As of January 12, 2026, the Migration Agency is promising that fully completed digital applications by family members of Swedes living abroad who want to move back will be processed within 90 days.
To ensure an efficient service with shorter waiting times, a single unit will take charge of all such matters.
Last year, the Government assigned the Swedish Migration Agency the task of putting together and implementing more efficient methods of processing applications from family members of Swedes living abroad. The effort led to significantly shorter waiting times.
Who is considered a relative of a Swede living abroad?
A Swede residing abroad can move back to Sweden at any time. If the person has family members who are non-EU citizens who wish to move with them, these individuals need to apply for a residence permit due to family ties.
In order to receive a quick decision, the person needs to submit an e-application and fulfil a number of requirements to be included in the category “relative of a Swede living abroad”. It must be an established relationship where the person and the anchor person, who is a Swedish citizen, have cohabited for two years or cohabited for at least one year and have a child together. And they must have resided together abroad for at least twelve months and be residing together at the time of application.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
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