New rules for family members of long-term residents in another EU country
From 1 October 2026, new rules will apply to family members of people who have long-term resident status in another EU country.
From 1 October, new rules will apply if you want to apply for a residence permit as a family member of someone who has long-term resident status in another EU country. The rules apply if you are applying for the first time or if you have already applied and are waiting for a decision.
Transitional rules for extensions
If you have applied or are going to apply for an extension, you do not need to meet the new requirements if you apply for an extension no later than 1 October 2027. This applies if you were granted your current permit before 1 October 2026. During this transitional period, your application for an extension will therefore be considered under the current rules.
Changes to who is considered a family member
From 1 October 2026, the following people are considered family members:
- the partner (spouse, cohabiting partner or registered partner) of the person in Sweden
- children under the age of 18 of the person in Sweden or their partner.
The family must have lived together in the first EU country
Another change from 1 October is a requirement that the family must have been formed in the first EU country. This means that you have or have had a residence permit in that EU country and have lived there together with your family member. For you to be granted a residence permit to live with the person in Sweden, the family must have lived together in the first EU country.
The person in Sweden must meet a maintenance requirement
From 1 October, a maintenance requirement will apply to the person in Sweden. This means that they must be able to support themselves and their family.
No transitional rules if you are applying for the first time
There are no transitional rules if you are applying for the first time. This means that the new rules will also apply if you have already applied and are waiting for a decision.
If you do not meet the new requirements
If you have not yet applied and do not meet the new requirements, you will need to apply for another type of permit in order to come to Sweden. The type of residence permit you should apply for depends on what you intend to do in Sweden. If the basis for your residence permit is your relationship with the family member who has long-term resident status, you should instead apply for a residence permit to live with someone in Sweden.