Sweden•EuropeResidence permit for family members (Uppehållstillstånd för anhöriga)
At a Glance
2 months – 1.2 years
SEK kr 1,000–kr 2,000
Varies by filing options
2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
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
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
SwedenSwedenRequirements
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
The sponsor in Sweden initiates the process or provides necessary information for the applicant.
The applicant submits the application online via the Swedish Migration Agency website or at a Swedish embassy/consulate.
Pay the application fee (SEK 1,530 for adults, SEK 750 for children).
Attend an interview at an embassy if requested.
Provide biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) for the residence permit card.
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)Optional | Fill online |
| Family details – Appendix (239011) | Fill online |
| Consent for a child to settle in Sweden (217011)Optional | Fill online |
| Power of attorney (107011)Optional | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in Sweden
Family visas in other countries
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