Family reunification in Sweden is not only for partners.

You may be able to apply if you want to live with:

• your child in Sweden
• your parent in Sweden
• a parent if you are under 18
• another close family member in special cases

Each situation has slightly different rules, but the main idea is simple: Sweden allows families to live together whenever possible.

children joining a parent 

This is one of the most common family applications.

Children under 18 can often receive a residence permit to live with:

• a parent who lives in Sweden
• a parent who has citizenship or a residence permit

Important things the Migration Agency checks:

• proof of the parent-child relationship
• custody arrangements
• whether the move is in the child’s best interests

Children who move to Sweden can attend school and access healthcare like other children living here.

parents joining children 

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.

other close family members

Sometimes other relatives may qualify for family reunification.

For example:

• adult children joining parents in special situations
• relatives who depend on a family member living in Sweden

These cases usually require showing strong family ties and dependency.

Families from around the world choose Sweden for good reasons, for example:

• strong family policies
• excellent education system
• accessible healthcare
• a safe and stable society
• welcoming communities

For children especially, Sweden offers a safe environment with strong support for education and development.

In many family applications, the person in Sweden must meet the maintenance requirement.

This means they must show they can:

1. support themselves and the family financially
2. provide suitable housing

The exact requirements depend on the family situation.

In some cases — especially for children joining parents — the rule may not apply.

Read more about the maintenance requirement here.

Most people apply from outside Sweden, and the process usually takes about 20–40 weeks from start to finish. 

Here’s a rough guide:

week 1

☐ Submit your residence permit application online via the Swedish Migration Agency.

weeks 2–6

☐ Send supporting documents proving your family relationship and any other required info.

weeks 6–16

☐ Attend an interview at a Swedish embassy or consulate, if requested.

weeks 16–36

☐ The Migration Agency reviews your case. They may ask for more documents or clarifications.

weeks 20–40

☐ Decision is made. If approved, you get your residence permit card and can move to Sweden.

approval

Once your residence permit is approved, you can move to Sweden and begin settling in.

Typical next steps include:

• travelling to Sweden
• registering with the Swedish Tax Agency
• applying for a personal identity number (personnummer)
• enrolling children in school or preschool
• accessing healthcare services

Sweden’s systems are designed to help families integrate and settle safely.

rejection

If a family residence permit application is rejected, the decision letter usually explains the reasons and whether the decision can be appealed.

Depending on the situation, families may be able to:

• appeal the decision,
• provide additional documents,
• or apply again later with updated information.

Common reasons for rejection can include:

• missing relationship documentation,
• maintenance requirement problems,
• unclear custody arrangements,
• or insufficient evidence of dependency in special cases.

Appeal deadlines are usually strict, so it is important to review the decision carefully and act quickly if needed.