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Residence permit for family members (Uppehållstillstånd för anhöriga)
VisasSwedenResidence permit for family members (Uppehållstillstånd för anhöriga)
SwedenSweden•Europe
Open

Residence permit for family members (Uppehållstillstånd för anhöriga)

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 months – 1.2 years

Estimated Cost

SEK kr 1,000–kr 2,000

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Residence permit for spouses, partners, and children under 18 to join family members in Sweden with immediate work authorization.

This Swedish residence permit allows spouses, partners, and children under 18 to join a sponsor with valid Swedish residence or citizenship. Issued by the Migration Agency, this permit recognizes the fundamental right to family life by providing a direct reunification pathway without requiring professional or academic credentials—qualification depends solely on the relationship to the sponsor.

The permit grants up to 2 years per period and is renewable. Processing takes 2 months for complete family-of-workers applications, up to 15 months for first-time partner applications (75th percentile). Adults pay SEK 2,000; children pay SEK 1,000. Holders gain immediate work authorization, spouses work unrestricted, and the permit may lead to permanent residency.

This visa is ideal for spouses, partners, and children under 18 seeking family reunification with someone already established in Sweden.

Cost Breakdown

Application fee (adult)SEK kr 2,000
Application fee (child under 18)SEK kr 1,000
TotalSEK kr 1,000–kr 2,000

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)
Sweden flagSweden

Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)

Validity2 years
Processing1–4 months
View Visa Details
Self-Employment Permit
Sweden flagSweden

Self-Employment Permit

Validity2 years
Processing11 months – 1.2 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

The sponsor must be a Swedish citizen, permanent resident, or hold a temporary residence permit with the right to family reunification.

The applicant must be a spouse, registered partner, cohabiting partner, or a child under 18.

The sponsor must meet maintenance requirements (demonstrating sufficient income and housing to support the family member, unless exempted).

Valid passport for the applicant.

Proof of a genuine relationship.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport copies.

Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or evidence of cohabitation).

Proof of the sponsor's income and housing (if applicable).

Consent forms for children (if applicable).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Work authorization granted immediately—no separate employment permit required
  • Path to permanent residence conversion after qualifying tenure
  • Up to 2 years per grant, renewable for extended stays
  • Reduced child fees (SEK 1,000 vs. adult SEK 2,000) for larger families
  • Dual intent allowed—can work or study while maintaining visa status
  • Fast-track for family-of-workers cases: 2 months for complete applications
  • No job offer requirement—purely family-relationship based qualification
  • Spouse unrestricted work authorization enables family economic independence

Worth Knowing

  • First-time partner applications take up to 15 months; extensions faster at 6 months
  • SEK 2,000 adult fee accumulates for larger family units with multiple applicants
  • Sponsor must meet maintenance requirements (strict income/housing documentation)
  • Strict relationship documentation required (marriage cert, cohabitation proof)
  • Sponsor must hold valid Swedish residence permit/citizenship with reunification rights
  • Applicant qualification limited to spouse/partner/child under 18; adult children non-qualifying

Application Process

1

The sponsor in Sweden initiates the process or provides necessary information for the applicant.

2

The applicant submits the application online via the Swedish Migration Agency website or at a Swedish embassy/consulate.

3

Pay the application fee (SEK 1,530 for adults, SEK 750 for children).

4

Attend an interview at an embassy if requested.

5

Provide biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) for the residence permit card.

6

Wait for the decision and collect the residence permit card.

Application Forms

Application for a residence permit to settle in Sweden (161011)Fill online
Application for a residence permit to settle in Sweden – For a child under 18 (163011)OptionalFill online
Family details – Appendix (239011)Fill online
Consent for a child to settle in Sweden (217011)OptionalFill online
Power of attorney (107011)OptionalFill online

Verified Claims (13)

Last verified Jun 27, 2026
Dual Intent
true
migrationsverket.se
Fee Breakdown
Application fee (adult): 2000 SEK; Application fee (child under 18): 1000 SEK
migrationsverket.se
Fees
SEK 2,000 (adults); SEK 1,000 (children under 18). No fee for EU/EEA citizens, Swiss citizens, Japan…
migrationsverket.se
Forms
Application for a residence permit to settle in Sweden (161011); Application for a residence permit …
migrationsverket.se
Job Offer Required
false
migrationsverket.se
Language Req
None specified
migrationsverket.se
Official Info
https://www.migrationsverket.se/en/you-want-to-apply/live-with-someone/live-with-a-partner-child-or-…
migrationsverket.se
Max Stay
Maximum 2 years per grant (never exceeding passport validity); renewable.
migrationsverket.se
Official Information

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