Sweden allows a residence permit even for a so-called newly established relationship — you plan to marry or become sambo but have not yet lived together. Migrationsverket sets requirements including:
- The relationship must be judged serious, and you must intend to live together in Sweden.
- You must normally both be over 21 (exceptions only for special reasons, such as shared children).
- If you have not cohabited, the case is usually decided through deferred immigration assessment (uppskjuten invandringsprövning): you first get one or more time-limited permits before a permanent permit can be considered, so Migrationsverket can check the relationship is genuine. Both partners are often interviewed.
- If you are only planning to marry or become sambo, the applicant must be outside Sweden.
This differs from an already-established relationship (married or cohabiting). The rules and the path to a permanent permit are changing in 2026–2027, so confirm the current requirements with Migrationsverket. See also our question on bringing family and the maintenance requirement.
Sources
- Migrationsverket — becoming a Swedish citizen
- Swedish Government Official Reports (SOU)
- Riksdagen — government bills
Official details can change. Always confirm what applies to your own case directly with the responsible authority.