Family reunion rules change on 1 October: what applicants need to check

Sweden’s already-passed family reunification changes take effect on 1 October. They affect both people applying to join family in Sweden and some families renewing permits, so the date matters even if you have lived together here for years.

For a person in Sweden with a temporary residence permit, the general rule will be that they must have lived here for two years before family members apply. They must also have well-founded prospects of permanent residence. The Migration Agency says there are exceptions, including some refugee families whose relationship existed before arrival.

The amount required under the maintenance test rises for new applications. The test will also apply to extensions, although a family member’s income may count. Families renewing a permit granted before 1 October 2026 can continue under the old amount if they apply by 1 October 2027; from 2 October 2027, the higher amount applies to all applications.

There are separate changes for worker families. At renewal, income from unemployment benefits or subsidised employment will not count towards maintenance. Some family members of EU Blue Card or ICT permit holders staying up to a year will need comprehensive health insurance. Families of researchers also face a maintenance test.

The rules were approved earlier by Parliament; this is a reminder of their start date. The applicable test depends on the permit category and family circumstances, so applicants should check the Migration Agency’s guidance before submitting or renewing.

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