Sweden’s Parliament has approved a new set of rules that will make it more difficult for some residence permit holders to bring family members to the country.
The Riksdag voted in favour of the government’s proposal on 13 August 2026. The legislation is intended to bring Sweden’s family immigration rules closer to the minimum standards permitted under European Union law.
Most of the changes will take effect on 1 October 2026, although transitional arrangements will apply in some cases.
Two-Year Waiting Period for Some Sponsors
One of the most important changes concerns people living in Sweden with temporary residence permits.
Under the new rules, the main requirement will be that a person with a temporary permit must have lived in Sweden with a valid residence permit for at least two years before a family member can be granted residence on the basis of their relationship.
The waiting period will not apply in exactly the same way to everyone. Swedish citizens, citizens of other Nordic countries, permanent residence permit holders and temporary residence permit holders will be covered by different sponsorship rules.
The legislation also allows limited exceptions in certain cases, including situations involving refugees and unaccompanied minors. Each application will continue to be assessed according to the applicant’s individual circumstances.
Stronger Maintenance Requirements
The reform will also expand Sweden’s maintenance requirement for family immigration.
A sponsor may be required to show that they have sufficient income and suitable accommodation before a family member can receive a residence permit. The requirement will apply in a wider range of cases than before.
Importantly, the financial test will not be limited to the first application. Authorities will also be able to check whether the maintenance conditions are still being met when a family member applies to extend a temporary residence permit.
This means families may need to provide updated information about their income, employment and accommodation during the renewal process. Applicants should therefore keep relevant employment, housing and financial documents available.
Separate Rules for Different Categories of Sponsors
The reform introduces clearer distinctions between different types of sponsors. A Swedish or Nordic citizen will not necessarily face the same conditions as someone holding a permanent or temporary residence permit. The applicant’s relationship to the sponsor, the sponsor’s legal status and the type of permit involved may all affect the outcome.
The changes make it particularly important for families to check which rules apply to their circumstances instead of relying on general information about family reunification.
Protection for Some Young Adults
The legislation also addresses cases involving young people who originally received residence permits as children through family ties but turned 18 before their status could be extended.
Under the new provisions, a person who is older than 18 but under the age of 21 may still be able to receive a residence permit in certain extension cases. This measure is designed to prevent some young adults from automatically losing their opportunity to remain solely because they reached adulthood during the permit process.
The provision is not a general residence pathway for everyone under 21. It applies to specific individuals who previously held a permit based on family ties as a child.
Temporary Option to Apply From Within Sweden
Certain family members will temporarily receive broader opportunities to submit an application from inside Sweden.
This provision may help some applicants who would otherwise be expected to leave the country and apply from abroad. In related cases, authorities may also be able to pause the enforcement of an existing removal decision while the person’s situation is considered.
These temporary arrangements will remain in place until 1 January 2028. After that date, the expanded in-country application opportunities and the related enforcement provisions are scheduled to end.
What Families Should Do Before October
People planning to apply for a residence permit through family ties should review the new conditions carefully. Those already holding temporary permits should also check how the maintenance rules could affect future extension applications.
The date of application, the sponsor’s immigration status, the length of lawful residence in Sweden and any transitional provisions could influence which rules apply.
The parliamentary decision confirms that the reform has been approved and is no longer simply a government proposal. However, the result of an individual application will still depend on the applicant’s circumstances and the assessment carried out by the Swedish Migration Agency.
The amendments will generally enter into force on 1 October 2026. Families who may be affected should consult the official decision published by the Swedish Parliament and seek professional guidance where necessary.