the maintenance requirement

new roots4 minutes

Bianca Amoruso Wennerbyfounder & c.e.o., Medensiaswedish immigration expertMedensia

If you are bringing a family member to Sweden, you may need to meet the maintenance requirement. This means 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. The figures are updated over time.

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 to support the whole household in Sweden?

We explain how much money you need to have left after your housing costs, what counts as income, and when the requirement 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.

After paying your housing costs, you must have enough money left to cover normal living expenses (normalbelopp). This is the key rule.

Migrationsverket uses standard monthly amounts to calculate how much money must remain. The amount depends on your household size and whether you are making a first-time application or extending an existing residence permit.

standard amounts for 2026

These amounts generally apply to first-time family reunification applications and to extensions that do not qualify for the transitional rules.

for adults
  • single adult: SEK 8,116 per month
  • 2 adults living together: SEK 13,408 per month
for children

Add the applicable amount for each child aged:

  • 0–6: SEK 4,337 per month
  • 7–10: SEK 5,205 per month
  • 11–14: SEK 6,074 per month
  • 15 or older: SEK 6,941 per month

transitional amounts for some residence permit extensions

Lower amounts apply temporarily to certain people extending an existing family residence permit. To qualify, the existing permit must have been granted before 1 October 2026, and Migrationsverket must receive the extension application no later than 1 October 2027.

for adults
  • single adult: SEK 6,243 per month
  • 2 adults living together: SEK 10,314 per month
for children

Add the applicable amount for each child aged:

  • 0–6: SEK 3,336 per month
  • 7–10: SEK 4,004 per month
  • 11–14: SEK 4,672 per month
  • 15 or older: SEK 5,339 per month

Child benefit and the large-family supplement also reduce the amount required for children under these transitional rules.

what counts as income

For a first-time application, income must normally be regular and sufficient to support the household.

Examples of income that may count include:

  • salary from employment
  • income from self-employment
  • sickness benefit (sjukpenning)

Migrationsverket normally does not count:

  • income from subsidised employment
  • unemployment insurance (a-kassa)
  • activity compensation or activity support
  • other unemployment-related benefits

In some cases, you may also meet the maintenance requirement through sufficient money or qualifying assets rather than regular employment income. These funds generally need to be sufficient to support the household for at least two years.

The rules differ depending on the type of application and the circumstances of the person living in Sweden. Check Migrationsverket's current guidance to confirm which income sources and exemptions apply to your situation.

  • 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
  • The standard and transitional amounts are what must remain each month after tax and housing costs

You must also show that you have suitable housing for the whole family.

The housing must:

  • be large enough for everyone who will live there
  • be available for at least one year from the date of the application
  • be intended for residential use
  • be a home that you have the right to use

For 2 adults without children, a home with a kitchen or kitchenette and at least 1 room is normally enough.

If children will live in the home, more rooms are needed:

  • 2 children can normally share a bedroom
  • There is no specific square-metre requirement, but the rooms must be intended for living in

Housing can include:

  • rented accommodation
  • sublet accommodation
  • tenant-owned apartment (bostadsrätt)
  • house

If you are subletting, the sublet normally needs to be approved by the landlord, housing association or Rent and Tenancy Tribunal.

Simply renting a room from someone or living in your parents' home will normally not meet the housing requirement.

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 exemptions are specific and depend on your circumstances. For example, there are exemptions for certain well-established relationships involving Swedish or other EU/EEA citizens, and for some family members of refugees who apply within the required time limit and meet the other conditions. Special circumstances, such as a permanent reduction in working capacity due to illness or disability, may also be relevant.

Do not assume that you are exempt based on your relationship alone. Check the current rules with Migrationsverket before relying on an exemption.

  • The maintenance requirement now also applies to extensions of family residence permits
  • The 2026 amount remaining after tax and housing costs is SEK 8,116 for a single adult or SEK 13,408 for 2  adults living together, before adding the applicable amount for children
  • Transitional rules: if your current residence permit was granted before 1 October 2026 and Migrationsverket receives your extension application by 1 October 2027, the previous, lower amounts apply.
  • Under the applicable rules, certain income earned by the family member applying for an extension may also be taken into account (the rules and exemptions depend on your 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 Migrationsverket or a qualified professional for guidance specific to your case.

 ↗︎ Migrationsverket

does everyone need to meet the maintenance requirement?

No. The requirement applies in many family residence permit cases, including some extensions, but specific exemptions exist. These depend on factors such as the person's citizenship or residence status, the family relationship and the circumstances of the application. Check Migrationsverket's guidance before assuming you are exempt.

can different types of income be combined?

Sometimes, yes. Migrationsverket may consider different sources of stable, regular income when assessing whether the maintenance requirement is met. Depending on the circumstances, this could include employment income, income from a business or certain pension payments. Not all income sources qualify, and specific rules apply to each type.

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. The required amounts are updated over time, and the rules changed on 1 October 2026. The new rules also affect extensions, although transitional arrangements apply to some existing permit holders. Check the latest figures and requirements on Migrationsverket's website.