Permanent Residence in Sweden

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 15, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Once you live in Sweden for four years on a temporary permit, you may become a candidate for a Swedish permanent residence permit, which allows you to settle and work in Sweden indefinitely. In this article, we’ll walk you through all you must be aware of about how to get a Swedish permanent residence permit—from eligibility requirements and benefits to the application process and necessary documentation.

What is a Swedish permanent residence permit?

A Swedish permanent residence permit allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Sweden indefinitely. This type of permit is granted to those who have lived in Sweden for a specified period, usually through temporary residence permits issued for reasons such as work, study, family reunification, or asylum.

Unlike temporary permits, a permanent residence permit doesn’t have an expiration date. It simply remains valid as long as the holder resides in Sweden. However, there are some exceptions. If you commit a serious crime—unfortunately, a bit of a trend in Sweden—or spend too much time outside of Sweden, the permit could be revoked.

What are the benefits of a Swedish permanent residence permit?

First, a Swedish permanent residence permit grants the right to stay in Sweden without any time limitations. As long as you maintain your residency in Sweden, your permit stays valid. This can give you the freedom to settle down without any stress about your legal status.

You’ll also have the right to work in Sweden without needing to renew a work permit. On top of that, having a permanent residence permit means you can access social services like healthcare, education, and social security, just like a Swedish citizen. This is not trivial because Sweden has top-tier free universities and a top-rated social security and healthcare safety net.

Another bonus is that this permit can be a substantial step towards Swedish citizenship. You actually need to be a permanent resident in Sweden before you apply to become a citizen and call yourself svenska.

When can you apply for a Swedish permanent residence permit?

If you’re a non-EU citizen living in Sweden with a temporary residence permit, you can apply for a permanent residence permit after living for four years. There are plenty of permits that allow you to stack up these four years—it could be work, study, or family reasons.

Usually, people apply for a permanent residence permit when it’s time to renew the temporary one. To qualify, you must show that you have a stable income and that you’ve maintained a peaceful life during your stay in Sweden.

If you’re a non-EU–EEA family member of an EU–EEA citizen, you can apply for a permanent residence card after living in Sweden for five years with your EU–EEA family member. This card is proof of your permanent right to reside in Sweden.

What documents are required to apply for a Swedish permanent residence permit?

The documents you’ll need for a Swedish permanent residence permit depend on your situation and the type of permit you currently have. Generally, you’ll need photocopies of your passport showing your personal details, along with proof of income—like tax returns, employer certificates, or self-employment documents.

If you’re applying because of a family connection to an EU–EEA citizen, you’ll need proof that you’ve lived with them in Sweden for the required time and that they’ve met the necessary residence requirements.

Additionally, starting from July 2027, you will have to take a special test to prove your knowledge of the Swedish language and society. You may be exempt if you have special circumstances.

How to apply for permanent residency in Sweden?

You can submit your application online through the Swedish Migration Agency’s e-service or visit a Migration Agency office in person. After submitting your application, you’ll have to book an appointment with the Swedish Migration Agency to have your fingerprints and photo taken for your residence permit card. Once your application and documents are reviewed and approved, you’ll receive your permit.

For non-EU–EEA family members of EU–EEA citizens, the process involves applying for a permanent residence card. You’ll need to provide evidence that you’ve lived in Sweden with your EU–EEA family member for at least five years, and this can also be done through the Swedish Migration Agency, either online or in person. Once your application is processed and approved, you’ll receive the permanent residence card.

Can your family members get permanent residency?

Yes, your family members can also obtain permanent residency in Sweden.

If you’re a non-EU citizen living in Sweden with a permanent residence permit, your close family members, like a spouse, registered partner, or dependent children, can apply for residence permits to join you. After living in Sweden with a temporary residence permit for a certain period, they can then apply for permanent residency.

What are Swedish permanent residence permit fees?

Curiously, for non-EU citizens applying for a Swedish permanent residence permit, there’s no specific fee information detailed separately on the standard fees page. However, for those who are long-term residents in another EU country and are applying for a Swedish residence permit or long-term resident status in Sweden, the fees are as follows: SEK 1,500 for adults and SEK 750 for children under 18.

If you are applying specifically for long-term resident status in Sweden, the fees are slightly different. For this type of application, the cost is SEK 1,000 for adults and SEK 500 for children under 18.

If you're not from the EU and don't fit into one of these categories, contact the Swedish Migration Agency or your nearest Swedish consulate. They can tell you the latest fees for a Swedish residence permit.

What if your application is rejected?

If your application for a Swedish permanent residence permit is rejected, start by reading the decision letter carefully to understand why it was denied.

You can appeal the decision if you think it was wrong. To carry out this, send a written appeal to the Swedish Migration Agency within three weeks of receiving the rejection. Explain why you disagree with their decision and provide any additional information that could help your case. You better appeal quickly because you’ll have only three weeks before you have to leave the country. So this cancels out the “take your time and apply again” suggestion, which sounds sensible at first, but goes against what Sweden’s official site stipulates. You actually need to appeal quickly.

To make things simpler, handle the whole process with an immigration expert.

Talk to an immigration expert

If you're looking to make Sweden your long-term home, securing your permanent residence permit doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right assistance, the process can be stress-free, especially if you have a good plan. One of the best and easiest ways to start adding up years towards a permanent residency is with a job.

Check out our job board for employment opportunities with relocation assistance. Additionally, we can connect you with trusted immigration and relocation experts who will guide you through the steps to becoming a permanent resident in Sweden.

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