Obtain a permanent residence as a dependent in Sweden 2025
If you’re living in Sweden as a dependent—whether as a spouse, partner, or child—understanding the rules for obtaining permanent residence is essential for planning your future. This article explains the latest 2025 requirements for dependents applying for permanent residence in Sweden, including eligibility, timelines, and common mistakes to avoid.
👨👩👧 Who Is Considered a Dependent?
In Sweden, a dependent typically refers to:
- A spouse or registered partner of someone legally residing in Sweden
- A cohabiting partner (sambo)
- Children under 18 of someone legally residing in Sweden
- In some cases, adult children or parents, if there are exceptional dependency needs
📅 How Long Must You Live in Sweden?
To qualify for permanent residence as a dependent:
- You must have legally resided in Sweden for at least 3 continuous years.
- You must have held a residence permit for family reunification during this time.
- Time spent outside Sweden for long periods may not count toward these 3 years.
🔹 Note: If you came as the partner of someone with a temporary permit, the 3-year countdown only begins when your partner receives a permanent or long-term residence permit.
✅ Eligibility Requirements (2025)
To be granted permanent residence as a dependent in Sweden, you must meet all of the following:
1. Minimum Residence Period
- At least 3 years of legal stay in Sweden on a family reunification permit.
2. Self-Sufficiency Requirement
- From 2021 onward, many applicants (especially adults) must show the ability to support themselves financially through work, own business, or sufficient income.
🔸 Exception: Children under 18 are not required to meet the self-sufficiency rule.
3. Swedish Language Skills (2025 Requirement)
- As of 2025 The Swedish government are going to include Language skill and civic knowledge. But still its not yet finalise. To fulfill the requirement, most adult applicants for permanent residence must:
- Show basic Swedish language skills (A2 level or higher)
- This may be proven through:
- Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) course results
- Passing a government-approved test
4. Civic Knowledge (New 2025 Rule)
- Applicants must show basic knowledge of Swedish society, including laws, values, and culture.
- This is usually tested via a civics exam, required for most adults.
📑 Required Documents
When applying for permanent residence, you’ll typically need:
- Valid passport
- Proof of 3 years of legal residence in Sweden
- Marriage certificate or proof of partnership
- Proof of cohabitation (for sambo relationships)
- Documents showing financial self-sufficiency
- Language & civic knowledge certificates (if required)
- Children’s birth certificates (if applying for minors)
💡 Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Keep records of your residence status, address, employment, and SFI attendance
- Avoid long absences from Sweden during your 3-year period
- Start learning Swedish early—language skills are now a key requirement
- Renew your temporary residence permit on time to avoid legal gaps
- Consult Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency) for your specific case
🚫 Common Reasons for Rejection
- Insufficient time spent in Sweden
- Gaps in residence permit (expired or not renewed)
- Not meeting income/self-sufficiency requirements
- Lack of language or civic knowledge (starting in 2025)
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
📍 Where to Apply
All applications for permanent residence must be submitted to the:
Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket)
Website: https://www.migrationsverket.se📝 Final Thoughts
Getting permanent residence as a dependent in Sweden can open the door to long-term security, freedom to work, and eventually Swedish citizenship.
While the 2025 rules are more structured, they also provide a clear path—especially if you plan ahead. Focus on learning the language, maintaining legal status, and showing your ability to contribute to Swedish society.
Need help with your application?
contact our team—we’re here to help guide you through the process.