were introduced to improve order and security in detention centres. The rules give staff greater powers to conduct body searches, search rooms, check visitors, and use metal detectors. The provisions are largely intended to make it possible to maintain an open environment within detention centres.
In progress
The government intends to tighten the rules on supervision and detention from 21 July 2026. This includes new forms of enhanced supervision, electronic monitoring, and requirements for special security units for certain detainees. The changes are planned to be introduced in stages (21 July 2026, 1 October 2026, and 1 December 2027).
The expansion of the Swedish Migration Agency’s detention capacity is linked to the task of increasing returns. An expansion is ongoing, and in recent years the agency has increased the number of places in detention centres, with the aim of reaching 1,000 places by 2029. At the beginning of 2026, the Swedish Migration Agency had 678 places.
Voluntary repatriation
Implemented
Since 1 January 2026, financial support has been significantly increased for persons who are lawfully residing in Sweden and choose to repatriate to their country of origin or another country where they have the right to settle. An adult may receive SEK 350,000, and a family may receive up to SEK 600,000.
Reception and accommodation
Implemented
Since March 2025, the main rule is that asylum seekers must stay in the accommodation assigned to them in order to be entitled to daily allowance and special benefits.
New arrangement for asylum seekers’ accommodation from 1 March
In progress
Stricter requirements in the new Reception of Asylum Seekers Act
A new Reception of Asylum Seekers Act, entering into force on 1 October 2026, includes stricter requirements for asylum seekers to stay in accommodation provided by the Swedish Migration Agency. For example, applicants must remain within a designated area, and non-compliance may result in reduced financial support or the application being considered withdrawn.
A new Settlement Act for newly arrived persons
A new Settlement Act is planned to enter into force on 1 January 2027 and concerns newly arrived persons, i.e. individuals who have been granted asylum or admitted as quota refugees. Municipalities will continue to be obliged to receive newly arrived persons, and distribution will take into account the conditions for integration in each municipality. Incentives for newly arrived persons to actively contribute to their integration will also be strengthened.
Dental care for asylum seekers and others
Proposed
In its inquiry on a strengthened high-cost protection scheme for dental care, the government has examined how special provisions for asylum seekers and persons without permission to stay in Sweden can be removed without affecting the right to dental care that cannot be postponed.
Expulsion due to criminal offences
In progress
New rules, intended to enter into force on 1 September 2026, aim to make it possible to deport more individuals who commit crimes. The changes include that more types of offences will lead to deportation, re-entry bans will be longer, and prosecutors will be required to request deportation where the offence constitutes grounds for removal. General courts will no longer take impediments to enforcement into account when assessing deportation.
Temporary suspension of deportation (inhibition of enforcement)
In progress
From 1 June 2026, individuals who have been ordered to be deported but where the decision cannot be enforced (so-called impediments to enforcement) will have restricted freedom of movement, limited access to work, and reduced access to the welfare system. The rules apply only to certain groups, for example those deported due to criminal offences or those considered a threat to public order or security.
Abolition of change of track
Implemented
On 1 April 2025, the system allowing a change of status (“track change”) was abolished. Previously, individuals whose asylum applications had been rejected but who had worked during the asylum process in Sweden could, under certain conditions, obtain a work permit without leaving the country. Since then, the main rule is that applicants must leave Sweden in order to apply for a work permit. Another consequence is that children and other family members of such applicants can no longer obtain residence permits as their family members.
Track change abolished and rules on statutory limitation period changed
In progress
Persons who have previously changed track will no longer be able to count time spent under such a permit towards qualifying for permanent residence as labour migrants.
Proposed
At a press briefing on 6 March 2026, the government announced that it is considering allowing such applicants to apply for a new work permit from within Sweden (without leaving the country), provided that the salary requirement is met.
Work permits
Implemented
Stricter requirements for residence permits
In recent years, the requirements for obtaining a residence permit for work in Sweden have been tightened. Currently, the salary threshold is set at 80 per cent of the median salary in Sweden (SEK 29,680 per month).
Faster processing for highly qualified workers
At the same time, Sweden aims to remain an attractive destination for highly qualified workers. The Swedish Migration Agency has been tasked with strengthening Sweden’s ability to attract and retain international talent. Through adapted services and more efficient processes, the agency has reduced processing times for complete applications in highly qualified occupations to under 30 days.
In progress
From 1 June 2026, new rules on labour migration will enter into force with the aim of tightening conditions, strengthening protection against exploitation and labour-related crime, while also promoting highly qualified workers. Among other things, a requirement of at least 90 per cent of the Swedish median salary (currently SEK 33,390 per month) will be introduced, as well as comprehensive health insurance for permits shorter than one year. Certain occupations may be exempted from the salary requirement.
Doctoral students and researchers
In progress
On 11 June 2026, new rules for doctoral students and researchers are expected to enter into force. These include faster access to permanent residence permits, longer residence permits to seek employment after completing studies or research, and expanded possibilities to apply for residence permits from within Sweden.
EU's Migration and Asylum Pact
In progress
From 12 June 2026, new asylum rules will apply across the EU, leading to more harmonised asylum procedures and stricter controls at the external borders. A legislative proposal includes provisions for a new screening procedure, limitations on the right to publicly funded counsel in asylum cases, and new terminology and structure in the asylum process (for example, “asylum” will be referred to as “international protection”).
Swedish citizenship
Implemented
In 2024, the rules on citizenship were amended. Among other things, the possibility of acquiring Swedish citizenship by notification was removed for individuals who are convicted or suspected of crimes or who pose a threat to national security. Protection for individuals in vulnerable situations was also strengthened.
In progress
From 6 June 2026, changes may enter into force introducing stricter requirements for Swedish citizenship. These include increasing the required period of residence from five to eight years, as well as requirements for knowledge of the Swedish language and society. Applicants must also demonstrate good conduct and the ability to support themselves. Children will need to apply for citizenship individually rather than being included in a parent’s application. The notification procedure will be abolished except in certain cases. A possibility to reacquire citizenship in accordance with EU law will also be introduced.
Skärpta krav för svenskt medborgarskap (regeringen.se) External link.
Proposed
An ongoing inquiry proposes that citizenship may be revoked if it was obtained on incorrect grounds or if the individual has committed certain serious crimes, with proposed entry into force on 1 January 2028.
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