Moving to Sweden with a Family: Permits and Dependent Visas

Relocating to a new country is an exciting step, but for many professionals, ensuring that their family can join them is just as important as securing a new role. Sweden, known for its strong emphasis on family welfare and work-life balance, offers a well-structured dependent visa system that enables family members to live, work, and thrive alongside primary permit holders. According to a 2023 report by the Swedish Migration Agency, over 30,000 residence permits were granted to family members of workers and students, reflecting Sweden’s commitment to supporting international professionals and their families.

Whether you're moving to Sweden for a job or as a self-employed professional, understanding the rules for dependent visas and work permits is crucial. From ensuring financial stability to knowing your family’s work and residency rights, this blog provides a comprehensive overview. Let’s explore how you can bring your loved ones along and help them seamlessly integrate into Sweden’s thriving society.

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Eligible Family Members

Sweden recognizes the importance of family unity and offers dependent visas to family members of individuals holding work permits or residence permits. Family members must live with the primary permit holder in Sweden. This is a common condition for dependent visa approval. Dependent visas are generally issued for the same duration as the primary applicant’s work or residence permit. Extensions must be applied for together.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of who qualifies under this category:

Spouse or Registered Partner: Legally married couples or those in a registered partnership. The relationship must be ongoing and genuine. In some cases, Swedish authorities may request interviews or further proof to verify the legitimacy of the relationship.
Cohabiting Partner: Unmarried partners who have lived together in a committed, marriage-like relationship. Cohabiting partners must intend to continue their relationship in Sweden. Authorities may request additional evidence, such as photos or statements from friends and family, to confirm the partnership.
Unmarried Children: Typically, children under the age of 18 are eligible. In some cases, unmarried children between 18 and 21 years old may also qualify if they are financially dependent on the primary permit holder or their partner. If a child has another legal guardian who is not accompanying them to Sweden, the non-accompanying guardian’s written consent is usually necessary.

Application Process for a Swedish Dependent Visa

Family members are encouraged to apply for dependent visas at the same time as the primary applicant submits their work or residence permit application. This helps streamline the decision-making process, ensuring that all applications are processed together, reducing potential delays. If dependents decide to join the primary applicant later, they can still apply separately. However, this may lead to staggered processing times.

Required Documentation

Valid Passports: Passports should have sufficient validity for travel, intended stay and any potential extensions.
Marriage or Partnership Certificates: Spouses or registered partners must provide official documentation proving their relationship. Certificates issued outside Sweden may need to be legalized or apostilled, along with a certified translation into Swedish or English.
Proof of Cohabitation for Cohabiting Partners: Evidence of living together, such as joint lease agreements, utility bills or shared financial accounts. Swedish authorities may ask for additional proof, such as photos or written statements.
Birth Certificates for Children: Official birth certificates showing the parent-child relationship. For documents issued in languages other than Swedish or English, a certified translation is required.
Consent from Non-Accompanying Guardians (If Applicable): For minors traveling without one of their legal guardians, the non-accompanying guardian must provide written consent. The consent letter should be notarized or certified as per the Swedish Migration Agency’s requirements.
Financial Requirements: The primary permit holder must demonstrate sufficient income to support themselves and their family members, covering housing and living expenses.

Submission Process

Applications can be submitted through the Swedish Migration Agency’s online portal, a convenient option that allows digital uploads of documents and streamlined communication.

If online submission is not possible, applications can be submitted at the nearest Swedish embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. This process may involve an in-person interview or biometric data collection.

The Swedish Migration Agency or embassy will review the application, verify the documents, and may request additional information or an interview to confirm relationships and eligibility. Applicants will be notified once a decision has been made. If approved, residence permit cards will be issued for each family member. Residence permit cards must be collected before entering Sweden and presented upon arrival.

Work Rights for Dependents in Sweden

Family members who receive residence permits alongside the primary permit holder are typically allowed to work in Sweden without needing to apply for additional work permits. This policy provides significant flexibility and opportunity for dependents to integrate into the Swedish job market. Here’s what you need to know:

Broad Work Eligibility: Dependents can take up full-time or part-time employment across various industries without restrictions tied to the primary permit holder's occupation.
Self-Employment Options: Dependents can also choose to start their own businesses or work as freelancers, provided they meet the necessary requirements for self-employment registration with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket).
Employment Contracts: Like all workers in Sweden, dependents have access to labor protections, such as regulated working hours, paid leave, and workplace safety, as outlined by Swedish labor laws.

Permanent Residence Pathway for Dependents

Dependents of work permit holders in Sweden may be eligible to apply for permanent residence after fulfilling specific conditions:

Dependents must have lived in Sweden for a continuous period, typically three years, under a valid residence permit linked to the primary permit holder.
During this period, dependents must adhere to the terms of their residence permit, such as living with the primary permit holder. Dependents typically need to show they continue to live with the primary permit holder unless the residence permit was independently extended or converted.
Dependents must demonstrate that they can support themselves financially, either through employment or other stable means of income.
Applicants must have adhered to Swedish laws and regulations, including tax compliance and good conduct.

Conclusion

Relocating to Sweden with your family is a significant and rewarding endeavor. The country's comprehensive policies on work permits and dependent visas are designed to support family unity and integration. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application processes, and associated rights, you can ensure a smooth transition for your loved ones.

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