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Dependent visas in Sweden are part of the broader residence-permit system for family members who want to join a person lawfully residing in Sweden. In practice, this means spouses, registered partners, cohabitants in certain situations, and dependent children can apply for a residence permit to live with a relative who already has permission to stay in Sweden. The Swedish Migration Agency handles most applications for family reunification for non-EU citizens, while EU-EEA family members rely on free-movement rules and different registration steps. Östersund is served by national immigration authorities and local municipal services that help with integration, housing and social needs once a permit is granted.
Immigration and family-reunification matters can appear straightforward but often involve complex legal and factual issues. You may need a lawyer if:
- Your application is refused or delayed and you plan to appeal the decision.
- You need help proving a genuine family relationship - for example where documentation is incomplete, in another language, or you face questions about a marriage or cohabitation.
- There are child custody or parental-consent issues for children under 18 that could block a permit.
- You are joining someone with a temporary permit and must meet specific conditions - for example about housing or financial support.
- Criminal records, prior immigration refusals, or security concerns are raised by the authorities.
- Your case involves asylum-related family reunification, or complicated cross-border legal questions.
A lawyer experienced in Swedish immigration and family-reunification law can clarify rights, prepare strong documentation, file appeals, represent you at hearings, and advise on practical consequences such as work rights and social benefits.
- Who qualifies: Family members commonly eligible include spouses and registered partners, cohabitants in certain circumstances, and children under 18. Eligibility rules differ for EU-EEA family members compared with non-EU nationals.
- Application process: Non-EU family members usually apply for a residence permit through the Swedish Migration Agency - online or via a Swedish embassy. The process includes submitting identity documents, relationship proof, and sometimes biometric data.
- Documentation and translation: Documents not in Swedish or English generally need to be translated. Official or certified translations are often required. Original documents or notarised copies may be requested.
- Right to work and study: A granted family-reunification residence permit commonly allows the holder to work and study in Sweden, but the specific permit text should be checked for conditions.
- Registration and personal identity number: If you plan to stay in Sweden for a year or more, you generally register with the Swedish Tax Agency to get a personnummer - an essential identifier for healthcare, employment and banking. Shorter stays may result in a coordination number instead.
- Housing and maintenance: Authorities may check that there is suitable housing and that the sponsor can provide maintenance. Exact requirements depend on the type of permit and the sponsor's status.
- Appeals and review: If an application is refused, the decision letter will explain how to appeal and the time limit for doing so. Decisions can be reviewed by a migration court and ultimately by higher courts in certain cases.
Dependents typically include spouses, registered partners, children under 18, and in some cases unmarried cohabitants if you can prove a stable, long-term relationship. Eligibility can differ for EU-EEA nationals and non-EU nationals, so examine rules that apply to the sponsor's status in Sweden.
Most non-EU dependents apply through the Swedish Migration Agency, often starting an online application and then providing biometric data at a Swedish embassy or consulate. The application requires identity documents, relationship evidence and other supporting papers. Follow the instructions from the Migration Agency and the local embassy handling the application.
Many family-reunification residence permits allow the holder to work and study, but permits can carry conditions. Always check the permit decision to confirm the exact rights. EU-EEA family members generally enjoy work rights through free-movement rules.
Processing times vary widely depending on the type of application, completeness of documents, and caseload at the Migration Agency. Some straightforward cases take a few months, while more complicated cases may take longer. The Migration Agency publishes current processing time estimates - consult their information and prepare for possible waits.
Typical documents include marriage certificates, civil-partnership registrations, birth certificates for children, joint lease agreements, joint bank statements, photos of the relationship, and affidavits. If documents are in another language, provide certified translations. The more corroborating evidence you can supply, the stronger your application will be.
Custody and consent are critical when a child is involved. If the other legal guardian does not consent, authorities will look at custody orders or court decisions. Lack of consent can complicate an application and may require a court order or other legal steps to show the move is lawful and in the child’s best interests.
The refusal letter will explain the reasons and the appeal procedure. There is a limited timeframe to appeal, and appeals go to a migration court. A lawyer can help evaluate the refusal grounds, prepare an appeal, and gather new evidence if appropriate.
Documents not in Swedish or English should be translated. Official or certified translations are often required. In some cases you may also need an apostille or other form of legalisation, depending on the issuing country and the document type. Check requirements before submission to avoid delays.
EU-EEA family members benefit from free-movement rights which differ from non-EU procedures. Instead of applying for a residence permit, they often register their right of residence and may need to prove family ties and that the sponsor is exercising free-movement rights in Sweden. Registration steps vary and local municipal services can advise on practical matters like getting a personnummer.
While waiting for decisions, contact Östersund municipal integration services for information on housing, schooling and language training. The Swedish Migration Agency and local NGOs also provide guidance. Keeping in contact with municipal authorities helps smooth access to services once a permit is issued.
Swedish Migration Agency - the national authority that processes residence-permit and family-reunification applications.
Östersund Municipality - local guidance on housing, schooling, integration and municipal services.
Swedish Tax Agency - for registration and obtaining a personal identity number or coordination number.
Swedish Police - for identity checks and some document-related matters.
Jämtland County Administrative Board - for regional administrative matters that may affect rights or services.
Sveriges advokatsamfund - the Swedish Bar Association - for finding qualified lawyers specialised in immigration and family law.
Legal aid offices and local NGO organisations - many offer free or low-cost advice for people with limited resources, including refugee and migrant support groups and charities.
- Read your situation carefully: determine whether you are applying under EU-EEA rules or non-EU family-reunification rules. The process and required documents differ.
- Gather documents early: collect passports, birth and marriage certificates, proof of cohabitation, housing evidence and any court orders relevant to custody. Have documents translated if needed and keep certified copies.
- Contact the Swedish Migration Agency or the nearest Swedish embassy/consulate to confirm application steps and where to submit biometrics.
- Consider legal advice: if your case involves refusals, complicated family circumstances, child custody or criminal-record concerns, consult an immigration lawyer in Östersund or the wider Jamtland region who specialises in family-reunification law.
- Prepare for local integration: get in touch with Östersund municipal services ahead of arrival to learn about housing, schooling, Swedish-language classes and employment help.
- Keep records and deadlines: save copies of every submission and note any appeal deadlines if a decision goes against you. If you receive a refusal, act quickly - the decision letter will explain how and when you can appeal.
If you need help finding a lawyer or understanding a refusal, consider an initial consultation with a specialist who can review your documents and explain realistic options and timelines under Swedish law.
