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.