As an asylum seeker in Sweden, you have the right to emergency healthcare, housing, and financial support if you need it.
Children under 18 get the same free healthcare, dental care, and education as other children in Sweden.
The Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) can provide accommodation, including special housing if you are in a vulnerable situation.
You may be allowed to work with an AT-UND, and you can drive in Sweden with a valid foreign driving licence. Children have extra protections and support throughout the asylum process.
While you wait for a decision, you can get help. You can see a doctor, have a place to live and get money if you need it.
Learn more about what type of help you are entitled to get.
medical & dental care rights
If you are under 18 and asking for asylum in Sweden, you can get the same healthcare and dental care as other children. It is usually free.
If you are 18 or older, you can get emergency care and dental care. You usually have to pay for dental care, but you can still get help even if you cannot pay right away. You can also get treatment if you might become very sick. The doctor decides this.
As an asylum seeker, you can also get care for pregnancy and birth, help with abortion, advice about birth control, and treatment for infectious diseases.
accommodation rights
While you wait for a decision, the Migration Agency will give you a place to stay. If you do not have money, they will pay for the accommodation.
If you need extra help, you can get housing that fits your situation. This can be if you are pregnant, sick, have a disability, have mental health problems, are LGBTQ+, are older, are a single parent, are under 18 and alone, or have been hurt or treated badly in the past.
If you need special accommodation, talk to the staff at the Migration Agency as soon as you can.
financial support rights
You should try to support yourself if you can.
If you do not have any money or income, you can ask the Migration Agency for financial help.
work rights
In order to be entitled to work during your time as an asylum seeker, you must have been issued an exemption from the obligation to have a work permit while you await a decision on your asylum application. This exemption document is called an AT-UND. The Migration Agency issues AT-UNDs.
child rights
Children have different rights than adults during the asylum process. In Sweden, anyone under 18 is a child. Some children come with their parents, and some come alone. Children who come alone need extra help.
All asylum-seeking children can go to preschool, school, or upper secondary school.
Children can also get healthcare and dental care just like other children in Sweden. Dental care is free, and medical care is often free for children under 18.
driving rights
If you are over 18 and have a driving licence from another country, you can drive a car in Sweden while you are an asylum seeker.
child rights
- The municipality must offer a school or preschool place quickly after arrival
- Schools assess your child’s previous knowledge to place them in the right class and provide support, such as:
- preparatory classes
- Swedish as a Second Language
- extra Swedish lessons
- native language support
- study guidance where needed
driving rights
- If you get a residence permit, you must change your licence to a Swedish one within one year. Sometimes you may need to learn the traffic rules and pass a test
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Rules regarding residence permits, work permits, and employment in Sweden may change and depend on individual circumstances. Always consult the Swedish Migration Agency or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your case.
↗ Read more about health and medical care for asylum seekers
↗ Learn about driving licences in Sweden
what documents do I get after applying for asylum?
You receive an LMA card, which proves you are an asylum seeker and gives access to healthcare and financial support.
do I get a lawyer and interpreter?
Yes. You usually receive a free public lawyer and always have the right to a free interpreter when dealing with authorities or healthcare.
can I see a doctor or get mental health support?
Yes. Adults can get emergency and necessary healthcare, maternity care, and treatment for infectious diseases. Children get healthcare and dental care like other children in Sweden. Mental health support is available for trauma, stress, and anxiety.
will I get housing?
Yes. The Migration Agency provides accommodation if you need it. You can also choose to live with friends or family (own accommodation).
can I get money while waiting?
Yes. If you cannot support yourself, you can receive a daily allowance from the Migration Agency.
can I work while waiting for a decision?
Yes, if you receive AT-UND (permission to work without a work permit).
can I learn swedish while waiting?
Often yes. Many municipalities and organisations offer Swedish courses and community activities.
can my children go to school?
Yes. All asylum-seeking children have the right to preschool and school soon after arrival.
can I drive with my foreign driving licence?
Yes. You can drive while you are an asylum seeker. If you later get a residence permit, you usually must exchange it within one year.
what if my asylum application is rejected?
You normally have the right to appeal the decision and stay in Sweden while the appeal is reviewed.