The new law, called "Stricter requirements for family immigration" (Skärpta villkor för anhöriginvandring in Swedish), puts stringent new requirements on those wanting to bring non-Swedish relatives to live with them in Sweden.
We go over the basics in this explainer article. In brief, the biggest changes are: a new two-year waiting period before certain categories of permit holders can bring relatives to Sweden; an increase, by 30 percent, in the maintenance amount required when applying for relatives to live together in Sweden; and the application of the maintenance requirement to many more cases, including permit extensions/renewals.
To find out more details, you can read our full interview with Ann-Kari Olsson of the Swedish Migration Agency below. Or you can jump straight to one of these key questions:
Who is exempt from the two-year residence waiting requirement?
What counts towards the maintenance requirement?
Are there any exemptions to the maintenance requirement?
Will the family of researchers and doctoral students be affected by the new maintenance requirement?
What changes in this law for the relatives of Swedish and Nordic citizens?
What changes in this law for the relatives of permanent residents?
What changes in this law for the relatives of third-country nationals?
What changes in this law for the relatives of those with EU long-term resident status?
Q&A with Ann-Kari Olsson of the Swedish Migration Agency
The Local: Which groups are affected by this new law?
Ann-Kari Olsson: It applies to everyone—that is, anyone applying for a residence permit based on family ties. So, everyone is covered in one way or another. Of course, it depends somewhat on the grounds for the application, and also on the residence status held by the person with whom the applicant has the family tie.
So what are the major changes and to to whom do they apply?
Ann-Kari Olsson: [They apply to] anyone living in Sweden. After all, it affects everyone in one way or another. But this new legislation—it is designed to feature, you could say, situation-specific rules. In other words, different rules apply to different individuals depending on what the applicant is applying for: which connection to the person already in Sweden (the anknytningsperson) the person applying has (e g. spouse, child), and the specific residence permit or status held by the person already in Sweden. It is quite complex. Furthermore, the aim of this legislative amendment has been to align Swedish law with the EU minimum standards.
As for the major changes, they concern who can serve as the reference person (anknytningsperson) and the level of financial support required. That is, the requirements for reference persons.
The income requirement has been raised, applies in several new situations, and will be enforced for both new applications and extension applications.
There is also a new requirement regarding the duration of stay in Sweden—specifically, a requirement to have resided in the country for two years. Furthermore, the burden of proof regarding biological kinship is being tightened.
This may lead to us offering DNA testing in more cases. It might be a situation where a family relationship exists but is difficult to prove; we may suspect the relationship is genuine but require evidence. In such instances, we can offer DNA testing to verify it. That option existed previously, but its scope has been expanded.
How has it been expanded?
Ann-Kari Olsson: The requirement clarifies that a DNA analysis must be offered if a biological relationship cannot be demonstrated. And that applies in certain cases. Under current rules, DNA analysis is to be offered if the other evidence regarding the relationship is insufficient. The amendment entails a tightening of the rules compared to the current situation—meaning we can require it in more cases where the relationship needs to be clarified.
It essentially places greater emphasis on this, and we can use it in more cases to verify that a relationship actually exists.
It effectively tightens the requirement to actually prove a biological relationship. And if that cannot be shown in any other way—well, then we use DNA.
Which types of relatives are eligible to apply?
Ann-Kari Olsson: The same rules as before apply. It needs to involve a close relationship. A spouse, registered partner, or cohabiting partner. Then there are relationships that must have been established in the home country—such as children and the parents of children.
It can also apply to other close relatives if the relationship existed previously; however, there must have been a relationship of dependency—meaning the parties had already lived together in the home country. So, it is linked to that. It relies heavily on the existing relationship and where that relationship was established. A great deal depends on that prior history – a preexisting dependency.
What are the changes to the maintenance requirements (försörjningskrav)?
Ann-Kari Olsson: The level of the requirement is being raised. It is increasing, and it will apply in more situations. Also, the person in Sweden with whom the applicant is reuniting (anknytningsperson) will, in more cases, need to demonstrate that they can support themselves and their family and have a home that is sufficiently large.
Of course, there are exceptions to the maintenance requirement as well—for instance, for children born in Sweden and certain family members of Swedish citizens. There may also be specific exceptions for family members of refugees.
