If you are not a Swedish citizen, and you live in Sweden while your child lives in another country, they will usually need a residence permit to move here and live with you.
In most cases:
- a parent or legal guardian applies for the child
- the child must be under 18 and unmarried
- the parent in Sweden must have citizenship or a residence permit
- the parent usually needs to show they can support the child and provide housing
You will also need to send documents, choose an embassy for an interview, and wait for a decision.
Moving to a new country is a major life transition, but navigating the administrative path to reunite with your children can feel even more daunting.
Whether you are currently living in Sweden or in the process of moving here, Migrationsverket (the Swedish Migration Agency) has specific requirements to ensure that families can be together safely and legally. This guide is designed to take the guesswork out of the process, breaking down the essential rules, documents, and timelines so you can focus on the most important part: bringing your family together.
In many cases, yes.
If you live in Sweden and your child lives in another country, they can apply for a residence permit to live with you.
This usually applies if the parent in Sweden has:
- Swedish citizenship
- a permanent residence permit
- permanent right of residence
- a temporary residence permit (for example protection or family ties)
basic rules for the application
To apply for this type of residence permit, a few important things must be true.
1
an adult must apply for the child
The application must be made by:
- a parent, or
- another legal guardian
This person must have the legal right to represent the child in the child’s home country.
2
the child must be under 18
Your child must:
- be under 18 years old
- be unmarried
3
the parent in Sweden must have legal status
The parent living in Sweden must have one of the following:
- Swedish citizenship
- Permanent residence permit
- Permanent residence card
- Permanent right of residence
- Temporary residence permit (for example protection or family ties)
In most cases, the parent in Sweden must show they can:
- support themselves and the child financially
- provide a home big enough for both of them
This rule is called the maintenance requirement.
Some people may be exempt, depending on their residence status.
⬢ Learn more about Sweden's maintenance requirement
The parent living in Sweden usually needs to show 2 things:
- Housing
- Income
1
proof of housing
The parent must show they have a home suitable for the child.
What you need depends on your housing situation.
if you rent your home
You need:
- a rental contract
- your latest rent notice
The contract should show:
- monthly rent
- number of rooms
- landlord’s name
- rental period
if you sublet your home
You must also show that the subletting is approved by the landlord or housing association.
if you own your home
You need to provide:
- a purchase contract or ownership document
- documents showing housing costs
For example:
- electricity bills
- heating costs
- housing association fees
2
proof of income
The parent must also show they have regular income.
The documents depend on the situation.
if you are employed
You usually need:
- your employment contract
- your latest payslip
if you are self-employed
You may need:
- tax returns
- tax statements
- tax account documents
if you receive pension or benefits
You must provide the official decision document showing:
- the type of compensation
- the amount
- the time period
Every case is different, but the process and timeline often looks something like this:
week 1
Application is submitted online to the Swedish Migration Agency.
weeks 2–6
The parent in Sweden is asked to complete a questionnaire and send supporting documents (income, housing, family details).
weeks 6–16
The child attends an interview at a Swedish embassy or consulate and provides passport and documents.
weeks 16–36
The Migration Agency reviews the case and may request additional information if needed.
weeks 20–40
A decision is made and the family is informed. If approved, the child receives a residence permit card to travel to Sweden.
Processing times vary depending on the country, embassy availability, and how complete the application is when submitted. Sending clear documents early can help avoid delays.
Many applications are delayed because of small mistakes.
Here are some common ones to watch out for.
missing documents
Always check that all required documents are included.
unclear copies
Make sure your document copies are clear and easy to read.
missing translations
Documents that are not in Swedish or English must be translated.
passport validity issues
A residence permit cannot be longer than the passport validity.
In some cases, parents can move to Sweden to live with their children.
This may apply when:
- the parent depends heavily on the child for care or support
- the family relationship is especially strong
These cases are reviewed carefully and depend on the specific situation.
- Age and status rule: To be eligible, your child must be under 18 years old and unmarried
- The Maintenance Requirement: In most cases, you (the parent in Sweden) must prove you can support the child financially and provide adequate housing
- Guardianship: The application must be submitted by a legal guardian (parent or other legal representative) who has the right to act on the child’s behalf in their home country
- Passport: A residence permit can never be granted for longer than the passport’s validity. If the passport expires soon, renew it before applying
- Translation: Any document provided in a language other than Swedish or English must be translated by a certified translator
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.
- Before you even start the online application, check your child’s passport expiration date. Renewing it early can save you months of delays
- If you rent, ensure your contract clearly states the number of rooms and the landlord's contact info. If you sublet, get written approval from your landlord or housing association immediately
- Have your latest pay slips and employment contract organized in a digital folder before you submit. If you are self-employed, have your recent tax documents ready to go
- Check which specific Swedish embassy or consulate is responsible for your child’s country early in the process
- The most common cause for delay is missing information. Take the time to double-check that every document requested is legible, scanned clearly, and fully included in your initial submission
does my child always need a residence permit?
In most cases, yes, if the child is from a country outside the EU/EEA.
does my child need an interview?
Usually yes. The child normally visits a Swedish embassy or consulate.
can my child get a permit longer than their passport?
No. The residence permit cannot be longer than the passport validity.
what happens after we apply?
Migrationsverket will:
- review the documents
- ask the parent in Sweden to provide information about housing and income
- schedule the child’s embassy appointment
- make a decision
can some parents be exempt from the support rule?
Yes. In certain cases, the maintenance requirement may not apply, depending on the parent’s residence status.