Simplified: Applying for a residence card in Sweden as a non-EU family member of an EU citizen

If you are an EU citizen and you are planning to make Sweden your new home together with your non-EU spouse, there's some great news! As an EU citizen, you have the right to live with your non-EU spouse in Sweden and no residence permit will be needed. It's all thanks to the EU free movement Directive.

It's important for your non-EU spouse to apply for a residence card within three months of arriving in Sweden at the Swedish Migration Agency. AS EU-citizen, you'll need to show that you are working, studying, being self-employed or being able to support yourself and your family member.

For this process, there are some documents to attach, like passport copies, marriage certificate, employment agreement and proof of cohabitation if you've been living together in another EU-country. Once the application is submitted, a residence card should be issued within six months, and a certificate of application will be given immediately. During this process, your non-EU spouse cannot be expelled. No need for a special work permit, your spouse can start work or study even before the final decision is issued.

If the Swedish Migration Agency approves the application, your non-EU spouse will receive a 5-year residence permit.

To get things rolling in Sweden, your non-EU spouse will also need to register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to obtain a social security number (personnummer). This involves visiting one of their service offices with the whole family. It´s important to know that the application can be submitted even before you apply for the residence card and you obtain the final decision from the Swedish Migration Agency.

So, all in all, it's an exciting journey ahead, and we're here to help you navigate the process. Feel free to ask if you have any questions. Best of luck with the new chapter in Sweden!