Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Alvesta

About Dependent Visa Law in Alvesta, Sweden

In Sweden, what many people call a dependent visa is legally a residence permit based on family ties. The rules are national and come from the Swedish Aliens Act, so the requirements are the same whether you plan to live in Alvesta, Stockholm, or anywhere else. Alvesta is a municipality in Kronoberg County. While Alvesta Municipality does not decide visa cases, it is where you will settle, access local services, enroll children in school, and register your address once you have moved.

Family members who commonly qualify include spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners known as sambo partners, and children under 18. In some circumstances, a person who intends to marry or live together with a partner in Sweden can also apply. The sponsoring person in Sweden can be a Swedish citizen, a permanent resident, a person with a temporary residence permit, a worker, or an international student. Applications are filed with the Swedish Migration Agency, known as Migrationsverket.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Family migration seems straightforward, but many applicants face detailed legal and evidentiary requirements. A lawyer can be helpful if you need to prove a genuine relationship without traditional documents, if you must meet the maintenance requirement income and housing, if you have prior immigration refusals or overstays, if there are criminal record or public order issues, if you are handling custody or consent for a child, if you are using the EU free movement route as an EU or EEA citizen, or if you need to appeal a refusal to the Migration Court. A lawyer can review your eligibility, prepare a tailored evidence list, spot risks early, correspond with the authorities, prepare you for an interview, and litigate an appeal within strict deadlines.

Local Laws Overview

Legal basis and authorities. Dependent visa matters in Sweden are governed by the Aliens Act and the Aliens Ordinance. The Swedish Migration Agency processes applications and issues decisions. Appeals are heard by the Migration Courts within the administrative court system, and in rare cases by the Migration Court of Appeal.

Who qualifies as a dependent. Spouses, registered partners, and cohabiting partners sambo partners can apply. Fiancés and partners who intend to marry or start living together in Sweden can in some cases apply for a first permit to join and formalize the relationship in Sweden. Children under 18 of either partner can usually be included or apply separately. Adult children and other relatives may qualify only in exceptional cases.

Key eligibility points. You must show a genuine relationship, ongoing contact, and an intention to live together. If you are cohabiting partners, you will typically provide proof of having lived together or maintained a shared household, or solid evidence of a committed relationship if you are applying to start living together. If the sponsor holds a temporary residence permit for work or studies, family members can often apply at the same time as the sponsor or later, with permits usually matching the sponsor’s permit length.

Maintenance requirement income and housing. In most family cases, the sponsor in Sweden must show the ability to support themselves and the incoming family member, and have suitable housing. Income can include employment, business income, certain benefits, or a combination. Housing must be of normal standard with a kitchen and bathroom and have enough space for everyone. There are legal exemptions in some situations, for example certain protection refugee family cases and some child sponsor scenarios. The exact thresholds and exemptions are set by law and by the Migration Agency’s guidance and can change, so up to date advice is important.

Documents and evidence. Expect to submit passports that are valid for the full permit period, civil status documents such as marriage or birth certificates, proof of relationship like joint leases, joint bank accounts, travel history, photos, messages, and call logs, proof of income and employment, and housing documents such as a rental contract or property deed. Non Swedish documents usually need an authorized translation and in many cases legalization or an apostille from the country of origin.

Application process. Most applicants apply online to the Swedish Migration Agency. Biometrics fingerprints and photograph will be collected before a residence permit card is produced. If you need a visa to enter Sweden, you generally must wait outside Sweden for a decision and collect your card before travel. Some applicants may be invited to an interview. Processing times vary widely and are measured in months. Government fees apply and depend on the category and age of the applicant.

Rights after approval. Family members with a residence permit based on family ties usually have the right to work in Sweden. If the permit is valid for at least one year and you intend to live in Sweden, you normally register with the Swedish Tax Agency to receive a personal identity number personnummer. Registration allows access to public healthcare on resident terms, school enrollment for children, and other municipal services in Alvesta.

Permit length, extensions, and permanent residence. Initial family permits are typically granted for up to 2 years and will not be longer than the sponsor’s permit. Extensions require updated evidence that the relationship continues and that other conditions remain met. Permanent residence is possible after a qualifying period if legal conditions are met, including a self support requirement for adults and good conduct. If a relationship ends, there are protections for certain cases such as documented domestic violence or strong ties to Sweden. Always seek legal advice early if your circumstances change.

EU and EEA family members. If the sponsor is an EU or EEA citizen who is exercising free movement rights in Sweden such as working or studying, different rules apply. Family members may seek a residence card as family members of an EU or EEA citizen, with separate evidence rules and timelines. Special rules also exist for certain UK related cases under the Withdrawal Agreement.

