Sweden family reunification: joining a worker, student or researcher

For an employee with a work permit, family means a spouse, registered partner or cohabiting partner and unmarried children under 21; children of 21 or older may be included if they depend financially on the parents. For self-employed people, researchers, ICT permit holders and EU Blue Card holders the limit for children is 18. Students’ spouses, partners and children under 18 can also come. The two-year residence requirement introduced on 1 October 2026 for sponsors with temporary permits does not apply to work permit holders, researchers, doctoral students, Blue Card and ICT holders.

Each applicant needs a passport copy and proof of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate or, for cohabiting partners, proof of a shared home. Children need a birth record naming the parents, a sole custody decision if relevant and form 217011 with the consent of a parent who stays abroad. The sponsor of an employee completes questionnaire 102511 on income and housing and adds payslips and the rental contract. Documents not in Swedish or English need certified translations.

The person in Sweden must have enough income after tax and housing costs to support the whole household. In 2026, on a first application, Migrationsverket uses SEK 8,116 a month for a single adult, SEK 13,408 for a couple and SEK 4,337 to 6,941 per child depending on age, reduced by child allowance. Only taxed salary, business income and some parental or sickness benefits count; unemployment benefits, subsidised jobs and family members’ income do not on a first application. From 1 October 2026 the test is also applied at extension, with lower transitional amounts for permits granted before that date if the extension is filed by 1 October 2027.

Other sponsors follow their own rules: self-employed people show SEK 100,000 for a spouse and SEK 50,000 per child, while researchers and students add SEK 4,440 a month per adult and SEK 2,664 per child.

First-time applicants must apply from outside Sweden and receive the permit before travelling. Apply through the e-service or with form 133011 and choose the Swedish embassy or consulate-general where you will show your passport. Most applicants are offered a digital passport check by app; book an appointment at the mission if asked to show your passport in person, attend an interview or give fingerprints for the residence permit card.

Register with Skatteverket if the permit is for a year or more; you then receive a personal identity number and access to health care. Your permit is renewed together with the sponsor’s. From 1 October 2026, family members of ICT and Blue Card holders staying a year or less need comprehensive health insurance, and anyone joining a person applying for permanent residence must apply for their own permit.