Do I qualify for a Swedish permanent residence permit?
If you live in Sweden and want to settle here permanently, applying for a permanent residence permit (so-called Swedish PR) is the next step. A permanent residence permit allows foreign nationals to live in Sweden indefinitely. Unlike temporary residence permits, which are usually granted for a limited time, a permanent residence permit grants you the right to stay in Sweden without any time restrictions.
To qualify for a permanent residence permit in Sweden, you must first have had a temporary residence permit. The Swedish Migration Agency will review whether you meet the necessary conditions outlined in the Swedish legislation (Swedish Aliens Act). Generally, you must meet the following criteria:
Sufficient financial requirement. This means having income from legal employment or income from a business is acceptable if you own at least 50% of the business and are actively involved in its operations. It's essential that your income comes from employment or self-employment and is declared to the tax authorities. Parental leave or sickness benefits are accepted, as long as the employment continues. The Migration Court has clarified that when assessing whether a person´s financial support has a certain duration, the court considers whether you have had sufficient and continuous income over a longer period before the application is examined. It is presumed that a permanent employment contract meets the requirement for duration. Even a fixed-term employment contract lasting up to a year from the date of examination can, after an overall assessment, meet this requirement, especially if you have shown consistent financial support over time.
A specific issue arises with probationary employment, which is often a temporary contract at the beginning of employment. While probationary contracts can generally be terminated without cause, they often lead to permanent employment. Therefore, the Swedish Migration Agency must assess on a case-by-case basis whether a probationary employment contract can be considered as providing sufficient duration. The burden of proof lies with the applicant. In individual cases, the person may need to provide additional documentation showing that the employment is expected to be permanent, even during the probationary period. It’s important to note that income from the current job(s) must have a certain duration; speculative expectations of obtaining another job do not influence the assessment.
Finally, it is important to know that the financial requirement applies even to family members of Swedish citizens.
Living an orderly life. To be granted a permanent residence permit, you must show that you have lived an orderly life and have not been involved in any criminal activity. The Swedish Migration Agency will examine your history to ensure you haven't committed serious crimes or lesser offenses. If you have been convicted of a crime, it may affect your chances of obtaining a permanent residence permit. However, each case is considered individually, taking into account the nature and timing of the offense.
Application timing. You can apply for a permanent residence permit in connection with applying for an extension of your residence permit, typically after you’ve lived in Sweden for at least three years. However, it’s important to apply on time, as waiting too long may affect your right to work while waiting for the decision.
Additional considerations: To demonstrate that your income is sufficient to cover your living expenses, including accommodation and a standard living, your monthly amount should be at least SEK 6,186 for a single adult if you apply in 2025. It's also important to note that you do not need to prove that you can support your family members.
If you're unsure whether you meet the criteria or need assistance with the application process, consider consulting with an immigration lawyer or expert who can guide you through the process.