Apply for residence permit based on family reunification
If you’re a citizen of a country outside the EU and want to move to a family member in Sweden, you need to apply for a residence permit based on family reunification. You can do this when you have a close relationship with someone who’s already living in Sweden.
Understanding the rules surrounding family reunification and the requirements set by the Swedish Migration Agency is important for your application to be approved. You can apply for a residence permit based on family reunification in the following situations:
- Marriage or partnership – When you’re married, have entered into a registered partnership, or have been living together as partners with someone who’s now living in Sweden.
- Planning to marry or live together as partners – When you plan to marry or to live together as partners with someone who is living in Sweden.
- Children under 18 years old – When you’re a child under 18 years old who’ll be moving to a parent in Sweden. In this case, it’s the parent who applies for the residence permit on your behalf.
- Parent of a child under 18 years old – When you’re the parent of a child under 18 years old who is living in Sweden, and you wish to move here to be close to the child.
Maintenance requirement
For the residence permit to be granted, the person you’ll live with in Sweden has to meet the maintenance requirement. This means that the person has to be able to support both themselves and you. They also have to have accommodation that’s large enough and of good standard for both of you to live in. The requirements for maintenance and the size of the accommodation vary depending on how many family members will be living together.
It’s important to note that the maintenance requirement doesn’t apply to children under 18 years of age. If you’re moving to your child who’s living in Sweden, your child doesn’t need to support you.
How to apply for a residence permit based on family reunification
To apply for a residence permit, you have to submit an application to the Swedish Migration Agency. The application should include information about yourself, your relationship with the person you wish to move to, and documentation showing that the maintenance requirement is met. It’s important that you submit a complete application to make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
What we help with in family reunification matters
Consultation
We offer legal advice to help you understand the requirements and process for applying for residence permits.
Application assistance
We help you draft and complete your application, making sure all necessary documents and information are included.
Appeals
If your application is denied, we help you appeal the decision. We represent you in the process and in dealings with the Swedish Migration Agency and other authorities.
Get legal help today
Do you need help with residence permit matters? You can always get in contact with our lawyers within just 24 hours when you need quick answers to your questions. Or you can email or call us whenever you need to hire a lawyer for legal assistance.
FAQ about residence permits based on family reunification
What is family reunification?
Family reunification means you reunite in another country, for example Sweden, with someone you have a close family relationship with.
What is a maintenance requirement?
The maintenance requirement means that the person you’ll live with in Sweden has to be able to support both themselves and you and have accommodation that’s large enough for both of you.
Does the maintenance requirement apply to children under the age of 18 years?
No, the maintenance requirement doesn’t apply to children under 18 years old. If you’re moving to your child in Sweden, your child doesn’t need to support you.
