Eligibility quiz
Are you married to, registered partners with, living with, or planning to marry or live with a partner in Sweden?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Sweden
You can live in Sweden for the time stated on your permit, rent a home and use public services when you meet their rules.
If you intend to live in Sweden for at least one year, you can generally register as a resident and normally receive a personal identity number.
You can also open a bank account if you meet the bank’s rules.
Study in Sweden
You can study in Sweden if you meet the education provider’s rules.
Work in Sweden
Your permit normally lets you work in Sweden, without being tied to one employer.
Travel and return
You can leave and return to Sweden while your permit and passport are valid.
Your permit card proves your right to live in Sweden, and you generally need it with your passport for travel.
You can generally make short visits within the Schengen area if you meet its travel rules.
Vote in local elections
You can vote in local and regional elections if you are at least 18 and registered in Sweden.
Depending on your citizenship, you may need to have been registered for three consecutive years before election day.
Use public healthcare
After registering as a resident, you normally receive healthcare on the same terms as other residents.
Before registration, you may have to pay the full cost, though urgent care is available.
Get social support
You may qualify for social benefits if you meet their conditions.
These can include child allowance, parental benefit, housing benefit or support for newly arrived people.
How to apply
From outside SwedenFrom outside Sweden
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your online application.
See required documentsFill in your application
Start the Swedish Migration Agency’s online application to live with your partner, register with your email address and fill in the form.
Start your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I start an online application for a residence permit to live with my partner in Sweden?”
Submit your application
Upload copies of your documents, pay the fee online with Visa or Mastercard and submit your application. You can also apply on paper at a Swedish embassy or consulate-general.
Submit your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit an online application for a residence permit to live with my partner in Sweden?”
Find your consulate
Find the Swedish embassy or consulate-general responsible for your application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Swedish embassy or consulate handles residence permits to live with a partner for someone living in your city?”
Book an appointment
Wait for the Swedish Migration Agency’s instructions. If it asks you to book an appointment, follow your embassy or consulate-general’s instructions.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an embassy appointment in your city for a residence permit to live with my partner in Sweden?”
Attend your interview
If you are called for an interview, bring your passport and original documents to the embassy or consulate-general. Show your passport and answer questions about your relationship.
Prepare for your interviewSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I prepare for an embassy interview for a residence permit to live with my partner in Sweden?”
Give your fingerprints
Give your fingerprints and have your photo taken when asked. If you need an entry visa, you normally do this at the embassy or consulate-general before travelling.
Arrange your fingerprintsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I give fingerprints and a photo for a residence permit to live with my partner in Sweden?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the Swedish Migration Agency’s decision and answer any requests for more information. Your partner should answer the agency’s questionnaire if they receive one.
See how long it takesSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does a decision on a residence permit to live with a partner in Sweden take?”
Get your permit card
After approval, ask the embassy whether your residence-permit card will be mailed to you or whether you must collect it. If you need an entry visa, normally get the card before travelling.
Ask about your cardSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive my residence permit card after approval to live with my partner in Sweden?”
Travel to Sweden
Travel to Sweden after your permit has been granted and you have met any card requirements for entry.
Plan your travelSearches DuckDuckGo for “What do I need to travel to Sweden after receiving a residence permit to live with my partner?”
Once in SwedenOnce in Sweden
Give your fingerprints
If you did not give your fingerprints and photo abroad, visit the Swedish Migration Agency after arriving. You can then receive your residence-permit card.
Arrange your visitSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I visit the Swedish Migration Agency for fingerprints and a photo for a residence permit to live with my partner in Sweden?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage certificates *
Provide a clear copy of your marriage certificate, marriage record or equivalent. If your marriage is registered in your home country, also provide proof of that registration.
* Only if you are married or registered partners.
May need translationPartner's residence record *
Provide evidence of your partner's residence status in Sweden. Send a clear copy.
* Only if the Migration Agency cannot verify your partner's residence status itself.
May need translationProof you are unmarried *
Provide a population registration certificate or similar document showing that you are unmarried. Send a clear copy.
* Only if you are unmarried and applying to live with your partner.
May need translationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Permit renewal
If you have a temporary permit and want to stay, apply for an extension before it expires.
Late filing can put your right to live and work in Sweden at risk.
Permit can end
A temporary permit can expire or may not be extended if your relationship ends, though children, abuse, strong ties or other special circumstances may be considered.
A permit can be taken away for false or hidden important information, loss of its basis or moving away from Sweden.
A permanent permit can be revoked after more than one year abroad; you can give notice in advance if planning to be away for up to one year.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
EU Freedom of Movement Support Initiative
English Facebook group for people living in Sweden interested in Swedish visas
Request to joinAmecan -USA Canada Australia Europe Japan-Visitor & Student Visa Specialist
English Facebook group for people living in Sweden interested in Swedish visas
Join on Facebookr/TillSverige
English Reddit group for people living in Sweden interested in Swedish visas
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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