If you want to move to Sweden to live with an EU/EEA citizen who has right of residence, you may be able to do so as their family member.
- Family can include a spouse, registered partner or cohabiting partner
- Children under 21 generally qualify
- Children over 21 and parents may qualify if they are financially dependent
- Some other close relatives may qualify if they are financially dependent, part of the EU/EEA citizen's household, or have serious health reasons requiring personal care
- If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen and plan to stay for more than three months, you normally need to apply for a residence card
- Your EU/EEA family member must have right of residence in Sweden — for example through work, study, self-employment or sufficient funds
- A residence card allows you to live and work in Sweden while the EU/EEA family member continues to have right of residence
Moving to Sweden to join a spouse, partner or other family member can work differently depending on their citizenship.
If your family member is an EU/EEA citizen with right of residence in Sweden, you may be able to join them under EU free-movement rules. If you are from outside the EU/EEA, this usually means applying for a residence card, rather than a standard Swedish residence permit for family reunification.
The rules depend on your relationship to the EU/EEA citizen and, for some relatives, whether you are financially dependent on them. We explain who qualifies, what you need to prove, and how to apply.
If you want to move to Sweden to live with a family member who is an EU/EEA citizen, the process is usually quite straightforward.
It mainly comes down to 2 things:
- Are you considered close family?
- Can your EU/EEA family member support themselves (and you) while here?
If you’re staying in Sweden for more than three months, you’ll need to apply for a residence card.
basic requirements
You’ll need:
- a valid passport
- proof of your relationship
- proof that your family member in Sweden meets right-of-residence rules (working, studying, running a business, or financially self-sufficient)
before you apply — important
- All documents must be in Swedish or English
- If not, get them officially translated
- Submit copies of both the original and the certified translation
- Make sure all copies are clear and readable
Getting this right from the start avoids delays.
Sweden needs proof that your EU/EEA family member can legally live in Sweden and financially support themselves (and you, if relevant).
What documents you provide depends on their situation, and there are a lot of ways this can be broken down. To simplify things, we’ve created a cheatsheet to help you on your way. Varsågod!
step 1
basic requirements (everyone)
☐ Valid passport (copy)
☐ Copy of your EU/EEA family member’s passport
☐ Proof of your relationship
☐ Proof your family member meets right-of-residence requirements
☐ Statement of how long you plan to live in Sweden
step 2
proof of relationship
married:
☐ Marriage certificate
cohabiting:
☐ Documents showing shared address or housing contract
you have children under 21:
☐ Passport copies
☐ Birth certificates (showing parents’ names)
you have children over 21:
☐ Proof of financial dependency
other dependent relatives:
☐ Documentation showing financial or personal dependency
step 3
if someone is applying for you
☐ Signed power of attorney included
step 4
document preparation
☐ All documents are in Swedish or English. If not, certified translations are attached
☐ Both original copies and translations are included
☐ All copies are clear and readable
step 5
proof your family member can live in sweden
Choose the section that matches their situation:
employed:
☐ Employer certificate
☐ Pay-slips from the last 3 months
student:
☐ Confirmation of admission and active studies
☐ Proof of sufficient funds
☐ Health insurance (if not yet registered in Sweden)
self-employed/business owner:
☐ F-tax certificate
☐ Business registration certificate
☐ VAT report (if applicable)
☐ Tax account statement (last 3 months)
☐ Proof business is active (invoices, contracts, lease, etc.)
☐ Latest annual report
☐ Transfer agreement (if business was recently purchased)
retired or living on savings:
☐ Proof of housing (rental contract or ownership)
☐ Details of monthly housing costs
☐ Pension documents (if applicable)
☐ Bank statements or proof of income (dividends, etc.)
☐ Social security certificate or private health insurance
working or studying in another country but living here:
☐ Proof of housing in Sweden + monthly costs
☐ Employment proof + last 3 payslips (if working)
☐ Proof of other income (if applicable)
☐ Proof of commuting costs
☐ Social security certificate or private health insurance
step 6
final check before submitting
☐ All required documents included
☐ Copies are clear and complete
☐ Translations attached (if needed)
☐ Only documents relevant to your situation included
Once everything is checked off, you’re ready to submit.
- Your rights depend on the EU/EEA citizen having right of residence in Sweden
- Non-EU/EEA family members need a residence card if staying in Sweden for more than 3 months
- A residence card is free to apply for
- You can work or study in Sweden once you arrive, provided the EU/EEA family member meets the requirements for right of residence
- Your relationship must qualify as family under the EU rules. This includes spouses, partners, children and dependent parents in certain circumstances
- After 5 years, you may have permanent right of residence if the requirements have been met
- If your relationship ends, you may still be able to stay in certain circumstances
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Rules regarding residence permits, work permits, and employment in Sweden may change and depend on individual circumstances. Always consult the Swedish Migration Agency or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your case.
- Getting organised first makes the process much smoother — and avoids unnecessary delays
- See our useful links section within this article to learn what countries require an entry visa
do I need a visa?
If you’re not from the EU/EEA, you might need one before traveling to Sweden. Everyone — even kids — must apply separately at a Swedish embassy or consulate.
how long is the residence card valid?
Up to 5 years. Apply for a new one before it expires. After 5 years in Sweden, you can acquire permanent right of residence. If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you can apply for a permanent residence card as proof.
my family member is swedish — does that count as e.u./e.e.a.?
Usually no. But it can count if they recently lived in another EU/EEA country (or Switzerland) for at least 3 months and you lived there together before moving to Sweden.
what does “dependent family member” mean?
For EU/EEA family-member rules, some relatives qualify only if they are financially dependent on the EU/EEA citizen or their spouse/partner.
This can include:
- children aged 21 or over
- parents
- certain other close relatives
You may need to provide evidence showing the financial dependency or, in some cases, that the relative was part of the EU/EEA citizen's household or has a serious health condition requiring personal care.
The exact requirements depend on your relationship and circumstances.
If not, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit instead.
does it cost anything to apply?
Nope — it’s free.
how long will it take?
It varies, but most people get a decision within about 6 months.
can I work when I arrive?
Yes. If your family member qualifies to live in Sweden, you can start working or studying right away.