Sweden’s Migration Agency has restricted the definition of “family member” for certain residence permit applications to two categories under rules that took effect on 1 October 2026.
The changes affect people applying for residence permits as family members of individuals who hold long-term resident status in another European Union country and currently live in Sweden.
The revised requirements apply to new applications and applications submitted before the changes took effect that were still awaiting a decision on 1 October 2026.
The two categories eligible for family residence permits
Under the revised rules, Sweden recognises only two categories of relatives as eligible family members under this residence permit route.
The first category covers the person’s partner in Sweden, including a spouse, cohabiting partner or registered partner.
The second covers children under the age of 18 belonging to the person living in Sweden or their partner.
Other relatives who do not fall into either category are no longer eligible under this specific permit route. They may need to explore alternative residence permit options depending on their circumstances and reasons for moving to Sweden.
How the changes affect pending applications
The agency has confirmed that no transitional arrangements apply to first-time applicants.
Consequently, people who submitted applications before 1 October 2026 but had not received a decision by that date must still satisfy the revised eligibility requirements.
However, a separate transitional arrangement applies to some existing permit holders seeking extensions.
Applicants who received their current residence permits before 1 October 2026 and submit extension applications no later than 1 October 2027 will have their cases assessed under the previous rules.
The arrangement gives eligible permit holders additional time to adjust to the revised requirements.
Sweden’s Migration Agency handles applications relating to residence, international protection and Swedish citizenship, making decisions in accordance with Swedish law and applicable international conventions.
Sweden outlines working holiday visa eligibility
Separately, Sweden has outlined the conditions under which young foreign nationals can apply for a working holiday visa.
The Migration Agency said Sweden has youth exchange agreements with six countries and territories: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.
Under the scheme, eligible applicants aged 18 to 30 from the specified countries and territory can spend up to one year in Sweden on a working holiday visa.