Since these are exceptions, I won't go into too much detail about them.
The maintenance requirement is being raised by 30 percent. And the requirement will now apply both to initial applications and applications to have a permit extended.
So the the level is heightened by thirty percent. What applies when the permit is extended? Is it the same requirement as on the initial application?
Ann-Kari Olsson: Yes.
If I understand correctly, the amount of försörjningskrav (maintenence requirement) is decided based on individual cases, right? So that's why the increase is just a percentage: because the specific amount is based on the cost of living in your area and so on?
Ann-Kari Olsson: Exactly.
Where can people find those those calculations so that they know what applies to their situation?
Ann-Kari Olsson: This involves an individual assessment. However, we are in the process of publishing information on our website. The relevant information will be posted there—in fact, it’s going up tomorrow (October 1st, 2026).
You’ll need to navigate the site a bit depending on the type of permit you’re applying for, but all the necessary information will be available there. Of course, questions will always arise.
What counts towards the maintenance requirement? Do savings, for example, count?
Ann-Kari Olsson: Regarding what counts as income—a question that often comes up—it includes wages from employment and income from business activities. You can also include income derived from assets.
This refers to having money—savings—but only if it can be used to provide for long-term support. It must be a sufficient amount to cover ongoing expenses over an extended period.
It requires an assessment. People often ask, "I have my own money; is that enough?" It depends on the amount and a forward-looking analysis: how long will these funds last? However, income from unemployment benefits, activity support, or subsidized employment does not count.
However, sickness benefits and parental benefits can be included. They can be counted when the payments are temporary, provided that you also hold an ongoing employment position.
This applies particularly to extension cases.
So the level of försörjningskrav (maintenance requirement) will be heightened and it will apply in more situations. Can you give me a bit more information about that? What are the additional situations to which it will apply?
Ann-Kari Olsson: In addition to applying to permit extensions, which is new, the maintenance requirements will now also apply for those seeking a residence permit based on a relationship with someone in higher education—specifically, someone pursuing a doctorate or conducting research.
A maintenance requirement is being introduced there as well; this applies to both initial applications and extensions.
Comprehensive health insurance is also being introduced for permits valid for a maximum of one year; in such cases, insurance coverage is mandatory.
Are there any categories of ‘reference persons’ (anknytningsperson) who are exempt from the maintenance requirements?
Ann-Kari Olsson: There are certain "special reasons" for being exempted from the maintenance requirement. For instance, this might apply to older individuals who have left the workforce, or people with a permanent disability.
Special reasons may also exist when the person with whom the applicant is reuniting is a refugee—specifically, if, due to particular circumstances, it appears objectively excusable not to deny family reunification, even though the maintenance requirement might not be met.
And since these are "special reasons," exemptions apply only in certain cases. And then, as I mentioned earlier, there can also be children born in Sweden; an exemption applies there as well.
So if the person in Sweden (anknytningsperson) is a child or is a child who was born in Sweden?
Ann-Kari Olsson: Yes, children born in Sweden and certain family members of Swedish citizens. So, as I said, there are also exemptions in certain cases for family members of refugees.
So are Swedish citizens or Nordic citizens exempt from these new maintenance requirements?
Ann-Kari Olsson: No. They are not exempt.
Who is exempt from the requirement of two years residence in Sweden?
Ann-Kari Olsson: Exempt from this are Swedish citizens, holders of work permits, researchers and doctoral students, holders of EU Blue Cards and ICT permits, and unaccompanied minors and their parents.
So does that mean a parent wanting to bring their child over would not have to wait two years?
Ann-Kari Olsson: That’s right.
Okay. And what counts as what counts as a child?
Ann-Kari Olsson: Well, it involves a child, and there is also the requirement that the parties have previously lived together. The parent moved. That is a factor that needs to be explained as well.
The requirement that the child must be unmarried has been removed. Instead, the rules are linked to child custody; custody is the deciding factor.
For instance, consider a child applying for a residence permit based on a connection to a parent or to a "reference person" who has come to Sweden based on a relationship with another individual.
That person's child can apply for a permit based on the connection to the reference person or to the person who has already been granted a permit based on that connection. This applies both to one's own children and to the reference person's children—specifically, the children of the person applying for a residence permit to come to Sweden.
