The process when children apply for international protection (asylum) is different from the process for adults. Here you will find information about the rights of children when they apply for international protection. We also have information directly aimed at children who apply for international protection.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child contains the UN’s provisions on the special rights of children. All persons under the age of 18 are considered children, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that children are individuals with their own rights, not the property of parents or other adults. The Convention on the Rights of the Child is part of Swedish law, and the rights it specifies apply to all children living in Sweden, no matter whether they are Swedish citizens, live here temporarily, or have applied for international protection (asylum).
According to the Aliens Act, in each individual case concerning a child, the best interests of the child must be taken into account. This means that the best interests of the child must be taken into account in every part of the application process: in the child’s reception in Sweden, in investigations, in assessments of humanitarian reasons, and in the event of a return decision.
Most children who apply for international protection come to Sweden together with one or both of their parents, but some children come here alone, without a parent or other legal guardian.
Read more about the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on UNICEF’s website External link.
All children have the right to speak and be heard. A child may have other reasons for wanting international protection than their parents have. When the Swedish Migration Agency investigates a child’s grounds for international protection, the case officer must try to adapt the investigation to the child’s age, maturity and health. The child has the right to have an adult with them during the investigation. This can be a parent, another legal guardian, a guardian, or a representative.
All children who have applied for international protection have the right to attend school and preschool on the same terms as other children living in Sweden.
Children who have applied for international protection are also entitled to the same medical and dental care as all other children residing in Sweden. Dental care is free for children under the age of 18. In most regions, medical care is also free for children.
Children have the right to be with their family. This means that the Swedish authorities will try to find unaccompanied minors’ close relatives while the Swedish Migration Agency investigates the child’s application for international protection. Sometimes the family can be reunited in another country, where the child’s close relatives are living in safety. If it is not possible to reunite the child with their relatives in another country, the child’s immediate family may be granted a residence permit in Sweden, if the child has been granted a residence permit in Sweden as a refugee or person in need of subsidiary protection. Only the child’s parents are considered to be their immediate relatives.
You want to apply – Parents of unaccompanied minors
The Swedish Migration Agency has produced special information that is aimed directly at children who have applied for international protection, both children who came here with their family and unaccompanied minors.
Information for children who have applied for international protection (asylum)
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.
2026-01-01
Now you can apply for the increased repatriation grant
People who have received a residence permit in Sweden on grounds of protection needs and want to repatriate can apply for the increased repatriation grant from today, 1 January 2026. Family members can also receive the grant if they meet certain requirements.
2025-12-04
More Afghans may be able to receive passports from their home country
The Swedish Migration Agency estimates that Afghan authorities are now able to issue national passports to their citizens within a reasonable time. This means that Afghan citizens with a residence permit in Sweden no longer automatically have the right to an alien’s passport. Instead, the Swedish Migration Agency will review each application for an alien’s passport individually.
2025-10-31
The repatriation grant will be increased
The Swedish Government has taken a decision to increase the repatriation grant on 1 January 2026. The amount you can receive depends on whether you are applying as a single adult, as a couple, or as a family with children.
2025-09-11
How you will be affected when extended passports become invalid
We have previously reported that Swedish authorities will not accept extended passports from 1 October 2025. Here we answer frequently asked questions about what this means and who will be affected.
2025-09-09
New payment card for financial aid
In October, the Swedish Migration Agency will replace all bank cards for people receiving financial aid.
2025-09-01
Changed rules on asylum seekers' accommodation
From 1 September, the main rule is that asylum seekers must live in the accommodation allocated by the Migration Agency in order to be entitled to daily allowance and special grant.