As of April 1, 2025, the possibility to change tracks will no longer be allowed in Sweden. Previously, people whose asylum applications were denied could still stay in Sweden and apply for a work permit through what’s known as a change of track (spårbyte). But now the Swedish Parliament has decided to remove the possibility of changing tracks. The new rules will also affect accompanying family members of those who were granted residence permits through a change of track.
To be granted a residence permit in Sweden, you normally need to apply and be approved before entering the country. This makes a change of track an exception to the general rule, as they’ve allowed people to apply for a work permit while already living in Sweden. But starting April 1, 2025, that will no longer be possible.
Who will the new rules regarding change of track affect?
The new rules will affect anyone who:
- have recently been denied asylum and have applied for a work permit since then.
- already has a work permit through a change of track and who want to extend it. You can continue working in Sweden for as long as your current permit is valid, but you won’t be able to apply for a renewal. If you don’t have any other grounds to stay in Sweden, you’ll have to leave the country once your current permit expires.
- is in Sweden as an accompanying family member of someone who received a work permit through a change of track. If the person who changed tracks doesn’t receive a work permit, you’ll no longer be able to get a residence permit by filing for it as an accompanying family member.
It’s important to know that the Swedish Migration Agency will process applications based on the new rules starting April 1, 2025. This means that it doesn’t matter when you submitted your application. If you receive a decision before April 1, 2025, the new rules won’t apply to you. But if you receive a decision after April 1, 2025, the new rules will apply—even if your application was submitted earlier.
Are there any exceptions?
If you received a work permit through a change of track but still have a valid deportation decision, the Migration Agency can in some cases assess whether there are any impediments to carrying out the deportation. What counts as an impediment can vary from case to case. But keep in mind that it’s uncommon for an impediment to result in a new residence permit. It requires new information in your case that makes deportation unreasonable.
If the deportation decision is no longer valid, there may be a possibility to apply for a residence permit on other grounds—for example, if you meet the requirements for permanent residence.
What can you do now?
Not sure if this change affects you? Then it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer who specializes in migration law. If you want to know if you can apply for a permit based on other grounds—such as studies, family ties, or protection—it’s important to act quickly and find out what applies in your specific situation.
Do you need legal help?
We have several lawyers who can help you in this area. Book an appointment with one of them in the Kliently app, or contact us to hire one of the lawyers. We recommend: Nadja Hatem,
Anuta Sjunghamn,
Aja Wadii,
Anastasia Martin
