Information for EU/EEA family members

The following definition of a family member can be found in the Directive:

• spouses,
• registered partners,
• common law spouses,
• direct descendants who are under the age of 21 or are dependents, and those of the spouse or partner,
• dependent direct relatives in the ascending line, and those of the spouse or partner.

Please note that a Union citizen in this sense is an EU/EES citizen who moved to or reside in a Member State other than that of which they are a national.

Basic facts

You can apply for a short-stay Schengen visa (type C) which will permit you to enter and stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days. Applications for Schengen visas for this purpose is free of charge; service fees may be applicable if the application is handed in at VFS.

In the event that you wish to remain in the Schengen area for more than 90 days as a family member of an EU/EEA citizen exercising their free movement rights, you must apply for a Residence Card in the Member State. Information about how to apply is available on the Family of EU/EEA citizens who want to apply for a residence card – Swedish Migration Agency

Required documents:

• application form. Can be found here: Visit Sweden for less than 90 days – apply for a visa - Swedish Migration Agency (migrationsverket.se),
• passport or travel document. Make sure that the passport has at least two blank pages,
• proof of relation, e.g. marriage certificate or birth certificate,
• copy of the EU / EEA citizen’s passport or national identity card,
• documents showing that the EU/EES citizen meets the criteria for being entitled to a residence permit in a Member State other than that of which he/she is a citizen. These documents could, depending on the situation, be proof of accommodation, work contract and pay slips, study certificate or documents showing that the family member has sufficient income or bank assets to support themselves,
• if the applicant is a dependent family member, he/she must also submit documents showing their dependence.

 It is generally not necessary to submit any other documentation, although the Embassy strongly recommends that you always travel with a valid travel insurance.

Checklist family members.docx

More information

Directive 2004/38/EC
EUR-Lex - 32004L0038 - EN - EUR-Lex (europa.eu)