Permanent residence in Sweden — frequently asked questions
What a permanent residence permit (PUT) is, who can get one, the self-support requirement, and how it differs from citizenship and EU long-term resident status.
Questions in this category
What is a permanent residence permit (PUT) and how does it differ from a temporary permit and from citizenship?
A permanent residence permit (PUT) lets a non-EU citizen live and work in Sweden with no time limit and without a separate work permit. A temporary permit expires and must be extended. Neither is citizenship: you are still a foreign national, get no Swedish passport, and a PUT can be lost.
What are the requirements to get a permanent residence permit in Sweden?
You must have held a residence permit for a qualifying period (the length depends on your permit type), meet a self-support requirement with a stable income, and meet a conduct requirement. Family members over 18 must support themselves. Exemptions exist. Check what applies to you with Migrationsverket.
How much money do I need to meet the self-support/maintenance requirement (försörjningskrav) in 2026?
The requirement is stated as an amount you must have left per month after housing costs, for food, clothes, phone, electricity and insurance. For 2026 Migrationsverket lists roughly SEK 6,243 for a single adult and SEK 10,314 for cohabiting spouses, plus per-child amounts. The figures change yearly — check the current value at Migrationsverket.
Can I lose my permanent residence permit, and how long can I stay abroad?
Yes, a PUT can be revoked, most often if you move your residence out of Sweden. General rule: away up to 1 year and you keep it; 1–2 years is possible if you notify Migrationsverket in advance. Beyond the limits without returning to settle, the permit can be revoked. Check your situation with Migrationsverket.
What is EU long-term resident status (varaktigt bosatt) and how is it different from a Swedish PUT?
Long-term resident status is an EU-wide status (EU Directive 2003/109/EC) for non-EU citizens who have lived legally in an EU country for at least 5 years and can support themselves. The advantage is mobility within the EU. Since 12 July 2026 Sweden grants a five-year permit instead of a permanent one. Check the conditions with Migrationsverket.
Do I need to renew my residence permit card (UT-kort) even though my permit is permanent?
Yes. The permit can be permanent, but the physical residence permit card (UT-kort) has limited validity and must be renewed when it expires — only the card lapses, not the permit. For permanent residents the card is valid for 5 years. Renewing the card is an identity and biometrics update, not a re-assessment of your right to stay.
Are permanent residence permits being phased out for asylum seekers and protection holders?
On asylum-related grounds, largely yes. Under bill 2025/26:262, from 12 July 2026 Migrationsverket can no longer grant a PUT to people whose permit is based on protection status or similar grounds; they instead get extended time-limited permits. People who already hold a PUT are not affected. Check your options with Migrationsverket.
Read more on SVI Fokus
Sources
Official details can change. Always confirm what applies to your own case directly with the responsible authority.
Practise anywhere
The SVI Fokus app gives you the full question bank, spaced repetition and a timed mock exam — offline and in your language.
The app is launching soon.