You want to apply British citizens

You are a British citizen and want to move to Sweden.

If you are a British citizen and want to move to Sweden, you must apply for a residence permit, just as citizens of other non-EU/EEA countries must do. British citizens residing in Sweden could apply for residence status during a transitional period that has now passed. However, in certain exceptional cases, if you have provided an explanation for why your application is late that the Swedish Migration Agency considers reasonable, you can still apply for and receive so-called residence status.

British citizens are no longer EU/EEA citizens

When the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland left the EU, British citizens stopped being EU/EEA citizens. This means that as a British citizen, you can no longer stay in Sweden with right of residence, as EU/EEA citizens can. During a transitional period, British citizens could instead apply for residence status under a special Withdrawal Agreement between the United Kingdom and the EU.

Since 31 December 2021, when the deadline for applying for residence status ended, British citizens who want to move to Sweden must apply for a residence permit. The type of residence permit for which you should apply depends on what you plan to do in Sweden.

Read more about different types of permits on the page You want to apply

Family members can still apply for residence status

There are two groups that can still apply for and be granted residence status:

  • family members of British citizens who already have residence status or permanent residence status in Sweden and who have now moved or plan to move to Sweden
  • biological or adopted children with at least one British parent with residence status or permanent residence status in Sweden.

Read more on the page You want to apply – Family of a British citizen with residence status

The deadline for British citizens to apply for residence status was 31 December 2021, but in exceptional cases, you can still apply for residence status. You need to explain in writing why you were prevented from applying on time. The fact that you were listed in the Swedish Population Register and have a civic registration certificate showing that you had right of residence is not a sufficient explanation. Nor is it enough to claim that as a British citizen, you did not know that you needed to apply for residence status.

In accordance with the Withdrawal Agreement, the Swedish Migration Agency then assesses whether your explanation about why you are submitting your application too late is reasonable.

If you did not live in Sweden before 31 December 2020, you cannot be granted residence status as a British citizen.

Apply for residence status

News

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.

2026-04-13

Easier to renew your permanent residence permit card

It will now be easier to renew your permanent residence permit card. You will automatically receive information and a request to book an appointment via My page well in advance of your current card expiring.

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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.