If you are bringing a family member to Sweden, you may need to meet the maintenance requirement, meaning you must have enough income to cover your housing costs and still have a set amount left over for everyday living expenses.
The amount depends on your household size and circumstances and is updated each year.
The maintenance requirement is separate from the new 90% salary requirement for work permits — meeting the salary threshold does not automatically mean you meet the family reunification requirement. There are also exemptions, so the requirement does not apply to everyone.
When you apply for family reunification, Migrationsverket (the Swedish Migration Agency) checks something called the maintenance requirement (försörjningskravet).
In simple terms: Can you afford life in Sweden for the whole household?
We explain how much income you need, what counts as income, and when the rule may not apply.
The maintenance requirement means the person already living in Sweden must show they can:
- support themselves financially
- support the family member moving to Sweden
- provide suitable housing for everyone
This rule most often applies when applying for residence permits for:
- a partner or spouse
- a cohabiting partner
- an unmarried child under the age of 18
- any other close family member
why the rule exists
The goal is to ensure families moving to Sweden have financial stability and suitable housing from the start.
key rule: After paying housing costs, you must still have enough money left for normal living expenses (normalbelopp).
Migrationsverket uses standard living-cost amounts.
Approximate monthly amounts that must remain after rent:
adults
- SEK 6,243 for a single adult
- SEK 10,314 for 2 adults living together
children
Add for all kids:
- SEK 3,336 (ages 0–6)
- SEK 4,004 (ages 7–10)
- SEK 4,672 (ages 11–14)
- SEK 5,339 (ages 15+)
Child benefits or large-family benefits reduce the required amount for children.
These amounts are updated regularly, and Migrationsverket always assesses the latest figures.
what counts as income
Income must normally be stable and long-term.
- Accepted: Salary from employment, self-employment profits, income-based pensions, unemployment insurance (a-kassa), and sickness benefit (sjukpenning)
- Not Accepted: Financial social assistance (försörjningsstöd), CSN student grants/loans, general introduction benefits, or temporary/unsecured income
- Child benefits (barnbidrag) or large-family supplements (flerbarnstillägg) are deducted from the required child amount
- If the sponsor has sufficient taxable wealth/assets instead of work income, the funds must generally be enough to support the family for at least 2 years
You must also show you have suitable housing for the whole family.
General expectations:
- The home must be large enough for everyone
- You must have the legal right to live there
Typical examples:
- 2 adults usually need at least 1 room + kitchen
- Families with children need more rooms
Housing can be:
- rented
- sublet
- tenant-owned apartment
- house
But you must prove your right to live there (contract or ownership).
Common documents include:
- employment contract
- recent payslips
- tax documents (if self-employed)
- rental or housing contract
- proof of total housing costs (rent invoices, BRF fees, heating bills, mortgage interest statements)
Migrationsverket reviews your full financial situation.
The maintenance requirement can be waived in some situations, for example if the person in Sweden:
- is under 18
- has refugee or protection status and applies for family reunification within the allowed time period
- is a parent applying for a residence permit for their child under 18 (exemptions differ depending on the family relationship and type of permit, so if you think this is you, confirm with Migrationsverket directly)
Each case is assessed individually.
- The 90% salary rule is separate: From 1 June 2026, most new work permit applicants must meet a salary requirement of 90% of Sweden's median salary. This rule does not replace the maintenance requirement for family reunification. If the maintenance requirement applies to you, you must have enough income to cover your housing costs and still have money left for everyday living expenses. In 2026, 2 adults living together need SEK 10,314 left after rent
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.
does everyone need to meet the maintenance requirement?
No. In some cases people are exempt, depending on their residence status or family situation.
can different types of income be combined?
Sometimes, yes. Migrationsverket may consider different sources of stable income together.
does the housing have to be owned?
No. The housing can be rented or owned, as long as the person in Sweden has the legal right to live there and the home is suitable.
can the requirement change?
Yes. Income levels and guidelines do change over time. It’s important to check the latest information from Migrationsverket.