Immigration
Legal assistance with extending your residence permit
Do you need to extend your residence permit in Sweden? Our lawyers help you identify the applicable requirements, prepare the necessary documents and submit a clear and complete application to the Swedish Migration Agency.
- Response within one business day
- Experienced lawyers
- Online, wherever you are
When do you need to apply for an extension?
You need to apply for an extension if you have a temporary residence permit and want to remain in Sweden after it expires. The requirements depend on why your current permit was granted.
Your permit may, for example, be based on:
- a need for protection
- employment or self-employment
- studies
- family ties
- a visit or another specific ground.
You must apply before your current residence permit expires. How early you may apply depends on the type of permit you hold. The Swedish Migration Agency therefore provides a separate application period for each category.
Applying late may affect your right to remain and work in Sweden while your application is being processed. It may also affect your eligibility for certain benefits.
What requirements must you meet?
To receive an extended residence permit, you will normally need to show that the original basis for your permit still exists and that you meet the requirements that apply when the new application is assessed.
Depending on your permit, you may need to show that:
- your passport is valid
- your employment or family relationship continues
- you have made sufficient progress in your studies
- you meet an applicable maintenance requirement
- your need for protection remains.
The documents you need depend on your permit and personal circumstances. They may include passport copies, employment records, salary information, study certificates or documents concerning your family situation.
In some cases, you can apply for a permanent residence permit at the same time as you apply for an extension. You must then also meet the separate requirements for permanent residence.
If the Migration Agency requests more information or refuses your application
The Swedish Migration Agency may request additional information if something is missing or needs clarification. You should respond within the stated deadline and ensure that your response addresses the questions raised.
If your application is refused, the decision will explain why the requirements were not considered met. It will also state whether you may appeal and the deadline for doing so.
Your appeal should explain the outcome you are requesting, why the decision should be changed and what evidence supports your position.
How we can help you
We tailor our assistance to your current permit, personal circumstances and the stage your case has reached.
Assessment of your eligibility
We review your current permit and identify the requirements you need to meet to obtain an extension.
Application and supporting documents
We help prepare your application and check that the relevant information and documents are included.
Response to requests for additional information
We help you respond to the Swedish Migration Agency and explain circumstances that are relevant to its assessment.
Appeal after a refusal
If your application is refused, we review the decision and help prepare an appeal when there are grounds to proceed.
Prepare your application before your permit expires
Schedule a 15-minute meeting with a lawyer to review and discuss your situation.
If you need further assistance, we’ll explain your options, how we can assist you, and what it would cost. If you hire us for your case, the cost of the first 15 minutes will be deducted from your final bill.
Talk to a lawyer
15-minute legal consultation
A brief meeting for quick guidance. Get answers to your questions, understand your rights and options, and learn how to move forward.
Need more help? You can also schedule a longer meeting with a lawyer for assistance with a specific task or a more complex situation.
Concerned about the cost? In some cases, part of the cost may be covered by legal expenses insurance or legal aid. We also offer payment plans through Klarna. Learn more about costs and financing →
Get help from our lawyers
An incomplete or late application can have serious consequences. Speak to one of our lawyers if you are uncertain about the requirements, the documents you need or how to respond to the Swedish Migration Agency.
Wazima M. Aga
Lawyer
Wazima is deeply committed to protecting individual rights and practices immigration law, administrative law, social welfare law, family law, and contract law. She speaks Swedish, English, Persian, and Dari.
Florita Telhaj
Lawyer
Florita specializes in migration law, business law, contract law, and employment law. In addition to Swedish and English, Florita is also fluent in Albanian and Greek.
Matilda Selander Persson
Lawyer
Matilda primarily works with employment law, business law, contract law, family law, and migration law. She speaks Swedish and English.
Aja Wadii
Lawyer
Aja specializes in migration law, family law, and criminal law. In addition to Swedish and English, Aja also speaks Arabic.
Nadja Hatem
Lawyer
Nadja works within family law – mainly custody disputes and international child abduction cases. She has also worked in criminal law. She speaks Swedish, English, and Arabic.
Anuta Sjunghamn
Lawyer
Anuta works in migration law – primarily handling asylum cases. She also assists with family law disputes and criminal cases. Anuta speaks Swedish, English and Persian.
Adib Hosseini
Consulting lawyer
Adib specializes in migration law, business law, competition law, and EU regulations for businesses. He speaks English, Farsi, and Kurdish.
Rebwar Fakhry
Consulting lawyer
Rebwar Fakhry has particular expertise in asylum law, work permits, and family reunification matters. He speaks Swedish, English, Kurdish, and Persian.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about extend residence permit
This depends on the type of residence permit you hold. For many permits, the application opens a specified period before the expiry date. Check the applicable period and always submit your application before your permit expires.
If you apply before your current permit expires, you may remain in Sweden while the application is processed in many cases. Your right to work and your other rights during this period depend on your permit and the circumstances of your case.
In many cases, an application for permanent residence is made as part of an extension application. You must then meet both the requirements for a continued residence permit and the separate requirements for permanent residence.
The decision will state whether you may appeal and the applicable deadline. The appeal is submitted to the Swedish Migration Agency, which first considers whether to change its decision before sending the case to the Migration Court.
Let a lawyer contact you
Tell us briefly about your situation, and we’ll get back to you within one business day to schedule a video consultation.