Local practicalities in Alvesta. After arrival and registration, you will interact with Alvesta Municipality for schooling, childcare, and local services. The Swedish Tax Agency handles population registration and ID cards. Health care is provided through the regional health system in Kronoberg County. While visa decisions are national, your day to day integration steps will be completed locally in and around Alvesta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who counts as a dependent for Swedish purposes

Spouses, registered partners, and cohabiting partners sambo partners usually qualify, as do children under 18. In limited cases you can apply to join someone you intend to marry or live with in Sweden. Adult children or other relatives only qualify in exceptional situations.

Can I apply while I am in Sweden

Many people must apply from outside Sweden and wait for a decision before traveling. Some categories can apply from within Sweden, such as certain family members of workers, students, or EU or EEA citizens, or those who are already legally in Sweden with another permit. Your right to apply from inside Sweden depends on your current status and nationality.

How long does the process take

Processing times vary by case type, evidence, and workload. Family cases often take several months and can take longer. The Migration Agency publishes estimated times, but they are not guarantees. Build timing expectations around months, not weeks.

What is the maintenance requirement and how do we meet it

In most cases the sponsor in Sweden must show sufficient income and suitable housing for the family to live in. Pay slips, employment contracts, business records, and benefit decisions can evidence income. A rental contract or property deed can evidence housing. There are legal exemptions in some situations, and the exact thresholds can change, so check current guidance or consult a lawyer.

Do dependents have the right to work and study

Family members who receive a residence permit based on family ties generally have the right to work in Sweden. Children have the right to attend school. If your permit is shorter than one year you may need private health insurance and you might not receive a personal identity number.

What proof is needed for a sambo cohabiting relationship

Useful evidence can include a joint lease, shared household bills, joint bank accounts, mail to the same address, travel history together, photos, communications, and statements describing the relationship. The Migration Agency looks at the totality of the evidence.

Can my child attend school and get healthcare in Alvesta

Children who live in Alvesta with a residence permit have a right to education in local schools. After you receive a personal identity number and register, you access public healthcare on resident terms. For shorter permits, private insurance may be required.

Can I visit Sweden while my application is pending

It depends on your nationality and current visa status. Visa exempt nationals can sometimes visit, but entry is never guaranteed, and visiting does not speed up the decision. If you need a visa to enter Sweden, you generally must wait outside Sweden and collect your residence permit card before travel.

What if our relationship ends or there is domestic violence

If the relationship ends, you must inform the Migration Agency. In some situations you may keep or extend your permit, for example with documented domestic violence, the best interests of a child, or strong ties to Sweden. Seek legal advice immediately if this applies.

How do appeals work and what are the deadlines

If refused, you can usually appeal to the Migration Court within 3 weeks of being notified of the decision. The appeal deadline is strict. A lawyer can help draft grounds of appeal, submit new evidence, and represent you in court. In rare cases, a further appeal to the Migration Court of Appeal is possible with permission.

Additional Resources

Swedish Migration Agency Migrationsverket for applications, decisions, and official guidance.

Swedish Tax Agency Skatteverket for population registration, personal identity numbers, and Swedish ID cards.

Alvesta Municipality Alvesta kommun for local services, preschool and school enrollment, housing information, and integration support such as Swedish for Immigrants.

Swedish Police Authority for certain identification and residence card matters directed by the Migration Agency, and general law enforcement information.

Swedish embassies and consulates abroad for biometrics appointments and residence permit card collection if you apply from outside Sweden.

Migration Courts within the Swedish court system for appeals information and case handling.

Civil society organizations such as the Swedish Red Cross and specialized migration legal clinics that may offer guidance or referrals.

Next Steps

Clarify your route. Identify whether you apply under family ties to a Swedish citizen, permanent resident, worker, student, or under EU or EEA rules. Confirm whether you must apply from outside Sweden.

Assess eligibility and gaps. Map the maintenance requirement income and housing and list the relationship documents you can provide. Note any risk issues such as incomplete documents, criminal records, or previous refusals.

Gather documents early. Obtain passports valid for the full permit period, civil status certificates, custody consents for children, translations, and legalizations or apostilles where required.

Plan the Alvesta move. Research housing in or near Alvesta, school options, childcare, and commuting. After approval and arrival, register with the Swedish Tax Agency, obtain a personal identity number if eligible, enroll children in school, and register with healthcare providers.

Consult a lawyer. Choose a Swedish migration lawyer with family migration experience. Ask about scope, timeline, fees, and communication practices. A focused consultation can prevent costly mistakes and help you meet evidentiary standards.

Submit and follow up. File a complete application, attend biometrics and any interview, and respond promptly to requests for more information. Keep copies of everything you submit and note all deadlines.

Prepare for renewal or appeal. Track your permit expiry date, collect updated documents for extensions, and seek advice early if you receive a negative decision so you can appeal within the 3 week deadline.

This guide is informational and not legal advice. Family migration rules change, and individual facts matter. For tailored guidance on a dependent visa related to Alvesta, consult a qualified Swedish migration lawyer.