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Sweden Implements Stricter Expulsion Rules for Foreign Nationals Who Commit Crimes

🇸🇪 SwedenEntry Rules1 recorded versionLast change 1 Sept 2026
ConfidenceVery high · 100%

Current rules

The rules for expulsion due to crime have been tightened. Foreign nationals who commit crimes are to be expelled more frequently. Crimes carrying a penalty stricter than a fine should now, as a general rule, lead to expulsion. The balancing of reasons for and against expulsion will, in more cases, result in expulsion. Individuals who arrived in Sweden before the age of 15 no longer receive the same protection against expulsion. Courts will no longer consider impediments to enforcement (practical obstacles to carrying out expulsion). Re-entry bans will be longer, with some applying without a time limit. Prosecutors will, in some cases, be obliged to request expulsion in criminal cases. Stricter penalties are also introduced for certain offences under the Aliens Act, specifically for unlawful stay in violation of a re-entry ban (minimum six months, maximum two years imprisonment) and for employing foreign nationals lacking the right to reside or a work permit (maximum two years imprisonment).

Overview

The Riksdag has approved the Government's proposal to tighten rules concerning the expulsion of foreign nationals who commit crimes. This legislative package, effective from 1 September 2026, aims to increase the number of expulsions by expanding the types of offences that can lead to removal, reducing protections for individuals who arrived in Sweden before the age of 15, and making re-entry bans longer, with some becoming indefinite. The changes also obligate prosecutors to seek expulsion in relevant criminal cases and introduce tougher penalties for certain breaches of the Aliens Act.

Who is affected by the latest change

  • Foreign nationals who commit crimes in Sweden
  • Courts making removal decisions
  • Prosecutors in criminal cases involving foreign nationals
  • Individuals who have re-entry bans
  • Employers of foreign nationals in Sweden

What changed in the latest version

Before

The old rules for sending foreign nationals out of the country for crimes were not as tough. Crimes that carried a penalty worse than a fine did not always lead to removal. When deciding whether to remove someone, the courts often gave a lot of weight to the person's connections to Sweden. People who came to Sweden before they were 15 years old had more protection from being removed. Courts considered problems that might stop someone from being removed. Bans on re-entering Sweden were usually shorter. Prosecutors did not always have to ask for someone to be removed.

After

Rules for sending foreign nationals out of the country for crimes are now tougher. Foreign nationals who commit crimes will be removed more often. Crimes that carry a penalty worse than a fine should now generally lead to removal. When deciding whether to remove someone, the courts will now more often decide to remove them. People who came to Sweden before they were 15 years old no longer have the same protection from being removed. Courts will no longer consider practical problems that might stop someone from being removed. Bans on re-entering Sweden will be longer. Some bans will have no time limit. Prosecutors must, in some cases, ask for someone to be removed in criminal cases. There are also tougher penalties for certain crimes under the Aliens Act. For example, staying in Sweden unlawfully when you have a re-entry ban now carries a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years in prison. Employing foreign nationals who do not have the right to live or work in Sweden now carries a maximum of two years in prison.

This policy change greatly alters the legal situation for foreign nationals in Sweden. This is especially true for those facing criminal charges. People who were once safe from removal because of their age when they arrived or their strong connections to Sweden may now be removed. Re-entry bans, including those with no time limit, will be longer. This means removal will have a more lasting effect on the people it applies to. Also, prosecutors must now ask for removal. This makes sure the rules are used more often. So, foreign nationals and their lawyers must understand the higher risks linked to being found guilty of a crime.

Explained simply

Imagine Sweden is like a club, and to be a member (especially if you weren't born there), you need to follow the rules. If you break the rules badly by committing a crime, like stealing or hurting someone, the club is making it much easier to kick you out. Even if you moved to Sweden when you were really young, that won't save you anymore if you commit a serious crime. Also, once you're kicked out, it's going to be much harder, and sometimes impossible, to get back in. The police will also have to ask the judges to kick you out if you commit certain crimes, making sure it happens more often. It's like the club is saying: follow the rules, or you're out, and probably for good.

Frequently asked

Version history

  1. v1Effective 1 Sept 2026EffectiveHigh impact
    Sweden Implements Stricter Expulsion Rules for Foreign Nationals Who Commit Crimes

    Sweden has introduced tougher rules for sending foreign nationals out of the country if they commit crimes. These new rules start on 1 September 2026. The new law makes it easier to remove foreign nationals who commit crimes. Offences that carry a penalty worse than a fine will now generally lead to removal. The law also gives less protection against removal to people who came to Sweden before they were 15 years old. Courts will no longer consider practical problems that might stop a person from being removed. In addition, bans on re-entering Sweden will be longer. Some bans will have no time limit. Prosecutors must ask for a person to be removed in certain criminal cases. Penalties for some crimes under the Aliens Act will also be higher.

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