Family reunification
Last updated: 27/6-2024
You can read here about how your family can apply to be reunited with you in Sweden.
What is family reunification?
Family reunification means that a family which has been split up can apply for permission to live together in Sweden. The family may be allowed to move to the family member that has been granted a residence permit.
Who is eligible to apply for family reunification?
Your family can apply for residence permits in order to move to Sweden if you
- have been granted a permanent residence permit
- have been granted a temporary residence permit as a refugee or a beneficiary of subsidiary protection status, and you appear to have a good chance of being granted a long-term residence permit
- have been granted a temporary residence permit due to an impediment to enforcement, meaning that a decision on rejection or expulsion cannot be carried out, and you appear to have a good chance of being granted a long-term residence permit
- have been granted a temporary residence permit due to particularly distressing circumstances and you appear to have a good chance of being granted a long-term residence permit.
Only your immediate family may move to Sweden to live with you. This means your spouse, partner or cohabitant and your children under the age of 18.
You and your spouse, cohabitant or partner must both be over 21 years of age. If you have a temporary residence permit, you usually have to have been married or cohabiting previously. If you have a permanent residence permit, you can move in together or get married in Sweden.
You have to be able to support yourself and your family
In order for your family to be allowed to move to Sweden you need to show the Migration Agency that you earn enough money to support yourself and your family. This is known as a maintenance requirement. You also have to have a home that is adequate for your entire family.
The maintenance requirement does not apply if you have a residence permit as a refugee and your family members apply for their own residence permits within three months of the day on which you received a decision granting you a residence permit or refugee status.
Apply for family reunification with the Migration Agency
The Migration Agency recommends that you make the application on your family member’s behalf, on the Migration Agency’s website. For this you need a power of attorney filled in by the family member in question. Once the Migration Agency has registered the application it will ask you or your family to book an appointment for a visit to a Swedish embassy or Swedish consulate general.
If you or your family member is unable to apply on the Migration Agency’s website, the family member must apply via a Swedish embassy or a Swedish consulate general.
Words and terminology explained
Family reunification
Family reunification brings family members who have been separated by events such as war back together.
Livelihood
Your livelihood is the job or other source of income that allows you to pay for the things you need, such as food and somewhere to live.
Power of attorney
If you give someone power of attorney, it means that you give them permission to represent you. For example, you can give someone power of attorney to submit an application or appeal a decision on your behalf.