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Apply for a permanent residence permit

You usually apply for a permanent residence permit (permanent uppehållstillstånd) when your temporary permit is due to be extended. We check whether you meet the requirements today and help you with the application.

A binder with tabs, keys and a passport on a desk

Who it is for

For you if you have had a temporary residence permit for several years for work or to live with your partner, and want to know whether you can get a permanent permit when you extend.

How we help you

How long you need to have had a permit depends on the grounds. If you have worked in Sweden, you need to have had a work permit for a total of four years during the last seven years. If you live here because of family ties, you need to have had a temporary permit for at least three years. There are other periods for researchers, doctoral students and people who have an EU Blue Card or run their own business.

Two requirements apply in all cases. You must be able to support yourself, and there must be no doubt about your conduct (vandel). Support is calculated on taxed income from lawful employment or your own business that you have when the case is examined. Income from a family member, unemployment benefit (a-kassa) and promises of a future job do not count. Since 13 July 2026, the Migration Agency has examined conduct more strictly, for example whether you have paid your debts.

We go through your time, your income and anything that may affect your conduct before you apply. If you do not meet the requirements yet, you will be told, so that you can extend your temporary permit instead and apply for a permanent one later.

Requirements for a permanent permit

WorkA work permit for a total of four years during the last seven years.
Family tiesA temporary residence permit for at least three years, and the grounds for the permit still exist.
SupportYou can support yourself. The requirement does not apply to children or to anyone entitled to an old-age pension or guarantee pension.
ConductThere must be no doubt about your expected conduct (vandel).

What is included

5 items
  • A review of how long you have had a permit
  • An assessment of your income against the support requirement
  • A review of anything that may affect your conduct
  • Help with the application to the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket)
  • Representative (ombud) at the Migration Agency, if you give us a power of attorney (fullmakt)

What is not included

3 items
  • Permanent permits for people who have protection in Sweden
  • Cases involving asylum, deportation or detention
  • Permanent right of residence for EU citizensThat is a different assessment. Feel free to ask us, and we will tell you whether we can help.

What you need to have ready

4 items
  • Your previous and current permits
  • Employment contract and payslips
  • Details of any debts
  • A valid passport

Good to know

The Migration Agency makes the decision, and we cannot promise that you will get a permanent permit. If you have a permit as a person in need of protection, or your permit is based on family ties to someone who has one, we do not take the case.

How it works

  1. 1Tell us about your permits. You describe which permits you have had and how you support yourself today.
  2. 2You get a quote. We normally get back to you within one working day and tell you what is included and what it costs.
  3. 3We assess the requirements. You find out whether you can apply for a permanent permit now or should extend first.
  4. 4The application is submitted. You submit it with the extension, or we do it as your representative.

Frequently asked questions

When can I apply for a permanent residence permit?
Usually when your temporary permit is due to be extended. You can then choose to apply for a permanent permit in the same application, if you meet the requirements.
Which income counts towards the support requirement?
Taxed income from lawful employment or your own business that you have when the case is examined. Income from a family member, unemployment benefit and subsidised employment do not count.
Can a permanent residence permit be withdrawn?
Yes. It must be withdrawn if you no longer live in Sweden. If you have told the Migration Agency that you want to keep the permit, it can be withdrawn no earlier than one year after you moved.
What happens if I do not meet the requirements?
You can then often have your temporary permit extended instead, if you meet the requirements for that. We go through this before you apply.
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Send an enquiry

Tell us briefly about your matter and we will normally get back to you within one working day with a quote before we start.

  • The enquiry and quote are free
  • You only pay once you have accepted the quote
  • Meetings at the office or online

About: Permanent residence permit

Private or business?

Do not write personal identity numbers, passport numbers or other sensitive details here. If we need such documents, you hand them in at the office or send copies by post.

Sources (4)

  1. Aliens Act (Utlänningslag 2005:716), Chapter 5, Section 3 m, fourth and fifth paragraphs, Sections 5, 7 and 8, and Chapter 7, Section 7 (permanent residence permit and withdrawal), as amended up to SFS 2026:1752
  2. Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket): Apply to extend a work permit (section on permanent residence permits)
  3. Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket): Apply to extend a residence permit to live with your partner in Sweden
  4. Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket): New requirements on conduct (vandel) for residence permits

The information was checked against the sources on 27 October 2026.