Most family residence permit applications are approved when all requirements are met and the documents are clear.
But sometimes applications are rejected.
Most common reasons include:
Applying for a residence permit for your child is an important step, and many families worry about whether everything in their application is correct. Sometimes applications are delayed or rejected because of missing documents, unclear information, or questions about requirements.
The good news is that many of these issues can be avoided with good preparation.
Let’s look at the most common reasons in simple terms.
One of the most common reasons applications are delayed or rejected is missing or unclear documents.
Migrationsverket needs clear information to understand:
If important documents are missing, the application may not be approved.
These are some of the other most frequent issues:
When possible, make sure that:
In most family applications, the parent living in Sweden must meet the maintenance requirement.
This means they must show they can:
If the Migration Agency decides that the income or housing does not meet the requirement, the application may be rejected.
Some situations that can cause problems include:
Making sure you submit complete income and housing documents can help prevent delays.
If a child has two legal guardians, the Migration Agency usually needs written permission from the other parent.
This confirms that the child is allowed to move to Sweden.
Without this consent, the application may not be approved.
Consent is usually required if:
In these cases, the application must include:
If the other parent has passed away or if one parent has sole custody, official documents confirming this must be included.
What happens after you get your child residence permit
Applying to bring your child to Sweden
Sweden's Maintenance Requirement explained
Learn more about residence permits
A child's application can be rejected for different reasons, including missing documents, failure to meet the applicable requirements or questions about the child's circumstances. Read the decision carefully to understand the specific reason.
Not always. The requirements and application process depend on the child's age, nationality, family circumstances and the type of residence permit being requested. The rules about appealing a decision may also differ.
If your child's application has been rejected, read the decision carefully. It should explain whether an appeal is possible, who can submit it and the deadline. Do not assume that the rules for an adult's application apply to your child.
You may be able to appeal a rejection from Migrationsverket. The decision will explain whether an appeal is possible, the deadline and how to submit it.
If the Swedish Migration Agency requests additional documents, provide them within the stated deadline. If you cannot obtain a document, explain why and ask what alternatives may be accepted.
This depends on the child's circumstances, current residence status and the type of application. An application does not automatically give a child the right to remain in Sweden.
Being born in Sweden does not automatically give a child Swedish citizenship or a residence permit. The appropriate application depends on the child's parents, nationality and residence status.
Sometimes. The rules depend on the type of residence permit and the child's circumstances. Some applications must generally be submitted and approved before entering Sweden, while exceptions may apply.
The application may require information about both parents, parental responsibility and the child's circumstances. The requirements depend on the type of application and the family situation.
Possibly. The relevant requirements depend on the parent's residence status, the child's relationship to the parent and the applicable family reunification rules.
Start with Migrationsverket's guidance and the instructions in any decision or request for additional documents. If the case is complicated or a rejection has been issued, consider seeking advice from a qualified immigration lawyer or legal adviser.