And the criterion now used is custody; it is custody that determines who has legal responsibility for the child.
Are Nordic citizens exempt from the two-year waiting requirement?
Ann-Kari Olsson: No, just Swedish citizens.
Are people with permanent residency exempt from the two-year waiting requirement
Ann-Kari Olsson: Yes, EU permanent residents are exempt, but not third-county nationals with permanent residency.
What changes in this law for the relatives of Swedish and Nordic citizens?
Ann-Kari Olsson: The main change affecting a person applying for a residence permit based on a relationship with a Swedish or Nordic citizen is that previously, such family members of Swedish citizens had a right to a residence permit. There were limited grounds for refusing these family members a permit.
Now, however, the rule is shifting to one where family members of Swedish citizens may be granted a permit. The difference lies in the greater scope for discretion this allows; this means the Swedish Migration Agency will be able to deny residence permits to these family members more frequently than before—for instance, due to issues regarding conduct or a criminal record. Furthermore, this specific category—family members of Swedish or Nordic citizens—is also affected by the stricter maintenance requirement.
What changes in this law for the relatives of permanent residents?
Ann-Kari Olsson: For those applying for a residence permit based on a relationship with a person holding a permanent right of residence, they too previously had a right to a permit, with limited grounds for refusal. Now, the rule is changing to one where they may be granted a permit, again allowing for greater discretion in assessment.
This will mean that the Swedish Migration Agency may deny residence permits to a greater extent than before—again, for reasons such as conduct. This category is also affected by these stricter self-sufficiency requirements.
However, some of these applicants may also be covered by EU rules on free movement within the Union. In that respect, the Swedish rules remain unchanged, meaning that EU law still applies.
What changes in this law for the relatives of third-country nationals?
Ann-Kari Olsson: A third-country national who holds either a permanent or a temporary residence permit are affected by several legislative changes.
A two-year waiting period is being introduced, the maintenance requirement is being raised, and it applies to extension cases as well. For those with a time-limited residence permit, these changes may make it harder to meet the requirement of having a well-founded prospect of being granted permanent residence.
This represents a further tightening of rules for this group compared to those with a connection to a Swedish or Nordic citizen.
What changes in this law for the relatives of those with EU long-term resident status?
Ann-Kari Olsson: A maintenance requirement is also being introduced for those applying based on a connection to a long-term resident. Exceptions can be made if there are special reasons.
The circle of family members—who qualifies as a family member—is being restricted. Furthermore, to be granted a permit, a requirement is being introduced stating that the family connection must have been formed in the first member state. And then, the age limit for accompanying children—currently 21—will be lowered to 18.
If these individuals cannot obtain a residence permit under the special rules applicable to family members of persons with long-term resident status in another EU state, an assessment of the possibilities for obtaining a residence permit under the standard rules may be considered. In that case, the matter can be examined under the standard rules regarding family ties. So there are two approaches here. We can look at the EU legislation first, and then consider the family ties aspect.
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Where can people go to find out if they are eligible for one of the exemptions which are mentioned at various points?
Ann-Kari Olsson: We want to be as clear as possible on our website about the applicable rules. The information we provide is what’s on our website, and we really try to tailor it to the various questions that might arise. We also have an FAQ section that is updated regularly.
We always try to be as clear as possible and make use of a click-through format—so that I, as an applicant, can click my way to the information I need. But we also have a customer service line you can call with questions; that option is available, too.
That said, every case is unique. When we process cases, the caseworker stays in touch with the applicant throughout the process to request any relevant information needed. Naturally, the requirements for submitting a complete application should be clear from the start, but if something is missing, we ask for additional information. It is important to be attentive to what is being requested and to submit it to us so that we can continue processing the case.
We are working extremely hard right now to update our external website. We want to make things as clear as possible—not just for those applying for permits, but also for family members—the people who will serve as the "reference person" or anchor—so they know the rules if someone wants to move to join them. It’s also a matter of updating all our procedures and handbooks.
So, it’s a work in progress. And things are becoming clearer and clearer as time goes on. We’re at a certain stage right now with this law where we’ve had very little time and are still working out all the details, but there are transitional rules in place as well. We’ve also conducted extensive training for our staff to ensure we can handle this process effectively.
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