Residence Permits Based on Personal or Family Connection

Residence permits based on personal or family connection applies to individuals who are married, cohabiting, or intend to marry or cohabit with someone who is a Swedish citizen or permanent Swedish resident. It also applies to unmarried children under 18.

You can also apply for a permit directly on the Migration board's website. This means you can receive a decision sooner. For more information about how to apply via them, visit their website by clicking on this link migrationsverket.se. Please note, that the application must be submitted in two complete sets!

If you are granted a residence permit, the decision will be sent to the embassy. If you have not previously been photographed and had your fingerprints taken, you will need to visit the embassy to do so. Once the residence card is ready, the embassy will send the card to you.

Important! Please note once your application has been submitted to the Consulate you are not allowed to enter Sweden until a decision has been made.

Please submit 2 copies of the following documents, which you can download from the Swedish Migration Board: www.migrationsverket.se

  • Residence Permit Application Form (#161011) or 2 copies of Application for Child under 18 (#113021), completed, signed and dated, including detailed contact information. Additional form(s) depending on if the applicant is:
  • Appendix D: Family Details Appendix for Applicants (#239011)
  • married to or cohabiting with a Swedish citizen or resident (#T92 and #22801);
  • planning to marry or cohabit with a Swedish citizen or resident (#T91);
  • a minor wishing to take up residence with a parent who is already living in Sweden (#T93);
  • wishing to reside with a close relative (reference person) with whom he/she has previously shared a household and has a relationship of dependence which makes it very difficult to live apart (#T84)
  • A notarized copy of your national passport.
  • 2 copies of your Swedish family member's or relation's passport and (if applicable) a notarized copy of US Alien Registration Card or other valid resident visa (type A, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, O, or R).
  • 2 recent copies of the family member's "personbevis" (the family member must be registered in Sweden).
  • If married, 2 notarized copies of your marriage certificate. Your marriage must be registered with the Swedish National Tax Board (Skatteverket). A letter and a copy of your marriage certificate should be submitted to the local tax office in Sweden where your spouse was most recently registered.
  • If cohabiting but not married, copies of a shared lease, utility bills and/or bank statements.
  • If divorced, 2 copies of your divorce decree. If the applicant is a child under 18 with divorced parents, 2 copies of the divorce decree plus notarized consent for the child to move to Sweden from both biological parents or court documents showing sole custody of the child(ren) must be submitted.
  • Brief personal letter stating (1) when you are planning to move, (2) whether you already have a place to live, and (3) whether you already have an offer of employment.
  • Application fee, in the form of one money order or check, payable to the Embassy of Sweden OR to the Swedish Consulate you submit your application to

How much does it cost?
A non-refundable application fee of $220 for adults or $110 for children under 18.

The application fee as well as shipping and handling fee, in the form of one money order or certified bank check, should be made payable to the Consulate of Sweden or Embassy of Sweden, depending on where you file the application.

How do I submit my application?
Applications with all required documents may be delivered in person during visiting hours or mailed directly to the following address:

Consulate of Sweden
9625 Black Mountain Rd.
Suite #306
San Diego, CA 92126

Please note that you might be requested to provide additional documentation.

How long does it take?
An estimated time of 6-8 months is usually required to process your application.

Due to the current high volume of applications there is a very long waiting period for interviews in Sweden which might delay the process. The Consulate has no means of speeding up this process.

Processing your application
After your documents have been examined by a consular officer, you will be invited for an interview.

Your Swedish family member/relation will be interviewed in Sweden. If your Swedish family member or relation resides in the US, you will be interviewed together.

Once all the documents have been received your case will be forwarded to the Swedish Migration Board. Your permit, if granted, will be attached to your passport and returned.

Further questions?
Specific questions about residence permits are answered at 858-271-1573.

Applications with all required documents may be delivered in person during visiting hours or mailed directly to the following address:

Consulate of Sweden
9625 Black Mountain Rd.
Suite #306
San Diego, CA 92126