Select the process that is relevant to you below
Depending on what you are applying for, the process looks a little different.
If you are applying for the first time
You apply
You fill in the application and attach the required documents.
Before you can receive a decision, you must be interviewed and present your passport. To do this, you must book an appointment for an in-person visit. If you are applying from outside Sweden, you must book an appointment at an embassy or consulate-general. If you are applying from inside Sweden, you must book an appointment at one of the Swedish Migration Agency's service centres.
Not all Swedish embassies and consulates-general handle migration cases, so it is important to check which one you should contact:
In-person visit
When you visit the embassy or the Swedish Migration Agency’s service centre, you need to bring your passport. If family members are applying with you, they must also accompany you.
If you need an entry visa to travel to Sweden, you may also be fingerprinted and photographed during the same interview appointment. This information will later be used to produce a residence permit card for you. If you are granted a residence permit, you will need the card to enter Sweden.
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
After you have been interviewed, the Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information related to your application and determine whether you can be granted a residence permit.
We will contact you if we need more information.
You receive our decision
Once the Swedish Migration Agency has made a decision, it will be sent by post to your chosen embassy or representative. In certain cases, you may need to visit the embassy to pick up the decision. If you are in Sweden, it will be sent to you or your representative by post.
When you receive the decision, you can find out the reasons on which we based it. If you are granted a residence permit, you have the right to stay in Sweden as long as the permit is valid. If your application is rejected and you are currently in Sweden, you must prepare to leave the country.
You have received a decision – Vising Sweden
If you are applying for an extension
You apply for an extension
It is important that you apply for an extension before your current residence permit expires. As long as you submit your application before your permit expires, you have the right to stay in Sweden until we make a decision, even if your current permit expires. You apply by filling in the application and attaching the required documents.
Before you can receive a decision, you must be interviewed and present your passport. To do this, you must book an appointment for an in-person visit to one of the Swedish Migration Agency’s service centres.
In-person visit
When you visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s service centre, you need to bring your passport. If family members are applying with you, they must also accompany you.
You will also be fingerprinted and photographed during your interview appointment. This information will be used to produce a residence permit card for you.
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
After you have been interviewed, the Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information related to your application and determine whether you can be granted a residence permit.
We will contact you if we need more information.
You receive our decision
Once the Swedish Migration Agency has made a decision, it will be sent to your address in Sweden, or to your representative.
When you receive the decision, you can find out the reasons on which we based it. If you are granted a residence permit, you have the right to stay in Sweden as long as the permit is valid. If your application is rejected and you are currently in Sweden, you must prepare to leave the country.