There’s a new proposal in Sweden that could lead to many permanent residence permits being revoked. The proposal is part of the tightening measures that have been introduced, 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, as long as the person does not commit a serious crime or move abroad. However, under the proposal, it would be possible to revoke permanent residence permits for certain individuals, regardless of whether they had previously been granted the permit. The permanent residence permits would then be replaced with temporary permits. The proposal does not apply to people who obtained their permit through employment or who applied for citizenship within a specified time frame.
When will a decision on the proposal be made?
Before the Parliament can make a decision, the proposal must 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 could come into effect no earlier than 2026.
What does the new proposal to revoke residence permits mean?
The proposal concerns a change to permanent residence permits, meaning that the permit would no longer be lifelong but instead conditional. Examples of such conditions may include that the person holding the residence permit:
- must maintain a certain level of income.
- must not be convicted of certain crimes.
- must participate in society in an “established” way.
If these conditions are no longer met, the Swedish Migration Agency may in the future be granted the authority to review and revoke permanent residence permits. In such cases, the person could be deported, unless there are other protection grounds that make deportation impossible.
Why is it being proposed to allow the revocation of residence permits?
The reason behind the proposal is that people who have been granted permanent residence permits should no longer view the permit as a 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 have lived in Sweden for a long time with a permanent residence permit may in the future need to prove that they still meet the new conditions. 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, Caroline Nabavieh
