Sweden's family reunification system processes over 20,000 applications annually. For expats building lives here, navigating this process is crucial. This guide explains the specific pathways for spouses, partners, and children.
Understanding the Main Pathways
Two primary routes exist for family members. The first requires the expat to hold a permanent residence permit or Swedish citizenship. The second applies to those with temporary work permits lasting at least 18 months. The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) manages all applications. Their online portal is the mandatory starting point. Applicants must create an account and submit forms digitally. Paper applications face significant delays.
Financial requirements are strict. The sponsor in Sweden must prove stable income for family support. For a spouse and two children, the monthly requirement exceeds 15,000 SEK after tax. This must be demonstrated through employment contracts and recent tax statements. Bank savings can supplement income but have specific calculation rules. Housing adequacy is also verified. A two-bedroom apartment typically meets requirements for a couple with one child.
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The Application Process: Step by Step
Begin by gathering documents. Required items include marriage certificates, birth certificates for children, and passports. All foreign documents need certified translations into Swedish or English. Companies like Translatum or QuickTranslate provide this service for 500-800 SEK per page. Submit everything through the Migration Agency's online system. Pay the application fee immediately. Current fees are 1,500 SEK for adults and 750 SEK for children under 18.
After submission, book biometric appointments. Family members outside Sweden visit their nearest embassy or consulate. Those already in Sweden visit Migration Agency service centers. Waiting times vary dramatically. Applications from certain countries face longer security checks. The Migration Agency's website shows current processing estimates. During waits, applicants can check status through their online accounts. Do not contact the agency for routine updates as this slows processing.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Proving relationships causes frequent delays. Unmarried partners must demonstrate a durable relationship. Provide shared lease agreements, joint bank statements, and photos spanning at least two years. Cohabitation evidence is essential. The agency may request additional documentation unexpectedly. Respond within their deadline to avoid refusal. Many applicants hire immigration lawyers for complex cases. Firms like Lindahl or Delphi charge 10,000-25,000 SEK for family reunification assistance.
Income calculations trip up many sponsors. The Migration Agency counts net income after Swedish taxes. Bonuses and overtime pay often get discounted. Use their online income calculator before applying. For self-employed sponsors, requirements are stricter. Two years of approved tax returns are mandatory. The business must show consistent profitability. Some expats use relocation companies like Move to Stockholm for guidance. Their family visa packages cost approximately 8,000 SEK.
After Approval: Next Steps
Successful applicants receive residence permit cards. These allow entry to Sweden. Register immediately with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) for personal identity numbers. This unlocks healthcare, banking, and school enrollment. Family members must apply for this within one week of arrival. Bring the residence permit card and passports to any Tax Agency office. Waiting times for ID numbers average two to four weeks.
Language integration begins quickly. Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) courses are free for residence permit holders. Municipalities organize these classes. Enrollment happens through local adult education centers. Some employers offer supplementary Swedish lessons. Companies like Academic Work provide language support for trailing spouses. Parallelly, explore /sweden/society for broader cultural integration insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the process take?
Processing times range from 4 to 15 months. Applications from countries with simpler documentation requirements average 6 months. Complex cases involving extensive verification can exceed one year. Check the Migration Agency's website for updated processing times by country.
Can my partner work while waiting for a decision?
No. Family members must wait for permit approval before working legally in Sweden. Those entering as visitors cannot switch to work permits without leaving the country. Some apply for work permits separately if they secure job offers.
What income level is required to sponsor a spouse?
The sponsor needs stable income covering family needs. For one adult, the requirement is approximately 8,000 SEK monthly after tax. Each additional adult adds 3,500 SEK. Children require 2,100 SEK each. These amounts adjust annually with price base amounts.
Do we need to be married?
Marriage simplifies the process but isn't mandatory. Unmarried partners must prove a durable relationship equivalent to marriage. Provide evidence of cohabitation for at least two years. Shared finances and joint responsibilities strengthen the application.
Can parents or siblings apply?
Parents and siblings face much stricter requirements. They generally qualify only if the sponsor is a minor or has serious health needs requiring family care. Most adult expats cannot sponsor parents through family reunification. Explore /sweden for alternative visa options.
What happens if our application gets rejected?
Appeals must be filed within three weeks of the decision. The Migration Court handles appeals. Success rates vary by rejection reason. Many applicants reapply after addressing deficiencies. Legal consultation costs 5,000-10,000 SEK for appeal assistance.
Can we travel during the application process?
Family members outside Sweden should avoid travel to other Schengen countries during processing. This can complicate biometric appointments and document verification. Those already in Sweden on other permits can usually travel within the Schengen area.