Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Norrköping

About Dependent Visa Law in Norrköping, Sweden

In Sweden, what many people call a dependent visa is usually a residence permit based on family ties. If your spouse, partner, parent, or legal guardian lives in Sweden as a citizen, permanent resident, worker, researcher, doctoral student, or under another qualifying status, you may be able to apply to live with them. Applications are handled by the Swedish Migration Agency. While decisions are made nationally, Norrköping residents often interact with local authorities after arrival for registration and access to services.

Family members who are granted a residence permit normally receive a residence permit card. For stays of 12 months or more, new arrivals generally register with the Swedish Tax Agency to receive a personal identity number, which gives access to healthcare, schooling, and other community services in Norrköping.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many family immigration applications are straightforward, but legal help can be important in certain situations. A lawyer can help you assess eligibility, prepare strong evidence, and avoid delays or refusals. Common reasons to seek counsel include complex family situations, prior refusals or immigration violations, uncertainty over maintenance and housing requirements, proving a non-marital relationship, custody or consent issues for children, criminal record or security concerns, mixed EU and non-EU family status, changing circumstances for the sponsor, domestic violence or relationship breakdown, and appeals against a negative decision. An experienced migration lawyer in or near Norrköping can advise on current rules, build a complete application, manage communication with authorities, and represent you in the Migration Court if needed.

Local Laws Overview

Swedish family migration is governed by the Aliens Act and related regulations. Key points include who qualifies as a family member, the general rule to apply from outside Sweden for first-time permits, sponsor maintenance and housing requirements, documentation standards, and the right to appeal a negative decision to a Migration Court. For Norrköping residents, appeals are typically heard by the Migration Court at the Administrative Court in Linköping. Deadlines apply, so timely action is essential.

Eligible family members usually include spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners with an established relationship, and unmarried children under 18. Adult children and other relatives can be eligible only in special circumstances. Unmarried partners must show a serious, ongoing relationship and an intention to live together in Sweden.

In most first-time cases, the applicant must apply from abroad and wait for a decision before moving to Sweden. There are limited exceptions. Family members give biometrics at a Swedish embassy or consulate abroad, or at a Migration Agency office if applying in Sweden under an allowed exception. Residence permits for family members of workers or students often include the right to work. Sponsors are generally required to show sufficient income to support the family and suitable housing that meets basic standards. Some exceptions to the maintenance requirement exist under specific conditions, such as certain protection cases.

Permit duration commonly matches the sponsor’s residence permit and can be extended if conditions continue to be met. After a qualifying period and if all criteria are satisfied, it may be possible to apply for permanent residence. Rules can change, so always check current requirements.

After arrival in Norrköping, those staying at least 12 months typically register with the Swedish Tax Agency to obtain a personal identity number. Families then access healthcare via the regional system, enroll children in school, and may apply for benefits with the Swedish Social Insurance Agency where eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be sponsored as a dependent?

Commonly eligible family members are a spouse, registered partner, cohabiting partner, and unmarried children under 18. In limited cases, other relatives may qualify if there is a strong dependency. The sponsor must have a qualifying status in Sweden, such as citizenship, permanent residence, or a valid residence permit for work, research, or studies.

Are unmarried partners eligible?

Yes, cohabiting partners can be eligible if the relationship is established and serious. You must show evidence such as joint lease or property, shared bills, bank accounts, photos, travel together, and ongoing communication. You also need to show you intend to live together in Sweden.

Do I have to apply from outside Sweden?

For a first-time family residence permit, the general rule is to apply and wait for the decision outside Sweden. There are limited exceptions. If you believe an exception applies, consult the current rules or speak with a lawyer before traveling.

What are the income and housing requirements for the sponsor?

The sponsor is often required to show a stable income sufficient to cover the family’s living expenses plus the actual cost of housing, according to the Swedish Migration Agency’s guidelines. The sponsor must also show suitable housing of adequate size and standard. The exact amounts and housing criteria are updated periodically, so check the latest guidance or get legal advice.

