Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Solna

About Dependent Visa Law in Solna, Sweden

A dependent visa in Sweden generally refers to a residence permit granted to family members of someone who already has the right to live in Sweden. In Solna, as in the rest of Sweden, family reunification and related residence permits are governed by national immigration law and EU free-movement rules where applicable. Common categories include spouses and registered partners, cohabiting partners, minor children, and in some cases parents or other close relatives. Whether a family member qualifies and what rights they receive - for example the right to work or access to benefits - depends on the sponsor's immigration status, the type of permit held by the sponsor, and the evidence presented with the application.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many dependent visa applications are straightforward and can be handled directly with the Swedish Migration Agency. However, legal help is often advisable or necessary in several situations:

- Refusal or complex appeals. If the Migration Agency refuses an application, there is a statutory appeals process and strict deadlines. A lawyer can prepare and present the appeal to the Migration Court.

- Disputed or unusual family relationships. Cases involving unmarried partners, extended family, surrogacy, international adoptions, or cross-border custody disputes often require careful legal evidence and argumentation.

- Criminal records or security concerns. If the sponsor or the applicant has a criminal record or is subject to a security assessment, a lawyer can address mitigating arguments and procedural rights.

- EU and EEA rights. Family members of EU or EEA citizens have different rights under EU free-movement law. A lawyer can clarify whether EU rules or Swedish national rules apply and advise on the best legal route.

- Complex documentation and translations. When original documents are from other countries, a lawyer can help ensure correct certification, translations, and presentation of evidence to avoid avoidable delays or refusals.

- Access to legal aid and fee questions. A lawyer can advise on eligibility for legal aid and how to manage application fees, residence-permit fees, and other costs.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal frameworks that apply to dependent visas in Solna include Swedish national immigration law and, where relevant, EU free-movement law. The national law is primarily implemented by the Swedish Migration Agency. Important practical and legal points include the following.

- Types of permits. Residence permits for family members are typically issued under family reunification provisions. The category and duration of the sponsor's permit affect the family member's permit.

- Who counts as family. Commonly recognized family members are spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners with evidence of a long-term relationship, and minor children. Extended family members may qualify in exceptional circumstances, often requiring stronger proof of dependency and need.

- Evidence and documentation. Authorities expect reliable identity documents, proof of the family relationship such as marriage or birth certificates, proof of the sponsor's legal status in Sweden, information about accommodation, and sometimes proof of financial means. Documents in languages other than Swedish or English often require certified translations.

- Right to work and access to services. Work rights for dependents depend on the principal permit. For example, family members of certain work-permit holders can apply for work authorization. Rights to healthcare, schooling for children, and social services are influenced by legal residence and local municipal rules in Solna.

- EU and EEA citizens. Family members of EU or EEA citizens exercising treaty rights in Sweden may rely on EU law, which can provide different and sometimes broader rights than national law. Proof of the EU citizen's activity in Sweden - employment, self-employment, study, or sufficient resources - will be relevant.

- Appeals and time limits. If the Migration Agency refuses an application, applicants normally have a limited time to lodge an appeal. Appeals go to the Migration Court and may proceed further within the administrative court system. Deadlines and procedural rules are strict.

- Civil registration and local formalities. Once a family member arrives and has a residence permit, registering with the Swedish Tax Agency for a personal identity number is essential for accessing many services in Solna, including health care, school, and employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dependent visa and who can apply for one in Solna?

A dependent visa generally means a residence permit for family members of someone lawfully residing in Sweden. Typical eligible family members include spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners with proof of a stable relationship, and children under 18. Eligibility can vary with the sponsor's specific permit and whether EU free-movement rules apply.

How do I apply for a family reunification residence permit?

Applications are made to the Swedish Migration Agency. The sponsor usually submits the main documentation showing their legal status in Sweden, and the family member must provide identity documents and proof of relationship. Some applications are lodged from abroad at a Swedish embassy or consulate, while others can be made from within Sweden depending on the circumstances.

