Eligibility quiz
Do you have a spouse or partner who is a Swedish citizen?
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
Find your consulate
Find the Swedish embassy or consulate-general responsible for migration matters where you live. If there is none there, you may be directed to one elsewhere.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Swedish embassy or consulate handles residence permits to live with a partner for someone living in your city?”
Register your relationship
If you are married or registered partners, your Swedish partner should register your relationship with the Swedish Tax Agency.
Register your relationshipSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does my Swedish partner register our marriage or registered partnership with the Swedish Tax Agency?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your residence permit application.
See required documentsFill in the application
Complete the Swedish Migration Agency’s online application for a residence permit to live with your partner, upload your documents and select your embassy or consulate-general. Pay the application fee by Visa or Mastercard.
Complete your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply online for a Swedish Migration Agency residence permit to live with a partner?”
Submit your application
Submit your completed application online. You can also apply on paper through the responsible Swedish mission or the Swedish Migration Agency.
Submit your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply online for a Swedish Migration Agency residence permit to live with a partner?”
Complete the partner questionnaire
Your partner will receive a link by email or letter and must complete the questionnaire within 14 days. Your partner should also provide the requested income and housing documents if required.
Find questionnaire informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does my partner complete the Swedish Migration Agency questionnaire for a residence permit to live with a partner?”
Book your interview
When the Swedish Migration Agency asks you to book an appointment, log in to My Page and book your interview.
Book your interviewAttend your interview
If you are called to an appointment, bring your passport and the originals of the documents you submitted, and answer questions about your relationship. If you need an entry visa, you will normally be photographed and fingerprinted there for your residence permit card.
Prepare for your interviewSearches DuckDuckGo for “What do I bring to a Swedish embassy interview for a Swedish Migration Agency residence permit to live with a partner?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the Swedish Migration Agency’s decision and follow your case on My Page. Answer any questions or requests for more documents from the agency.
Follow your applicationWait for your card
If your application is approved and you need an entry visa, wait for your residence permit card at the embassy or consulate before travelling.
Find card informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive my Swedish Migration Agency residence permit card abroad after approval to live with a partner?”
Travel to Sweden
Once you have your permit and any required residence permit card, you can travel to Sweden to live with your partner.
Plan your travelSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I travel to Sweden after the Swedish Migration Agency approves my residence permit to live with a partner?”
Once in SwedenOnce in Sweden
Book a card appointment
If you were not photographed and fingerprinted abroad, book an appointment in Sweden for your residence permit card.
Book your card appointmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a Swedish Migration Agency appointment in Sweden for a residence permit card after approval to live with a partner?”
Give your card details
Go to your appointment to be photographed and fingerprinted if this was not done abroad.
Prepare for your appointmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “What do I bring to a Swedish Migration Agency residence permit card appointment in Sweden after approval to live with a partner?”
Receive your permit card
If you gave your photograph and fingerprints in Sweden, wait for your card to be delivered. The card is proof of your permission to live in Sweden, but it is not an identity or travel document.
Find card delivery informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How is a Swedish Migration Agency residence permit card delivered after approval to live with a partner?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage certificates *
Provide your marriage certificate, marriage record or equivalent record of your registered partnership. If your marriage is registered in your country of origin, also provide proof of that registration.
* Only if you are married or in a registered partnership.
May need translationUnmarried status certificates *
Provide a population-registration certificate or similar document showing that you are unmarried. If you are seeking a fast decision, provide unmarried-status certificates for both you and your partner.
* Only if you are unmarried.
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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