How it works

Illustration of a young woman making an application on the computer.

You apply

You who want to move to Sweden, fill in the application and attach the necessary documents.

Illustration of a man looking at an application.

The Swedish Migration Agency reviews your application

The Swedish Migration Agency reviews your application. If we can immediately see that you do not meet the requirements for a residence permit, we may already make a decision to reject your application.

We will contact you if we need more information about your application.

Illustration of a young woman visiting the Swedish embassy.

You present your passport

Before we can make a decision about your application for a residence permit, you will need to present your passport. The Swedish Migration Agency will contact you with information about how and when to do this.

Illustration of a man who works as a caseworker at the Swedish Migration Agency.

The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application

The Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information related to your application and determine whether you can be granted a residence permit. If we need more information from you or the person with whom you will be living, we will contact you. In some cases, we also contact you and the person in Sweden for an interview.

Waiting time while we process your application

Now you must wait.

Read more about waiting times

Illustration of a young woman holding a decision.

You receive our decision

Once the Swedish Migration Agency has made a decision, it will be sent to your address in Sweden. If you are outside Sweden, the decision will be sent to the embassy, which will then contact you to inform you of the decision. If you have a representative, the decision will be sent to them.

A copy of the first page of the decision, which states whether you have been granted a residence permit or your application has been rejected, will also be sent to the person in Sweden. If you have granted the person power of attorney, the entire decision will be sent to them.

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 live and work 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 – Long-term residents in another EU country

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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.