New rules for young adults and people who want to move to a family member in Sweden
The Swedish Parliament has adopted new rules on immigration due to family ties that come into force on 1 October 2026. Among other changes, certain young adults who previously held a residence permit on the grounds of family ties will be able to apply for a residence permit from within Sweden. The rules also affect people who want to move to a family member in Sweden and people who want to extend their residence permit to continue living with a family member in Sweden.
In March this year, the Swedish Migration Agency announced that decisions to reject applications in certain cases involving young adults who previously held a residence permit on the grounds of family ties had been put on hold after the Government announced that new legislation was being prepared. These cases concern people who previously held a residence permit on the grounds of family ties to a parent but have since turned 18.
– The Swedish Migration Agency is now resuming its examination of the cases that were put on hold. Our aim is to ensure that all young adults have the opportunity to apply for a residence permit and have their application examined without the Agency’s processing time affecting the outcome,” says Ann-Kari Olsson, Head of Section at the Swedish Migration Agency.
The new rules coming into force allow young adults to apply for an extension of their residence permit on the grounds of family ties to their parents even after they have turned 18. During a transitional period, certain young adults who have already received an expulsion decision will also be covered.
A temporary opportunity is also being introduced to apply for a permit on other grounds without first having to leave Sweden. This will apply until the end of December 2027.
– It is important to emphasise that this temporary opportunity allows them to apply for a permit on other grounds from within Sweden, but they must meet the requirements for that permit. No special requirements apply,” says Ann-Kari Olsson.
Residence requirement and stricter maintenance requirement
Several conditions for family immigration are also being tightened. Among other changes, a requirement is being introduced that, as a general rule, a person in Sweden who holds a temporary residence permit and whom a family member wishes to join must have resided in Sweden for at least two years when the family member applies for a residence permit.
The two-year period of residence requirement does not apply to people with work permits, researchers, doctoral students, people with EU Blue Cards or ICT permits, or unaccompanied minors and their parents. They are covered by other rules.
Refugees may also be exempt from the requirement in certain situations.
The stricter maintenance requirement means that the amount the person in Sweden must have left after paying their housing costs will increase. The maintenance requirement must also be met when a family member applies for an extension of their residence permit. In such cases, the family member’s income can normally also be taken into account.
“The Swedish Migration Agency has carried out extensive work in preparation for the new rules. This includes analysing what the rules mean for our examination of cases and adapting procedures, working methods, policy and guidance documents, and information,” says Ann-Kari Olsson.