Applying for permanent residency in Sweden is an important milestone for individuals who have lived and worked in the country for several years. The process involves specific eligibility requirements, strict timelines, and a comprehensive list of documents to prepare. Below is a structured guide to help you navigate the application successfully.

1. When Can You Apply?

• You may apply earliest one month before your current work permit expires.
• To qualify for Category A processing (30 days), your application must be complete and correct.
• The Migration Agency will only process your permanent residence application if you have held valid Swedish work permits for at least 48 months.

2. Eligibility Requirements

To be approved for permanent residency, you must:

• Fulfill the conditions for extending your work permit (adequate salary & insurance).
• Hold a permanent job or an employment contract of at least 18 months into the future.
• Have held Swedish work permits for at least 48 months.
• Have lived and worked in Sweden for at least 44 of those 48 months.
• Have lived an orderly life (no serious criminal or financial issues).
• Be able to financially support yourself (salary must cover both living expenses and housing costs).

3. Documents You Need to Prepare

For the Main Applicant

• Completed permanent residence application form.
• Copy of passport (identity, validity, visas, entry/exit stamps).
• Any residence permits from other countries.
• Power of Attorney (hand-signed) when applying with the sponsorship of your employer.
• Copies of all Swedish permits and decision letters from the last 7 years.
• Employment contract (digitally signed with a verified tool or hand-signed).
• Payslips from the last five months.
• Income information from the Swedish Tax Agency (last 3 months).
• Annual tax statements for the years covered by your work permit.
• Work certificate from your employer.
• If applicable: proof of payments from Försäkringskassan (e.g., sick leave, parental leave).
• If you had previous employers:
  • Insurance & Payment Specifications.
  • Work certificates.

Housing Documents

• If renting: lease agreement + last 3 months' rent/utility payments.
• If owning: purchase agreement, property description, last 3 months' utilities, mortgage details, housing association fees (if applicable).
• If subleasing: lease agreement (12+ months), landlord approval, utilities, proof of landlord ownership.

4. Family Members’ Applications

Children under 18

• Passport copy.
• Birth certificate (+ translation).
• Copies of all permits and decision letters from the last 7 years.
• List of travels outside Sweden in the last 4 years.

Spouse

• Passport copy.
• Copies of all permits and decision letters.
• Declaration of Cohabitation form.
• Marriage certificate (+ translation).
• List of foreign travels.
• If applying for permanent residency: must show ability to support themselves (job contract, payslips, income info, tax records, work certificate).

5. Passport Check at the Migration Agency

• If your passport has not been previously verified, you will be called to visit the Migration Agency.
• You must book an appointment within 14 days of notification.
• At the appointment: show your passport, provide fingerprints, and have your photo taken.
• After approval, your residence card is issued and delivered within about one week.

6. Schengen Travel Rules

• Visa-free nationals: maximum 90 days in 180 days outside Sweden in Schengen.
• Visa holders: must follow visa conditions.
• Overstaying can result in fines, rejection of the application, or bans of 1–4 years.

Final Advice

Applying for permanent residence in Sweden requires thorough preparation and attention to detail. Submitting all required documents correctly and on time helps ensure faster processing, especially if you qualify for the 30-day Category A timeline.

It is strongly recommended to prepare your documents well in advance and keep track of deadlines to avoid delays. If your case is complex, professional immigration advisors can help review your application before it is submitted to the Swedish Migration Agency.