“Family” usually means partners, kids, parents, or close relatives who depend on the EU/EEA person.
If you’re also from the EU/EEA, moving is generally simple. Not from the EU/EEA? Staying more than 3 months means you’ll need a residence card.
The residence card lets you live and work in Sweden.
You’re good as long as your family member is legally living in Sweden (working, studying, running a business, or supporting themselves).
If you want to move to live with a family member who is an EU/EEA citizen, the process is usually quite straightforward.
It mainly comes down to whether or not you are considered close family, and whether or not your EU/EEA family member support themselves (and you) in Sweden.
Let's take a closer look.
If you want to move to Sweden to live with a family member who is an EU/EEA citizen, the process is usually quite straightforward.
It mainly comes down to two things:
- Are you considered close family?
- Can your EU/EEA family member support themselves (and you) in Sweden?
applying for a residence card — what you need
If you’re staying in Sweden for more than three months, you’ll need to apply for a residence card.
basic requirements
You’ll need:
- a valid passport
- proof of your relationship
- proof that your family member in Sweden meets right-of-residence rules (working, studying, running a business, or financially self-sufficient)
before you apply — important
- All documents must be in Swedish or English.
- If not, get them officially translated.
- Submit copies of both the original and the certified translation.
- Make sure all copies are clear and readable.
Getting this right from the start avoids delays.
proving your family member’s right of residence
Sweden needs proof that your EU/EEA family member can legally live in Sweden and financially support themselves (and you, if relevant).
What documents you provide depends on their situation, and there are a lot of ways this can be broken down. To simplify things, we’ve created a cheatsheet to help you on your way. Varsågod!
1
basic requirements (everyone)
☐ Valid passport (copy)
☐ Copy of your EU/EEA family member’s passport
☐ Proof of your relationship
☐ Proof your family member meets right-of-residence requirements
☐ Statement of how long you plan to live in Sweden
2
proof of relationship
married:
☐ Marriage certificate
cohabiting:
☐ Documents showing shared address or housing contract
you have children under 21:
☐ Passport copies
☐ Birth certificates (showing parents’ names)
you have children over 21:
☐ Proof of financial dependency
other dependent relatives:
☐ Documentation showing financial or personal dependency
3
if someone is applying for you
☐ Signed power of attorney included
4
document preparation (do not skip)
☐ All documents are in Swedish or English
☐ If not, certified translations are attached
☐ Both original copies and translations are included
☐ All copies are clear and readable
5
proof your family member can live in sweden
Choose the section that matches their situation:
employed:
☐ Employer certificate
☐ Pay-slips from the last 3 months
student:
☐ Confirmation of admission and active studies
☐ Proof of sufficient funds
☐ Health insurance (if not yet registered in Sweden)
self-employed/business owner:
☐ F-tax certificate
☐ Business registration certificate
☐ VAT report (if applicable)
☐ Tax account statement (last 3 months)
☐ Proof business is active (invoices, contracts, lease, etc.)
☐ Latest annual report
☐ Transfer agreement (if business was recently purchased)
retired or living on savings:
☐ Proof of housing (rental contract or ownership)
☐ Details of monthly housing costs
☐ Pension documents (if applicable)
☐ Bank statements or proof of income (dividends, etc.)
☐ Social security certificate or private health insurance
working or studying in another country but living here:
☐ Proof of housing in Sweden + monthly costs
☐ Employment proof + last 3 payslips (if working)
☐ Proof of other income (if applicable)
☐ Proof of commuting costs
☐ Social security certificate or private health insurance
6
final check before submitting
☐ All required documents included
☐ Copies are clear and complete
☐ Translations attached (if needed)
☐ Only documents relevant to your situation included
Once everything is checked off, you’re ready to submit.
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.
- Getting organised first makes the process much smoother — and avoids unnecessary delays
- See our useful links section within this article to learn what countries require an entry visa
do I need a visa?
If you’re not from the EU/EEA, you might need one before traveling to Sweden. Everyone — even kids — must apply separately at a Swedish embassy or consulate.
how long is the residence card valid?
Up to 5 years. Apply for a new one before it expires. After 5 years in Sweden, you can usually get permanent residence.
my family member is swedish — does that count as EU/EEA?
Usually no. But it can count if they recently lived in another EU/EEA country (or Switzerland) for at least 3 months and you lived there together before moving to Sweden.
If not, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit instead.
does it cost anything to apply?
Nope — it’s free.
how long will it take?
It varies, but most people get a decision within about 6 months.
can I work when I arrive?
Yes. If your family member qualifies to live in Sweden, you can start working or studying right away.