You apply
You fill in the application and attach the required documents.
It is important that you submit your application before your current permit expires. That way, you will have the right to stay in Sweden until we make a decision, even if your current permit expires.
Waiting time before we start examining the application
Now follows a period of waiting until the Swedish Migration Agency takes a closer look at your application.
The Swedish Migration Agency processes the application
The Swedish Migration Agency will review all the information about your application and determine whether you can be granted a residence permit. If we can immediately see that you do not meet the requirements for a residence permit, we may decide to reject your application. We will contact you if we need more information.
You need to be photographed and fingerprinted
To get a new residence permit card, you need to be photographed and fingerprinted. If you did not do this when you submitted your application, you must book an appointment to do so at one of the Swedish Migration Agency’s service centres. If your family is applying with you, they must also book an appointment.
You may need to present your passport
You may need to present your passport before we can make a decision. You only need to do this if we have not already checked it on a previous visit, or if you have received a new passport since you last presented it.
Certain applicants will be offered the option of presenting their passport in a digital passport check conducted via an app.
If you need to present your passport, we will contact you with information about how and when you can do so. You may also need to submit your passport for examination.
You are waiting for a decision – You have applied for the first time
You receive our decision
As soon as we have made a decision, you will receive an email or letter stating whether you have been granted a work permit or if your application has been rejected. In some cases, the Swedish Migration Agency will invite you to an in-person meeting at which you will be informed of the decision. 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.