applying to bring your kids

In many cases, yes.

If you live in Sweden and your child lives in another country, they can apply for a residence permit to live with you.

This usually applies if the parent in Sweden has:

• Swedish citizenship
• a permanent residence permit
• permanent right of residence
• a temporary residence permit (for example protection or family ties)

To apply for this type of residence permit, a few important things must be true.

rule 1

an adult must apply for the child

The application must be made by:

• a parent, or
• another legal guardian

This person must have the legal right to represent the child in the child’s home country.

rule 2

the child must be under 18

Your child must:

• be under 18 years old
• be unmarried

rule 3

the parent in sweden must have legal status

The parent living in Sweden must have one of the following:

• Swedish citizenship
• Permanent residence permit
• Permanent residence card
• Permanent right of residence
• Temporary residence permit (for example protection or family ties)

In most cases, the parent in Sweden must show they can:

• support themselves and the child financially
• provide a home big enough for both of them

This rule is known as the maintenance requirement.

Some people may be exempt, depending on their residence status.

To meet the maintenance requirement, the parent living in Sweden usually needs to show that they:

1. have suitable housing for themselves and the child
2. have enough income to support the household after housing costs

The amount you need depends on the size of your household and the age of the child.

In 2026, after paying housing costs, the parent must generally have at least:

• SEK 6,243 per month for a single adult
• SEK 3,336 per month for each child aged 0–6
• SEK 4,004 per month for each child aged 7–10
• SEK 4,672 per month for each child aged 11–14
• SEK 5,339 per month for each child aged 15 or older

The amounts for children are reduced by any child allowance and large-family supplement you receive. These are amounts that must be left after tax and housing costs, rather than the salary you need to earn.

1

proof of housing

The parent must show that they have suitable housing for at least one year into the future.

The home must be large enough for everyone who will live there. There is no specific square-metre requirement, but the rooms must be intended for accommodation. Two children can share a bedroom.

What you need to provide depends on your housing situation.

if you rent your home

You may need to provide:

• a rental contract
• documents showing your housing costs

The documents should show details such as:

• monthly rent
• number of rooms
• rental period

if you sublet your home

The sublet must be approved by the landlord, tenant-owner association or rental board. You should provide documentation showing that the subletting is authorised.

if you own your home

You may need to provide documents showing ownership and your housing costs, such as:

• ownership or purchase documents
• housing association fees, if applicable
• mortgage interest
• necessary operating costs, depending on the type of home

The exact housing costs considered can vary depending on whether you own a flat or a house.

2

proof of income

You must also show that you have regular income sufficient to support yourself, your household and the child.

Income that can count includes:

• salary or wages
• income from your own business
• certain benefits, such as unemployment or sickness benefits
• income-based old-age pension

In some circumstances, sufficient taxable assets can also meet the financial part of the requirement.

The documents you provide depend on your situation.

if you are employed

You may need to provide:

• your employment contract
• recent payslips
• other documents showing your current income

if you are self-employed

You may need to provide documents showing your business income, such as:

• tax returns
• tax statements
• other financial records

if you receive pension or benefits

Provide the relevant official decision or payment documentation showing:

• the type of compensation
• the amount
• the period for which it is paid

Processing times vary depending on the circumstances of the case, the documents provided and where the child is applying from. An application may also take longer if Migrationsverket needs additional information.

Check Migrationsverket's current processing-time information before making travel plans.

Many applications are delayed because of small mistakes.

Here are some common ones to watch out for:

missing documents

Always check that all required documents are included.

unclear copies

Make sure your document copies are clear and easy to read.

missing translations

Documents that are not in Swedish or English must be translated.

passport validity issues

A residence permit cannot be longer than the passport validity.

In some cases, parents can move to Sweden to live with their children.

This may apply when:

• the parent depends heavily on the child for care or support
• the family relationship is especially strong

These cases are reviewed carefully and depend on the specific situation.