You are waiting for a decision Application card

If you apply for international protection (asylum), you will receive an application card as proof that you are allowed to be in Sweden while you wait for a decision about your application.

An application card shows that you have applied for international protection (asylum) and have the right to be in Sweden while you wait for a decision. The card is valid throughout the country and is issued by the Swedish Migration Agency.

When you apply for international protection in Sweden, you will be photographed. Your photo will be used for the proof that the Swedish Migration Agency has registered your application, and for the application card. The application card replaces the proof of registration. The card is personal, so only you can use it, and you cannot use it as an identity document.

Zoom image

The application card, front and back.

How to use your card

Keep your application card with you at all times, so you can present it in contact with authorities, employers or health and medical care providers, for example.

Below the photo on your card is your case number at the Swedish Migration Agency. When you contact us, it is useful to have that number available. With the help of your case number, we can quickly produce the information we have about your application.

Present your card when your contact national authorities or when you need to show an employer that you have the right to work. If you have gotten a job and want to open a bank account, you must present your card to the bank.

In some cases, you may use the application card as proof of your identity when collecting postal packages from abroad or registered mail from the Swedish Migration Agency.

If you present your card at the pharmacy, you will pay less for most medications prescribed by a physician. In some cases, you will also pay a lower patient fee if you present your card when you visit a health/medical care provider.

The card’s period of validity

You will have an application card throughout the time you are waiting for a decision about your application.

The application card’s period of validity is one year. After that, you need to apply for a new card if you still have not had a decision about your application.

The card has a QR code

The application card has a QR code that allows anyone with access to a QR reader to easily check

  • if the card is valid
  • if you have the right to work (AT-UND status)
  • that you are covered by the Reception Act
  • if you are subject to a geographical restriction.

The QR code also reveals some personal information about you, for example when you applied and which country you are a citizen of.

If you receive AT-UND status, this will be registered directly on your card, and your employer can verify your status by scanning the QR code.

If you lose your application card

If your application card is stolen or lost, you must report this to your Unit for Reception. The Swedish Migration Agency will then block your card and order a new one.

The Swedish Migration Agency's addresses and opening hours

Book an appointment for your visit

News

2026-10-01

New rules on immigration due to family ties and young adults from 1 October

New rules on immigration due to family ties come into force today. These include stricter requirements for people in Sweden whom family members wish to join and an increase in the amount required to meet the maintenance requirement. At the same time, young adults will have greater opportunities to stay with their parents in Sweden and a temporary opportunity to apply for another type of permit without leaving Sweden.

2026-09-28

New Reception Act – changes from 1 October

A new Reception Act comes into force on 1 October. It replaces the Act on Reception of Asylum Seekers (LMA) and introduces changes for people who apply for protection in Sweden. If you have applied for international protection (asylum), the new rules will affect, among other things, your daily allowance, where you are allowed to stay and how often you need to be in contact with the Swedish Migration Agency. If you need daily allowance after 1 October, you must reapply for it.

2026-09-24

New look – same agency

The Swedish Migration Agency has a new logo. On 24 September, the new logo will replace the old logo on the Agency’s website. The new logo will be rolled out gradually across all digital services and communications.

2026-07-28

LMA cards not valid from 1 October

All LMA cards for asylum seekers must be replaced by application cards at the latest by 1 October 2026. If you have an LMA card, this means that you need to exchange it for an application card.

2026-06-12

The migration pact is introduced on the 12 June

On 12 June 2026, the EU's Pact on migration and asylum is introduced. Among other things, this means that the EU will have common rules about how migrants will be controlled at the border, and what the procedure is when somebody applies for international protection (asylum).

2026-06-01

New levels of reintegration assistance from 1 June 2026

The EU Reintegration Programme (EURP) provides support for people returning to their country of origin after their application for asylum has been rejected or when they no longer have the right to remain in the EU. The levels of assistance available under the programme are now being revised.

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The Swedish Migration Agency is responsible for considering applications from people who want to live in Sweden, seek protection or become Swedish citizens. Our work is based on Swedish laws and international conventions, with a focus on legal certainty and effective reception and return.