If your child lives outside Sweden and you want them to move here to live with you, they may need a residence permit. The rules depend on your status in Sweden, your child's circumstances and your family situation.
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)
To apply for this type of residence permit, a few important things must be true.
rule 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.
rule 2
the child must be under 18
Your child must:
- be under 18 years old
- be unmarried
rule 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 known as the maintenance requirement.
Some people may be exempt, depending on their residence status.
⬢ Learn more about Sweden's maintenance requirement
To meet the maintenance requirement, the parent living in Sweden usually needs to show that they:
- have suitable housing for themselves and the child
- have enough income to support the household after housing costs
The amount you need depends on the size of your household and the age of the child.
In 2026, after paying housing costs, the parent must generally have at least:
- SEK 6,243 per month for a single adult
- SEK 3,336 per month for each child aged 0–6
- SEK 4,004 per month for each child aged 7–10
- SEK 4,672 per month for each child aged 11–14
- SEK 5,339 per month for each child aged 15 or older
The amounts for children are reduced by any child allowance and large-family supplement you receive. These are amounts that must be left after tax and housing costs, rather than the salary you need to earn.
1
proof of housing
The parent must show that they have suitable housing for at least one year into the future.
The home must be large enough for everyone who will live there. There is no specific square-metre requirement, but the rooms must be intended for accommodation. Two children can share a bedroom.
What you need to provide depends on your housing situation.
if you rent your home
You may need to provide:
- a rental contract
- documents showing your housing costs
The documents should show details such as:
- monthly rent
- number of rooms
- rental period
if you sublet your home
The sublet must be approved by the landlord, tenant-owner association or rental board. You should provide documentation showing that the subletting is authorised.
if you own your home
You may need to provide documents showing ownership and your housing costs, such as:
- ownership or purchase documents
- housing association fees, if applicable
- mortgage interest
- necessary operating costs, depending on the type of home
The exact housing costs considered can vary depending on whether you own a flat or a house.
2
proof of income
You must also show that you have regular income sufficient to support yourself, your household and the child.
Income that can count includes:
- salary or wages
- income from your own business
- certain benefits, such as unemployment or sickness benefits
- income-based old-age pension
In some circumstances, sufficient taxable assets can also meet the financial part of the requirement.
The documents you provide depend on your situation.
if you are employed
You may need to provide:
- your employment contract
- recent payslips
- other documents showing your current income
if you are self-employed
You may need to provide documents showing your business income, such as:
- tax returns
- tax statements
- other financial records
if you receive pension or benefits
Provide the relevant official decision or payment documentation showing:
- the type of compensation
- the amount
- the period for which it is paid
exemptions
- Because the rules depend on your particular situation, check the current Migrationsverket guidance before applying
Processing times vary depending on the circumstances of the case, the documents provided and where the child is applying from. An application may also take longer if Migrationsverket needs additional information.
Check Migrationsverket's current processing-time information before making travel plans.
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
↗︎ Migrationsverket (the Swedish Migration Agency)
↗︎ Residence permit for a child to move to a parent in Sweden
↗︎ The maintenance requirement
↗︎ Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency)
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.