Sweden Introduces New Rules for Family Members of Long-Term Residents from Other EU Countries

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

Sweden has introduced new immigration rules for family reunification and young adults, which come into effect on 1 October 2026. These rules mean that people in Sweden who sponsor family members now need to meet higher income requirements. At the same time, young adults who are already in Sweden will have more ways to stay with their parents, including a temporary option to apply for different types of permits without having to leave the country. These changes will affect sponsoring individuals and anyone applying for, or extending, a residence permit based on family ties.

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.