You have a permit in Sweden – International protection (asylum) You want to move from Sweden

You have a residence permit in Sweden as a person in need of protection, and want to move back to your country of origin or to another country where you have the right to live. This is also called voluntary repatriation.

The information on this page is for people who have a residence permit as a refugee or a person in need of protection, or on the grounds of exceptionally distressing circumstances, or as a family member of a person with one of these permits.

If you are moving back to your country of origin, you can apply for financial assistance

If you want to move back to your country of origin or to another country where you have the right to live, you can apply for financial assistance from the Swedish Migration Agency, a so-called “repatriation grant”.

You can apply for the repatriation grant if you are resident in Sweden and received your residence permit on 12 September 2024 or earlier, on one of the following grounds:

  • as a refugee or a person in need of subsidiary protection
  • as a quota refugee
  • due to exceptionally distressing circumstances
  • permanent residence permit under the Upper Secondary School Act
  • permanent residence permit under the temporary law that applied to asylum seekers and their family members from 2016 to 2021.

A family member of a person who received a residence permit on any of the grounds above may also receive the grant. A family member must

  • have received their own residence permit based on close ties to the main applicant
  • be living with the main applicant, or have lived with them immediately before their departure from Sweden
  • have received their own residence permit on 12 September 2024, or earlier.

Apply for a repatriation grant for voluntary repatriation

If you want to move to another EU country

A residence permit is usually only valid in the country in which it was granted. Therefore, if you want to move to or start working in another EU country, you must apply for a new residence permit or work permit there, and the rules may vary depending on the country. You cannot apply for asylum in another country if you have already been granted protection in Sweden.

If you have been legally resident in Sweden for at least five years and also meet other requirements, you may have the opportunity to be granted long-term resident status in Sweden. If you have long-term resident status, you can move to another EU country to work, study or live on your own funds.

You want to apply – Long-term residents in Sweden

Important things to consider before you move

If you have decided to move from Sweden, there are a few things that may be important to prepare before your move. Here we remind you of some things that might be good to keep in mind.

  • Compile grades, certificates, and references that may affect your future job opportunities. It may be helpful to translate the documents if you think you will need them.
  • Make a list of contacts in Sweden that may be valuable to maintain, such as with your former employer and school.
  • If you have already received a job offer in the country to which you are moving, you should make sure to get a certificate of employment from your new employer.

  • Contact the national authorities or equivalent administration in the country to which you are moving for information about their education system.
  • Be sure you have the grades you will need to be able to continue your studies in your new country.
  • Compile and translate certificates and grades from Swedish schools, courses or internships you have completed.

  • Find out about the Swedish Social Insurance Agency’s rules for pension savings, sickness benefits, child benefits, and other benefits in the event that you move out of Sweden. Also find out what happens to your benefits if you are not a Swedish citizen.
  • Pay off any loans, or make agreements to pay them off in instalments prior to your move.
  • Apply for a repatriation grant for your return journey from the Swedish Migration Agency.

Repatriation grant

  • Find out how the social security system works in the country to which you are moving. For example, inform yourself about the rules governing pensions and any financial assistance/benefits to which you may be entitled there.
  • Find out how the education system works, for example whether it is free of charge or whether student grants and loans or scholarship opportunities are available.
  • Find out if you are eligible for subsidies or grants for housing, or for starting your own business or a cooperative business.
  • Find out if there are non-governmental organisations in your new country that can provide you with help if you need it.

  • Find out how the healthcare system works in the country to which you are planning to move.
  • Find out if the medications and personal aids you need are available for purchase there.
  • Find out what vaccinations you need before you move.
  • Request copies of your medical records and compile other medical documentation that may be useful to bring with you. It may also be wise to translate the documents.

  • Find out how the laws in force in the country to which you are moving may affect you. For help with this, you can contact the country’s nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Find out what your rights and obligations will be in your new country.
  • In former war zones, inform yourself about possible risks, such as undetonated mines and grenades.
  • Inform yourself about ethnic conflicts and other issues that may persist.

  • Plan your journey and the transport of any furniture well before your departure.
  • Arrange for the insurance necessary for the journey and transport.
  • Gather the documents you need to take with you, such as passports, birth certificates, identification documents, driving licences, CVs, your most recent tax returns, customs documents, etc.

Talk openly within your family about your move and the expectations each person has. It is especially important that you talk about this with any children. They may have grown up in Sweden and need your help to understand why you are leaving.

It is also important that you prepare your family and other close relatives in the new country for your repatriation. Informing family and friends of your thoughts before departure can make planning easier.

Also discuss what the consequences will be if it is not possible to implement your decision to repatriate, or if everything does not go as you planned.

If you have further questions

If you have further questions about voluntary repatriation or the repatriation grant, please contact the Swedish Migration Agency for help and guidance.

Contacts for private individuals

News

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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.

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.