Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Kungälv

About Dependent Visa Law in Kungälv, Sweden

Dependent visas in Sweden are commonly called family reunification or family immigration permits. They allow close family members - typically spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners and children - to join a person who already lives legally in Sweden, or to person who is a Swedish citizen. Kungälv is a municipality in Västra Götaland County and the same national immigration rules apply there as in the rest of Sweden. Applications and decisions are handled by the Swedish Migration Agency and by the migration courts if appeals are needed. Local steps after a permit is granted - such as registration with the municipality and access to local services - are handled by Kungälv kommun and national authorities like the Tax Agency.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration and family reunification cases often involve complex legal and factual issues. A lawyer can help when you face any of the following common situations:

- Your application is refused and you need to file an appeal within a strict deadline. A lawyer can prepare a grounds of appeal, gather supporting evidence, and represent you in court.

- The Migration Agency requests additional documentation or questions the authenticity of submitted documents. A lawyer can advise on what is persuasive and how to obtain certified translations and legalisation if needed.

- Your family relationship is difficult to prove - for example, non-traditional partnerships, long-distance relationships, or relationships formed online. Legal help can structure the evidence and present a clear case.

- There are complicating factors such as prior deportations, serious criminal records, or conflicting information in your file. A lawyer can assess risks and propose legal arguments or mitigation measures.

- You need help understanding how your right to work, study or access benefits may change with the permit type. Lawyers experienced in migration and administrative law can explain practical consequences and next steps.

- You want to speed up or strengthen your case by preparing witness statements, verifying documentation, or coordinating with translators, municipal authorities and other agencies.

Local Laws Overview

The primary national law governing dependent visas is the Aliens Act - Utlänningslagen - which sets out who can be granted residence permits on family grounds and on what conditions. Key local-relevant aspects include the following:

- Eligible family members: spouse, registered partner, cohabiting partner and children under 18 are the most common categories. Same-sex marriages and registered partnerships are recognised. Adult children and extended family members may qualify only in exceptional circumstances.

- Sponsor conditions: the person living in Sweden who is sponsoring the dependent usually needs to show adequate housing and the ability to support the incoming family member. Exact requirements can vary by case and are assessed by the Migration Agency.

- Application location: applications can often be started from abroad at a Swedish embassy or consulate, or from within Sweden if the family member is legally present. Processing steps include submitting an application, attending a biometrics appointment if required, and waiting for a decision.

- Rights with the permit: a family reunification residence permit may allow the dependent to live and, in many cases, to work in Sweden. Rights to social services, schooling and health care depend on the permit and length of stay as well as municipal registration.

- Appeals and legal review: refusals are appealable to the migration courts and potentially to higher administrative courts. Deadlines for appeals and the required documents are strict - missing them can close off legal remedies.

- Local administrative steps in Kungälv: once a permit is granted you will usually need to register with Skatteverket to obtain a personal identity number, register your address with Kungälv kommun, and contact local agencies for schooling, health care and social services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a dependent visa or family reunification permit in Sweden?

A dependent visa or family reunification permit lets close family members join a person who lives legally in Sweden. It is a residence permit granted on family grounds and is governed by Sweden's Aliens Act. The permit allows the family member to reside in Sweden and, depending on the permit, often to work or study.

Who can qualify as a dependent under Swedish rules?

Commonly accepted dependents include spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners and children under 18. Same-sex relationships and registered partnerships are recognised. Eligibility for other relatives or adult children is more limited and may require special circumstances.

How do I apply for a dependent visa if my sponsor lives in Kungälv?

Start the process by preparing documents proving the relationship, identity documents, evidence of housing and the sponsor's legal status in Sweden. Applications are submitted to the Swedish Migration Agency - either online or via a Swedish embassy or consulate if applying from abroad. After filing, you may need to attend an interview and provide biometrics.

What documents are typically required?

Typical documents include passports, marriage or partnership certificates, proof of cohabitation if relevant, birth certificates for children, evidence of the sponsor's residence permit or Swedish citizenship, proof of accommodation in Sweden and proof of means of support. All documents not in Swedish, English or another accepted language must usually be translated and certified.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Processing times vary widely depending on case complexity, whether you applied from inside or outside Sweden, and current caseload at the Migration Agency. Simple family reunification cases may take a few months, while more complex or document-heavy cases can take much longer. Expect processing times in a range of 4-12 months as a general guide, but check current practice with the Migration Agency.

Can the spouse or partner work in Sweden while waiting for a decision?

Whether a dependent can work during the application process depends on the exact circumstances. In many cases, once a residence permit for family reunification is granted, the family member has the right to work. If you are already in Sweden on a different permit, special rules apply. A lawyer or the Migration Agency can clarify based on your permit type.

What happens if the application is refused?

If the Migration Agency refuses your application you will normally receive a written decision explaining the reasons and informing you of the appeal deadline. You can appeal to the migration court within the stated time. A lawyer can help prepare the appeal and supporting evidence. Missing an appeal deadline can make the refusal final.

Do I need a local Kungälv lawyer or can I use a lawyer from elsewhere in Sweden?

You may use any lawyer authorised to practice in Sweden. A local Kungälv lawyer can be helpful for in-person meetings and understanding local municipal procedures, but immigration law is national. Choose an immigration lawyer with experience in family reunification and migration court practice regardless of location.

Are there fees for applying and for legal help?

Application fees and legal costs vary. The Migration Agency may charge fees for certain types of permits, and lawyers set their own rates. Some applicants may be eligible for legal aid or fee assistance in limited circumstances. Ask potential lawyers for a clear fee estimate and whether they offer fixed-fee services for appeals or initial consultations.

Will my family member be able to access local services in Kungälv after arrival?

Once the residence permit is granted and the family member is registered with Skatteverket and Kungälv kommun, they will generally have access to local services including schooling for children, health care and social services subject to the rules that apply to their permit type and length of residence.

Additional Resources

Useful bodies and organizations to contact or consult include the Swedish Migration Agency for permit rules and current processing guidance, Kungälv kommun for local registration and municipal services, Skatteverket for population registration and personal identity numbers, and the migration courts for appeals information. You may also find help from non-governmental organisations and support services that assist newcomers and families, local immigrant support centers, and legal aid offices that can advise on eligibility for financial help with legal costs. Embassies and consulates in applicants' home countries can advise about initial application steps from abroad.

Next Steps

1) Gather your documents - passports, relationship certificates, proof of sponsor status in Sweden, proof of housing and financial means. Ensure translations are certified where required.

2) Check whether to apply from abroad at a Swedish embassy or from within Sweden with the Swedish Migration Agency. Confirm current application fees and documentation requirements.

3) Consider a consultation with an immigration lawyer - especially if your relationship is non-standard, you face a refusal, or there are complicating factors like criminal records or prior deportations. Ask about experience with family reunification cases and migration court appeals.

4) If you receive a refusal, act fast - record the deadline in the decision and seek legal advice immediately to prepare an appeal. Missing deadlines can close legal remedies.

5) After a permit is granted, register with Skatteverket to obtain a personal identity number, register your address with Kungälv kommun, and contact local authorities about schooling, health care and employment registration. Keep copies of all documents and decisions, and make sure you meet any reporting or follow-up requirements from the Migration Agency.

If you need legal assistance, choose a lawyer who specialises in Swedish immigration and family reunification law, check references and fee arrangements, and confirm their ability to represent you at migration courts if needed. Taking informed, timely steps improves your chances of a successful outcome.