If you want a partner or family member to move to Sweden, you usually must prove you can support the household financially and provide suitable housing.
After paying rent, you must still have a set amount left each month for living costs.
Moving to Sweden for love, or family? Cute. Bureaucracy? Less cute — but manageable.
When you apply for family reunification, Migrationsverket (the Swedish Migration Agency) checks something called the maintenance requirement (försörjningskravet).
In simple terms: Can you afford life in Sweden for the whole household?
This guide explains how much income you need, what counts as income, and when the rule may not apply.
The maintenance requirement means the person already living in Sweden must show they can:
- support themselves financially
- support the family member moving to Sweden
- provide suitable housing for everyone
This rule most often applies when applying for residence permits for:
- a partner or spouse
- a cohabiting partner
- a child or other close family member
why the rule exists
The goal is to ensure families moving to Sweden have financial stability and suitable housing from the start.
income requirement (after rent)
The key rule: After paying housing costs, you must still have enough money left for normal living expenses.
The Migration Agency uses standard living-cost amounts.
Approximate monthly amounts that must remain after rent:
adults
- SEK 6,243 for a single adult
- SEK 10,314 for two adults living together
children
- SEK 3,336 (age 0–6)
- SEK 4,004 (age 7–10)
- SEK 4,672 (age 11–14)
- SEK 5,339 (age 15+)
Child benefits or large-family benefits reduce the required amount for children.
These amounts are updated regularly, so the Migration Agency always assesses the latest figures.
what counts as income?
Income must normally be stable and long-term.
Common accepted sources include:
- salary from employment
- self-employment income
- pension
- unemployment insurance (a-kassa)
- certain benefits from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency
Temporary or uncertain income may not be accepted.
You must also show you have suitable housing for the whole family.
General expectations:
- The home must be large enough for everyone.
- You must have the legal right to live there.
Typical examples:
- Two adults usually need at least one room + kitchen.
- Families with children need more rooms.
Housing can be:
- rented
- sublet
- tenant-owned apartment
- house
But you must prove your right to live there (contract or ownership).
Common documents include:
- employment contract
- recent payslips
- tax documents (if self-employed)
- rental or housing contract
- proof of housing costs
The Migration Agency reviews your full financial situation.
when the requirement may not apply
The maintenance requirement can be waived in some situations, for example if the person in Sweden:
- is under 18
- has refugee or protection status and applies within the allowed time period
- is applying for a child to join a parent
Each case is assessed individually.
- Income requirements are likely to change in June 2026 but the exact percentage of change and start date have not been formally decided yet
- Preparing documents carefully can make the application process much smoother
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.
does everyone need to meet the maintenance requirement?
No. In some cases people are exempt, depending on their residence status or family situation.
can different types of income be combined?
Sometimes, yes. The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) may consider different sources of stable income together.
does the housing have to be owned?
No. The housing can be rented or owned, as long as the person in Sweden has the legal right to live there and the home is suitable.
can the requirement change?
Yes. Income levels and guidelines do change over time. It’s important to check the latest information from the Migration Agency.