applying for asylum
This information explains how to apply for asylum and what will happen when you apply. It tells you where you must apply, what you need to do at Migrationsverket (the Migration Agency), what rights children have, and what important things to remember while you wait for a decision. Each asylum application is different and is looked at one by one, based on your personal reasons. asylum
If you are seeking asylum in Sweden, learn how the process works, what rights you have, and what types of protection may be available. From making an application to waiting for a decision, we cover the key stages and what to expect along the way.
your rights
While you wait for a decision, you can get help. You can see a doctor, have a place to live and get money if you need it. Learn more about what type of help you are entitled to get.asylum application approved
This is an important moment and the start of a new chapter in Sweden. You may now be wondering: "What happens next?" Here you’ll find simple information about your residence permit, your rights, and the next steps to help you settle in, find your way, and start transitioning your life here.asylum application rejected
Receiving a rejection can be very difficult and stressful. It is normal to have many questions about what happens next. We help explain what the decision means, what your options are, and what support may be available to help you during this time.how to appeal if rejected
Getting a decision you don’t agree with can be stressful. But you have rights. And this can’t be overstressed. In many cases, you can ask the decision to be changed by appealing. This guide will explain how appealing works, what steps to take, and who to contact if you have questions. Don’t panic — you have rights.repatriation grant
If you have a protection-based residence permit in Sweden and are considering moving permanently to another country, you may have heard about the återvandringsbidrag, or repatriation grant. The grant provides financial support for voluntary repatriation or permanent settlement outside Sweden. The amount was significantly increased from 1 January 2026. But the grant is not a general payment for anyone leaving Sweden. Your residence permit, when you received it, your personal circumstances and where you plan to move all matter.sweden increases repatriation grant from january 2026
STOCKHOLM — Sweden's repatriation grant was significantly increased from 1 January 2026, with eligible adults now able to receive up to SEK 350,000 to support voluntary repatriation. The repatriation grant is financial support for people who choose to leave Sweden and move back to their home country or to another country where they have the legal right to live. The grant is administered by Migrationsverket (the Swedish Migration Agency). It cannot be used to move to another EU/EEA country or Switzerland. Under the new rules, people who apply from 1 January 2026 can receive: SEK 350,000 per adult aged 18 or over SEK 25,000 per child up to SEK 500,000 for spouses or cohabiting partners together up to SEK 600,000 for a household To be eligible, applicants must live in Sweden and have held a temporary or permanent residence permit since 12 September 2024 or earlier, with the permit based on one of the grounds covered by the regulations. There are also circumstances that can prevent someone from receiving the grant. The grant is intended to help people who voluntarily leave Sweden establish themselves in their new country. Migrationsverket describes the support as helping with the transition, including travel and getting started in the country where the person moves. The money is not paid entirely upfront. Under the new system, 20% is paid when the grant is approved while the person is still in Sweden. A further 40% of the remaining amount is paid after arrival in the destination country, with the final 60% available later, subject to the conditions of the scheme. Migrationsverket began approving the first applications under the new rules in early 2026. Applications are assessed individually, and common reasons for rejection have included not having the required type of residence permit or not having held the permit since 12 September 2024 or earlier. The increased grant is part of the government's policy to encourage voluntary repatriation by providing greater financial support for people who choose to leave Sweden. The decision to increase the grant has been presented by the government as a way to make voluntary repatriation more financially feasible. Are these major updates to the repatriation grant shifting conversations within your community? Share your thoughts or experiences confidentially by emailing us at info@newroots.se.asylum rule changes toughest in 40 years
GOTHENBURG — A sweeping sequence of legislative crackdowns has decisively dismantled Sweden’s long-standing reputation as one of Europe’s most welcoming destinations for asylum seekers. Pushed through a succession of policy overhauls culminating mid-2026, the new framework fundamentally alters the country's immigration landscape — tightening the screws on who can stay, restricting how asylum seekers live, and reshaping what happens after a claim is decided. While the government maintains that the measures are vital to relieve system pressure and enforce stricter integration standards, critics warn the paradigm shift marks a permanent departure from Sweden’s humanitarian legacy. applications drop as policies tighten The number of people applying for asylum in Sweden has fallen sharply in recent years. In 2025, applications dropped by around 30%, reaching their lowest level since the mid-1980s. Asylum-related migration now represents a much smaller share of overall immigration, reflecting a broader shift in policy direction. Officials have pointed to stricter rules and increased enforcement as key reasons for the decline, and have signalled that further measures are likely. The drop in numbers is not seen as temporary, but as part of a longer-term strategy to reduce asylum inflows. stricter conditions on how asylum seekers live One of the most significant changes affects where asylum seekers can live while their applications are processed. Recent rules mean that individuals may be required to stay in accommodation assigned by Migrationsverket in order to receive financial support. Proposals under consideration go further, suggesting mandatory residence in state-run reception centres, with stricter monitoring and reduced flexibility. Under these changes, asylum seekers who choose not to comply risk losing access to benefits, and in some cases may face negative consequences for their application. The shift marks a move away from earlier arrangements, where more people were able to organise their own housing during the process. temporary permits replace long-term security Another major change is the move away from permanent residence as the default outcome for those granted protection. Temporary residence permits are now the standard, with stricter conditions attached to extensions. This means that even successful applicants may face ongoing uncertainty about their ability to remain in Sweden long-term. Further proposals suggest limiting access to permanent residence even more, reinforcing the idea that asylum protection in Sweden is increasingly time-bound rather than a pathway to settlement. greater focus on returns Alongside tighter entry and residence rules, Sweden is placing greater emphasis on ensuring that those who are not granted protection leave the country. Efforts to increase deportations and voluntary returns have been expanded, including higher financial incentives for those who choose to return to their countries of origin. Authorities have also pushed for stronger cooperation at the European level to manage returns more effectively. The policy direction reflects a broader goal of reducing the number of people remaining in Sweden without legal grounds to stay. reduced flexibility within the system Changes to the rules have also made it harder for individuals to switch pathways after receiving a negative decision. Opportunities to move from an asylum process into other forms of residence, such as work permits, have become more limited. At the same time, deportation decisions can remain valid for longer periods, increasing pressure on individuals to leave and reducing the scope for reapplying or remaining in the country under a different status. How are these sweeping legislative changes and tighter asylum frameworks impacting you, your community, or support networks in Sweden? Confidentially share your thoughts or experiences by emailing us at info@newroots.se.new rules for rejected asylum seekers
STOCKHOLM — Sweden introduced new rules on 1 April 2025 affecting people whose asylum applications are rejected, bringing stricter requirements around leaving the country and returning in the future. Under the new regulations, a decision requiring a person to leave Sweden is now valid for 5 years instead of 4. The 5-year period begins only once the person has left the country; if they remain in Sweden, the time does not start running. The rules also apply to people who received a removal decision before April 2025 if that decision was still valid at the end of March 2025. The changes also clarify the process for returning to Sweden. People who leave the country and are not subject to a re-entry ban may later apply to return for work or studies, but they must usually submit their application from their home country or another country where they have the right to stay. Authorities have also introduced stricter consequences for failing to leave on time. Re-entry bans can now be issued for longer periods if a person does not comply with a departure decision. In addition, it is no longer possible to switch from an asylum application to a work permit after receiving a rejection. Officials say the changes are intended to reinforce the asylum system and ensure that departure decisions are followed. If you or someone you know has been affected by these updated departure and re-entry rules, we would love to hear your story. Reach out to us confidentially at info@newroots.se.