A residence permit gives you the right to both live and work in Sweden for a certain period. How long the period is depends on the reasons for your asylum application. If your application is denied, you can always appeal the decision. Then, you’ll be allowed to stay in Sweden while the Swedish Migration Agency makes a new decision in your case.

To apply for asylum in Sweden, you have to either be in the country or at the Swedish border. You can submit your application either directly to the border police or at one of the Migration Agency’s application units in Gothenburg, Malmö or Stockholm. After submitting your application, you’ll be called for an asylum investigation where the Migration Agency will review your case. It’s important that you provide as complete and detailed a picture of your situation as possible to help the Migration Agency make a correct assessment. In some cases, you may need to supplement your application with additional information.

The right to public counsel

During your asylum process, the Migration Agency could decide that you need public counsel. That means that you’ll be assigned a lawyer who’ll help you present your case and ensure your rights are protected. The Swedish state covers the cost of the public counsel, so you won’t have to pay for the help yourself. You can either request a specific lawyer as public counsel or let the Migration Agency choose one for you.

Your public counsel will assist you throughout the entire application process. They’ll explain what the status is for each step and help you understand the legal aspects of your case. If your asylum application is denied and you want to appeal the decision to the Migration Court or the Migration Court of Appeal, the counsel will assist you with that as well.

What happens after you’ve submitted your asylum application?

After you’ve submitted your application and undergone the asylum investigation, the Migration Agency will decide whether you’re allowed to stay in Sweden or not. If you’re granted asylum, you’ll receive a temporary residence permit. The duration of the residence permit depends on the circumstances of your case. If your application is denied, you have to either return to your home country or appeal the decision.

What we help with in the asylum process

Legal advice
We help you understand your rights and obligations during the asylum process and provide advice on how best to present your case.

Application assistance
We offer legal advice on how to draft and supplement your asylum application to ensure that it contains all relevant information.

Support during appeals
If your asylum application is denied, we assist you in appealing the decision to the Migration Court or the Migration Court of Appeal.

FAQ about asylum

What is asylum?
You can apply for asylum when you don’t feel safe in your home country and therefore need protection in another country, such as Sweden.

How do I apply for asylum in Sweden?
You have to either be in the country or at the Swedish border when applying for asylum. You then submit your application to the border police or the Migration Agency.

What does a public counsel do?
A public counsel is a lawyer who helps you throughout the asylum process and ensures that your rights are respected.