Can dependents work or study in Sweden?

Family members of workers or researchers generally receive a residence permit with the right to work. Family members of students also typically have the right to work. Children have the right to attend school. Always verify the conditions printed on your residence permit card and decision letter.

How long does processing take?

Processing times vary with case complexity and workload. Many family applications take several months or longer. Submitting a complete application with clear evidence reduces the risk of delays. You may be contacted for additional information or an interview.

Which documents should I prepare?

Typical documents include valid passports, marriage or partnership certificates, proof of cohabitation for unmarried partners, birth certificates for children, custody or consent documents for minors, proof of the sponsor’s identity and legal status in Sweden, proof of the sponsor’s income and housing, and evidence of your ongoing relationship. Documents not in Swedish or English usually need certified translations. Some documents may need legalization or an apostille.

What happens after arrival in Norrköping?

If your residence permit is valid for 12 months or more, register with the Swedish Tax Agency to obtain a personal identity number. Apply for an ID card if needed, register with healthcare, enroll children in school, and contact the Swedish Social Insurance Agency regarding eligible benefits. Keep your address updated with authorities and track your permit end date for extensions.

What if the application is refused - can I appeal?

Yes, you can normally appeal a refusal to the Migration Court within a set deadline stated in your decision letter. Many appeals go to the Migration Court in Linköping for cases connected to Norrköping. A lawyer can help assess the decision, gather additional evidence, and represent you in court.

How does family reunification differ if the sponsor is an EU or EEA citizen?

EU or EEA citizens who exercise free movement rights in Sweden have specific family reunion rules. Eligible family members may apply for a residence card based on EU law, with different criteria from national law. Requirements and evidence can differ, so confirm which legal framework applies to your situation.

Additional Resources

Swedish Migration Agency - National authority that processes family residence permits and issues decisions. Provides application forms, current requirements, and processing updates.

Swedish Tax Agency - Handles population registration and personal identity numbers for those staying at least 12 months. Also issues ID cards.

Swedish Social Insurance Agency - Information on parental benefits, child allowance, and healthcare coverage once registered.

Norrköping Municipality - Local services for schooling, adult education, language courses, and community support for newcomers.

Migration Court at the Administrative Court in Linköping - Handles appeals of Migration Agency decisions for the region that includes Norrköping.

Swedish embassies and consulates - Handle biometrics and identity checks for applicants abroad and provide visa services as needed.

Nonprofit legal support organizations - Swedish Red Cross and other civil society groups may offer guidance on migration and family issues.

Licensed migration lawyers and legal aid providers - Private counsel and legal aid options are available for application preparation and appeals.

Next Steps

Step 1 - Confirm eligibility. Identify your relationship type, the sponsor’s legal status, and whether national or EU rules apply.

Step 2 - Gather documents. Collect passports, relationship proof, sponsor income and housing documents, children’s birth and custody papers, and translations or legalizations where required.

Step 3 - Seek legal advice if needed. A migration lawyer in or near Norrköping can assess your case, advise on evidence, and plan for any risks.

Step 4 - Apply correctly. Complete the appropriate application form, pay the fee, and submit a complete, well organized file. Keep copies of everything you submit.

Step 5 - Attend biometrics and any interview. Follow instructions from the embassy, consulate, or Migration Agency. Respond promptly to requests for more information.

Step 6 - Prepare for arrival. After approval, arrange travel, housing, and school enrollment. Plan to register with the Swedish Tax Agency if staying 12 months or more.

Step 7 - Maintain compliance. Keep your address updated, track permit expiry dates, and apply for extensions in time. Report major changes such as family status or employment changes for the sponsor.

Step 8 - Consider appeals if refused. Note your deadline and seek legal assistance promptly to challenge the decision in the Migration Court if appropriate.

This guide provides general information. Rules can change and individual cases differ. For personalized advice, consult a qualified migration lawyer or contact the responsible authorities.