What documents will I need to support my application?

Common documents include passports, marriage or partnership certificates, birth certificates for children, evidence of cohabitation where relevant, proof of the sponsor's residence permit or right of residence, proof of housing, and evidence of financial means when required. Documents in other languages typically need certified Swedish or English translations.

How long does the process take?

Processing times vary depending on the type of permit, the country of application, and the complexity of the case. Simple cases may be processed in a few months, while more complex applications or those requiring additional investigations can take longer. Expect processing times to change, so check current estimates with the Migration Agency.

Can my spouse or partner work in Sweden once the permit is granted?

Whether a dependent can work depends on the type of permit and the sponsor's status. Some family permits include the right to work, others require a separate work permit application. Check the specific conditions on the issued residence permit and ask the Migration Agency or a lawyer for clarification.

Does Sweden recognize same-sex marriages and partnerships for family reunification?

Yes. Sweden recognizes same-sex marriages and registered partnerships for the purpose of residence permits and family reunification. Proof of the legal relationship is required in the same way as for opposite-sex couples.

What happens if my application is refused?

If an application is refused, you normally have a limited period to appeal the decision to the Migration Court. Appeals must be lodged within the deadline and should explain the legal and factual reasons why the decision was incorrect. Many refusals are overturned on appeal when new evidence or stronger legal arguments are presented, which is why legal advice is often important.

Can a child join a parent living in Solna?

Minor children usually qualify for family reunification when a parent has a legal residence permit. If the child has another parent with custody, that parent may need to consent. International custody issues and adoption recognition can complicate the process and may require legal assistance.

What if the sponsor is an EU or EEA citizen living in Sweden?

Family members of EU or EEA citizens may rely on EU free-movement rules rather than national family-reunification rules. This can affect the application route, required evidence, and rights granted. It is important to show that the EU citizen is exercising treaty rights in Sweden, for example by working, studying, or having sufficient resources.

Can I get legal aid for immigration advice in Solna?

Legal aid schemes exist in Sweden for people who meet financial eligibility rules. Legal aid can cover some or all of the costs of legal representation, particularly for appeals. There are also non-governmental organizations and advice centers that offer free or low-cost guidance. A local lawyer can advise whether you qualify for public legal aid.

Additional Resources

For accurate, up-to-date information and official procedures, the Swedish Migration Agency handles residence permits and family reunification. Administrative courts hear appeals against migration decisions. The Swedish Tax Agency is responsible for civil registration and issuing personal identity numbers. Solna Municipality provides local integration support, social services, schooling information, and welfare guidance for new residents. Non-governmental organizations and local advice centers can offer free or low-cost help, and many law firms in Stockholm and Solna specialize in immigration and family reunification law. If you need translations or certified document services, look for translators authorized to produce certified translations into Swedish or English.

Next Steps

1. Identify your legal route - determine whether you apply under national family-reunification rules or EU free-movement law by confirming the sponsor's status in Sweden.

2. Gather documents - start collecting passports, certificates of relationship, birth certificates, proof of the sponsor's permit, housing information, proof of income if needed, and any custody or consent documents. Obtain certified translations where necessary.

3. Contact the Swedish Migration Agency - check the current application procedure, whether you must apply from abroad or may apply from within Sweden, and confirm required fees and processing estimates.

4. Consider legal advice - consult a lawyer if your case has complicating factors such as previous refusals, complex family arrangements, criminal records, or international custody issues. Ask about legal aid if you have limited means.

5. Prepare for arrival and registration - after a permit is granted, register with the Swedish Tax Agency to obtain a personal identity number and contact Solna Municipality for information about schools, health care, and integration services.

6. Keep records and act quickly on refusals - maintain copies of all submissions and decisions. If you receive a refusal, note the appeal deadline and seek legal help immediately to prepare the appeal.

If you are unsure about any step, seek a short consultation with an immigration lawyer or an accredited advice center in Solna to get case-specific guidance.