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Appeal a Migrationsverket decision

In most cases, a refusal (avslag) from the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) can be appealed, but the time limit is short. We go through the decision, tell you whether an appeal (överklagande) has a chance and help you write it.

A woman reading a decision in the hallway at home

Who it is for

For you if your application for a work permit, a residence permit based on family ties, a permanent residence permit or citizenship has been refused. Get in touch as soon as you have received the decision, because the time to appeal starts running when you have been notified of it.

How we help you

We start by reading the decision and seeing why the Migration Agency said no. Sometimes a document was missing, sometimes the agency has assessed a requirement in a way that can be questioned. You find out whether we see grounds to appeal and what speaks for and against it.

If you choose to appeal, we write the appeal. It must be in writing and sent to the Migration Agency, which first considers whether the decision should be changed. If it is not changed, the appeal goes on to the migration court. We assess in each case whether we can act as your representative or whether you need an advokat (a member of the Swedish Bar Association), and we tell you before you pay anything.

If you want to go further after the migration court, you need leave to appeal (prövningstillstånd) from the Migration Court of Appeal (Migrationsöverdomstolen), and this is only granted in certain cases. We go through this with you if it becomes relevant.

What applies when you appeal

Time limitThe decision states how much time you have. The appeal must often arrive within three weeks of the day you were notified of the decision.
WhereTo the Migration Agency, in writing. If the agency does not change the decision, the migration court examines it.
ContentWhich decision you are appealing, why it is wrong and how you want it changed.
FeeIt costs nothing to appeal to the Migration Agency, and the courts do not charge a fee either.

What is included

4 items
  • A review of the decision and the reasons for the refusal
  • An assessment of whether an appeal has a chance
  • A written appeal with your arguments
  • Help gathering new documents

What is not included

3 items
  • Decisions on asylum or protection
  • Decisions on deportation or detention
  • Cases where the time to appeal has already run outThe decision can then no longer be appealed, but we can see whether a new application is possible.

What you need to have ready

4 items
  • The decision with all attachments
  • The date you received the decision
  • Your application and the documents you sent
  • New documents, if you have any

Good to know

We cannot promise that the decision will be changed: that is for the Migration Agency or the court to decide. If we do not see any grounds to appeal, we tell you. We do not take decisions on asylum, protection, deportation or detention, and if your decision involves any of these, we tell you straight away so that you can turn elsewhere in time.

How it works

  1. 1Send us the decision. You describe the case in the form and tell us when you received the decision.
  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 decision. You find out whether an appeal has a chance before anything is written.
  4. 4The appeal is submitted. We write it, and you submit it or we do so as your representative.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to appeal?
It says in the decision. The appeal must often reach the Migration Agency within three weeks of the day you were notified of the decision. If it arrives too late, it is not examined.
Where do I send the appeal?
To the Migration Agency. The agency first considers whether the decision should be changed, and if it does not change it, the appeal is sent to the migration court.
Does it cost anything to appeal?
The Migration Agency and the courts do not charge a fee to examine an appeal. If you want our help, you get a quote first.
Can I appeal a refusal of citizenship?
Yes. Decisions on citizenship are appealed to the migration court, and the appeal is submitted to the Migration Agency.
Can I stay in Sweden while the appeal is being examined?
The decision states whether you have the right to stay while the appeal is being examined. We go through what applies in your case.
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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: Refusal and appeal

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 (5)

  1. Aliens Act (Utlänningslag 2005:716), Chapter 14, Section 3 and Chapter 16, Sections 9 and 11 (migration court, Migration Court of Appeal, leave to appeal), as amended up to SFS 2026:1752
  2. Administrative Procedure Act (Förvaltningslag 2017:900), Sections 43–45 (written appeal, three weeks from notification)
  3. Citizenship Act (Lag (2001:82) om svenskt medborgarskap), Section 26 (appeal to the migration court)
  4. Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket): Appeal a decision
  5. Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket): The employee's application has been refused

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