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Residence permit based on family ties

If you want to live with your partner in Sweden, in most cases you need a residence permit based on family ties (uppehållstillstånd på grund av anknytning). We go through the requirements for you both and help you with the application or extension.

A couple going through papers at a table with a passport beside them, overlooking Gothenburg

Who it is for

For you if you are married to, in a registered partnership with or the cohabiting partner (sambo) of someone who lives in Sweden, or plan to become one. The service also suits someone living in Sweden who wants to know whether they meet the requirements for their partner to move here, and couples who already have a permit and need to extend it.

How we help you

New application

The requirements apply to you both. As a main rule, you must both be over 21, and the Migration Agency examines whether the relationship is genuine. As the applicant, you must have a valid passport and normally have received the permit before you enter Sweden. Before a decision is made, you are interviewed, and your partner fills in a form about income, housing and your relationship.

As a main rule, your partner in Sweden must be able to support you both and have housing that is large enough for you. If your partner is a Swedish citizen and your relationship is well established, this requirement does not apply, but it does if children who are not your partner's move with you. Since 1 October 2026, a partner with a temporary residence permit must also have lived in Sweden with a permit for at least two years when you apply. We go through which requirements apply to you and how you show that you meet them.

Extension

You must still be living together when you extend. You can apply no earlier than two months before the permit expires and must do so before it stops being valid. Since 1 October 2026, the support requirement also applies to extensions, and both your income and your partner's income can then count. If you have had a temporary permit for at least three years, in some cases you can apply for a permanent residence permit at the same time.

What the Migration Agency examines

AgeAs a main rule, you must both be over 21. Exceptions can be made, for example if you have children together.
The relationshipYou are married, registered partners or cohabiting partners, or plan to become so, and the relationship is genuine.
Support and housingYour partner can support you both and has housing of sufficient size and standard, unless an exception applies.
ConductSince 13 July 2026, the Migration Agency examines, among other things, crimes, unpaid debts and incorrect information given to insurance and benefit schemes.

What is included

6 items
  • A review of the requirements for you and your partner
  • Help showing financial support and housing
  • A list of the documents you need
  • Preparation for the interview
  • Replies when the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) asks for supplementary information (komplettering)
  • Representative (ombud) at the Migration Agency, if you give us a power of attorney (fullmakt)

What is not included

3 items
  • Applications for asylum or protection
  • Family ties to someone who has protection in SwedenWe do not take cases based on refugee or protection status.
  • Cases involving deportation or detention

What you need to have ready

5 items
  • A valid passport
  • Marriage certificate or documents showing that you live together
  • Your partner's income and employment
  • Details of the housing
  • Your current permit, if you are extending

Good to know

The Migration Agency makes the decision, and we cannot promise that you will get a permit. If the case is based on your partner having protection in Sweden, or if it concerns asylum, deportation or detention, we do not take it on, and we tell you straight away.

How it works

  1. 1Tell us about your situation. In the form, you describe your relationship and where you live 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 go through the requirements. You find out what is missing and how to show support, housing and your relationship.
  4. 4The application is submitted. You submit it, or we do it as your representative, and we help you both until a decision is made.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a residence permit as a cohabiting partner?
Yes. Cohabiting partners and couples who plan to marry or move in together can apply. The Migration Agency examines whether the relationship is genuine.
Does my partner have to be able to support me?
As a main rule, yes, and they must also have housing that is large enough for you. If your partner is a Swedish citizen and your relationship is well established, the support requirement does not apply.
Can I be in Sweden while I wait for a decision?
As a main rule, you must have received the permit before you enter. There are exceptions, for example for certain EU citizens, and we check what applies to you.
What has changed from 1 October 2026?
The amount in the support requirement has been raised, and the requirement now also applies to extensions. A partner with a temporary permit must have lived in Sweden with a permit for at least two years when you apply. There are transitional rules for anyone extending a permit from before 1 October.
Can my partner apply for me?
Yes, if you give them a power of attorney. You can also give us a power of attorney to act as your representative.
More services

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: Residence permit based on family ties

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 5, Sections 3, 3 a, 3 i, 3 j and 3 m (family ties, residence requirement, support and housing, permit duration), as amended up to SFS 2026:1752
  2. Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket): Apply for a residence permit to live with your partner in Sweden
  3. Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket): Apply to extend a residence permit to live with your partner in Sweden
  4. Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket): New rules for family immigration and young adults from 1 October
  5. Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket): New requirements on conduct (vandel) for residence permits

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