Sweden

What changed

The Swedish Migration Agency has assessed that only about 350 quota refugees will be transferred to Sweden during 2026. This figure represents a significant reduction from the established annual quota of 900 individuals. The revision stems from the government's delayed announcement regarding the specific nationalities and groups for this year's selection. Consequently, the agency faces practical limitations that prevent the transfer of the full annual refugee quota.

What changed

The Swedish Migration Agency has introduced a new Reception Act, effective from 1 October 2026, replacing the Act on the Reception of Asylum Seekers (LMA). This legislation broadens the eligibility for reception services to include individuals with enforceable return decisions and those previously discharged. Concurrently, it implements stringent measures such as county-level area restrictions and mandatory attendance or reporting obligations for applicants for international protection and returnees. The Act also tightens rules regarding daily allowances and restricts access to the labour market for asylum seekers.

What changed

The Swedish Migration Agency is gradually moving its migration operations in China from the Consulate General in Shanghai to the Embassy in Beijing. This move started in phases on 1 October 2026, when the Embassy in Beijing took over processing visa applications from three Visa Application Centres. By 1 January 2027, the Embassy will be in charge of all migration cases in China, and the Shanghai Consulate General will no longer offer these services.

What changed

From 1 October 2026, new rules will apply to individuals applying for a residence permit in Sweden as a family member of someone holding long-term resident status in another EU country. The changes introduce a stricter definition of eligible family members, mandate that the family unit must have been established and cohabited in the initial EU country, and impose a maintenance requirement on the family member residing in Sweden. Applicants seeking an extension of a permit granted before 1 October 2026 can benefit from transitional rules if they apply by 1 October 2027, avoiding the new requirements. Those applying for the first time, or those who have already applied and are awaiting a decision, must meet the new criteria from the effective date.

What changed

As of 1 October 2026, Sweden will no longer recognise ordinary non-biometric passports issued by the Russian Federation. This means individuals holding such passports cannot use them for entry into Sweden or to obtain visas or residence permits for purposes such as study, visits, employment, or family reunification. A transitional arrangement allows for the acceptance of these passports until 31 December 2026, provided the holder has a valid visa or residence permit issued before 1 October 2026 by Sweden, another EU Member State, or another Schengen country. From 1 January 2027, this non-recognition will extend to Russian non-biometric diplomatic and service passports.

What changed

The Swedish Migration Agency has implemented new immigration rules for family members accompanying employees, effective from 1 October 2026. These changes primarily introduce or extend maintenance requirements for certain work permit categories and researchers, including during permit extensions. Additionally, family members of Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) permit holders and EU Blue Card holders staying for up to one year must now hold comprehensive health insurance. The alterations aim to ensure financial self-sufficiency and adequate healthcare coverage for accompanying family members in Sweden.