Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
If you are seeking asylum in Trollhättan you are using the same national asylum system that applies across Sweden. The Swedish Migration Agency - Migrationsverket - is the national authority responsible for registering applications, conducting interviews, and deciding asylum claims. Local services in Trollhättan - for example the municipality and social services - provide reception, basic support and schooling while your case is being processed. Courts that handle appeals are part of Sweden's administrative court system. The process and legal standards are based on Swedish law, the 1951 Refugee Convention, EU rules and other international obligations.
A lawyer can make a critical difference during the asylum process. Common situations where legal help is important include:
- Your first asylum interview - a lawyer can help you prepare, explain how to present your case and ensure you understand the questions and consequences.
- Complex credibility issues - if the authority questions your account of persecution or flight you will need clear legal and factual presentation.
- Medical or psychological evidence - when trauma, torture or health conditions support your claim you will need legal help to obtain and present medical documentation.
- Family reunification matters - lawyers can advise on evidence, deadlines and eligibility if you seek to bring family members to Sweden.
- Negative decisions and appeals - if your application is rejected you will usually have a short deadline to appeal and you will benefit from a legal strategy for court.
- Special protection needs - unaccompanied minors, trafficking victims, LGBTIQ applicants or people needing urgent protection should have legal representation to ensure their rights are protected.
- Detention or deportation proceedings - when there is a risk of detention or forced return you need immediate legal advice to protect your rights and explore emergency measures.
This overview highlights key legal elements relevant to asylum in Trollhättan and Sweden generally. It is a summary and not a substitute for legal advice.
- Application and registration - To seek asylum you must notify the Swedish Migration Agency. Your application will be registered, you will receive an interview, and biometrics may be taken.
- Legal grounds - Sweden recognizes refugee status under the 1951 Refugee Convention and also grants subsidiary protection or residence on humanitarian grounds when severe harm is likely if you return.
- Temporary and permanent permits - In recent years Sweden often issues temporary residence permits for protection reasons. The type and length of permit affect rights such as family reunification and long-term residency.
- Right to interpreter - You have the right to an interpreter during interviews and procedures if you do not understand Swedish or English. Ask for one before any interview.
- Appeals - If the Migration Agency refuses your application you can normally appeal to a Migration Court within a strict deadline. Time limits are short - act quickly.
- Detention and removal - In some cases the authorities may detain a person pending deportation. Detention and use of coercive measures are subject to legal safeguards and judicial review.
- Social support and accommodation - Municipalities provide housing, schooling for children and certain social services while a person is in the asylum process. Eligibility and level of support varies by situation.
- Work and income - Rights to work or access to social benefits during the asylum process are limited and depend on your permit status and local rules. Consult an adviser before entering employment.
You start by informing the Swedish Migration Agency that you want to apply for asylum. You will be registered and invited to an interview. If you are already in Trollhättan contact the local reception or the Migration Agency for the nearest registration point. Keep any identity or travel documents and bring them to registration.
You are not legally required to have a lawyer to submit an application, but legal help is strongly recommended because asylum law is complex. A lawyer can help prepare your statement, gather evidence, and explain procedural steps and rights.
Bring any identity documents, passports, travel papers, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, police reports, or other material that supports your case. If you cannot obtain documents from your home country explain why and document your efforts to retrieve them.
The interview is your main opportunity to explain why you fear returning to your home country. Be honest, consistent and specific about dates, places and people involved. You have the right to an interpreter and to bring a lawyer or legal counsel to prepare beforehand.
Processing time varies widely. Some straightforward cases are decided within months while complex or appeal cases can take much longer. Delays may occur due to backlogs, the need for additional evidence, or legal appeals.
If you receive a refusal you normally have a limited time to appeal. Seek legal advice immediately. An appeal may go to an administrative court and further legal remedies may be available. Do not ignore a rejection notice or the appeal deadline.
Work rights for asylum-seekers are limited and depend on immigration status and local rules. In some cases work is possible but you should get legal or administrative advice before accepting employment so you do not risk violating conditions of your stay.
If you are granted a residence permit you may be eligible to apply to bring close family members to Sweden. Eligibility criteria and supporting evidence are required. The rules differ depending on whether you have refugee status or another form of protection.
Children and victims of trafficking have special protections under Swedish law. Unaccompanied minors are assigned a guardian and receive extra support. If you believe you are a trafficking victim inform the Migration Agency or social services so you can be referred to appropriate care and legal protection.
There are several sources of assistance - legal aid schemes, non-governmental organizations, law clinics and pro bono services. The availability of free legal help varies. Contact local refugee support organizations, the municipality or the Migration Agency to learn about local legal aid options.
Relevant bodies and organizations that can help you include national and local authorities and nongovernmental organizations. Important contacts to consider are:
- Swedish Migration Agency - Migrationsverket - for registration, interviews and decisions.
- Trollhättan municipality - for reception, housing, schooling and social services while your case is pending.
- Local legal aid providers and law clinics - for legal consultations and assistance with appeals.
- NGOs and refugee support organizations - for practical and psychosocial support, interpretation, and help gathering documents.
- Healthcare and mental health services - for medical reports and treatment that may be relevant to your claim.
- Child protection services - if you are an unaccompanied minor or your children need protection and schooling.
When you contact these organizations ask about language assistance and interpretation services.
If you need legal assistance with an asylum matter in Trollhättan follow these practical steps:
- Register your asylum claim promptly with the Swedish Migration Agency if you have not already done so.
- Gather all available documents that support your identity and your claim - passports, medical records, police reports and witness statements.
- Request an interpreter for any interviews and ask for time to consult a lawyer before making important statements.
- Seek legal advice immediately if your application is refused, if you face detention, or if you are at risk of removal.
- Contact local municipal services for accommodation, schooling and social support while your case is processed.
- Reach out to local NGOs or refugee support groups for practical help, psychosocial support and information about legal aid options.
- Keep copies of all documents and correspondence, note dates and times of interviews and decisions, and write down names of officials you meet.
Getting informed, documented and represented early increases your chances of a clear presentation of your claim. If you are unsure where to start, contact the Swedish Migration Agency or your local municipal reception services and ask for guidance on legal support available in Trollhättan.
