There’s a proposal in Sweden that, if passed, could revoke permanent residence permits for many. The proposal is part of the tightening measures that have, and will continue to be, introduced in migration policy. The aim is to increase the requirements for being allowed to stay permanently in Sweden.
Currently, a permanent residence permit is generally valid for life. A permanent residence permit can only be revoked today if:
- you commit a serious crime.
- you move abroad.
- you’ve lied or kept information proven to be important when granting a permanent residence permit.
What does the new proposal to revoke permanent residence permits mean?
The proposal advocates making it possible to change some permanent residence permits to temporary permits. It applies to people who have received their permanent residence permits as refugees, persons in need of protection and their family members. It also applies to people who have received their permanent residence permits through temporary laws, such as the Temporary Aliens Act or the Upper Secondary School Act.
The proposal doesn’t apply to those who’ve gotten their permanent residence permits through a work permit. It also doesn’t apply to people who’ve applied for Swedish citizenship within a specified time frame.
When will a decision on the proposal be made?
Before a decision can be made, it has to be sent out for consultation. This means that various authorities, organizations, and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide their opinions on the proposal. Only after that can the Parliament proceed and decide on whether to revoke permanent residence permits. If they decide to approve the proposal, the legislative changes would come into effect no earlier than January 1st 2027.
Why a proposal to revoke permanent residence permits?
The reason behind the proposal is that people with permanent residence permits should no longer view it as final destination. By making it possible to revoke permanent residence permits, the intention is to encourage people to apply for citizenship instead, ensuring their right to remain in Sweden. This would mean that Swedish citizenship becomes the secure, long-term solution – not the permanent residence permit.
What consequences could it have?
For many people, the proposal means increased uncertainty. Even those who’ve lived in Sweden for a long time with a permit could face having it revoked in the future, leading to not being able to plan for a longterm life in Sweden. This, in turn, leads to increased psychological stress and anxiety, which is particularly burdensome given the long processing times at the Swedish Migration Agency.
Do you need legal help?
We have several lawyers who can help you with this. Book an appointment if you have questions and need counseling, or email us to hire one of the lawyers. We recommend: Anastasia Martin, Aja Wadii, Atefa Jafary
