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Family reunification

How do I apply for a family residence permit, from where, and how long does it take?

The family member usually applies from outside Sweden via Migrationsverket's online e-service, then attends an embassy interview with their passport. The person already in Sweden answers questions about income, housing and the relationship. There is no fixed waiting time — check current processing times at Migrationsverket.

Updated

  • The family member normally applies from outside Sweden using Migrationsverket's online e-service, choosing which Swedish embassy or consulate to visit — not all of them handle migration cases.
  • The person already in Sweden (the anknytningsperson) usually receives a form and must answer questions about income, housing and the relationship, commonly within about 14 days.
  • The applicant then attends the embassy or consulate to be interviewed and show their passport. If a visa is needed to enter Sweden, fingerprints and a photo are taken at the same appointment and later used to produce the residence-permit card.
  • Migrationsverket cannot state an exact waiting time — it depends on the case and whether the application is complete — but it publishes current processing-time statistics.

Check current processing times and the exact steps at Migrationsverket before applying. Our guide for newcomers walks through what to prepare once a permit is granted.

Sources

Official details can change. Always confirm what applies to your own case directly with the responsible authority.

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