Residence Permit Based on Family or Personal Connection

How do I apply?

When applying for a residence permit you must present your application to the Embassy/Consulate of Sweden yourself. Your relative(s) in Sweden cannot apply on your behalf.

Application forms and detailed information on who can apply for the family ties permit is available on the Swedish Migration Board website under: Moving to someone in Sweden.

Make sure you fill in all the particulars on the form. You should also ensure that you supply the correct address of your relative(s) in Sweden.

When the Embassy/Consulate has received your application you will be contacted for an interview. If both parties live in Canada the interview with both parties may be conducted by the Embassy/Consulate.

>  Swedish Migration Board

If you need further clarification, please contact the Embassy in Ottawa or your nearest Swedish Consulate.

What does it cost to apply?

Please see Fee List under links. Fees are payable at time of application and are non-refundable.

Who decides my case?

The Embassy sends your application to the Migration Board in Sweden for decision. The Embassy will also notify you of the decision of the Migration Board.

The residence permit must be entered in your passport before your arrival in Sweden. You cannot travel to Sweden and wait for a decision there.

How long will I have to wait for a decision?

The application processing time varies according to different factors. The Migration Board's goal is to decide every case within six months.

Once you have presented your application, the Embassy will summon you for a personal interview. 

When the interview has taken place, the Embassy forwards your application to the Migration Board in Sweden for a decision. The Migration Board then makes additional enquiries, either by inviting the relative in Sweden to a personal interview or by sending him/her a questionnaire by post. The questions must be answered in writing and sent back to the Migration Board.

How long is the permit valid?

If you lived together with your relative in your country of origin/domicile, the Migration Board will normally grant you a permanent residence permit (PUT). This entitles you to live in Sweden for as long as you like.

If you did not live with your relative in your country of origin/domicile but intend to set up home together on your arrival here, the Migration Board will normally grant you a permit for 12-24 months. You then have to apply for an extension to your permit. If you are still living together, your permit will be extended.

If you are of working age, you will automatically be granted a work permit as well.

When you have had a limited residence permit for two years and your relationship is still intact, you will be granted a permanent residence permit.