If you want to move to Sweden to live with a close relative, you need a residence permit.

Other rules apply if you or the close relative in Sweden are citizens of an EU/EEA country (other than Sweden). A close relative may for instance be a husband or wife or a child (a minor).

As of 20 July 2016, a temporary act will limit the possibility for close relatives of persons in need of protection with temporary residence permits to immigrate to Sweden. More detailed information about these regulations is available on the Swedish Migrations Agency website.

Swedish Migration Agency

Moreover, the general rule is that anyone living in Sweden should be able to support themselves and their family members who may be granted residence permits. The maintenance requirements will not apply, under certain conditions, to those who have been granted residence permits in Sweden as persons in need of protection. One important requirement is that close relatives must apply for residence permits within three months of the date on which the person in need of protection was granted a residence permit.

Applying

The easiest way to apply for a residence permit is to apply online. An online application goes directly to the Swedish Migration Board.

If you are unable to apply online, please ask your family members in Sweden to fill out the electronic application form, attach copies of documents and pay any application fee.

Swedish Migration Board web application

For those who submit a paper application to apply for a residence permit to move to a family member in Sweden - find more information here.