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In Sweden the term most commonly used for a dependent visa is a residence permit for family reunification or residence permit as a family member. If you are living in or moving to Trollhättan with a person who is a Swedish citizen, an EU citizen, or a non-EU resident who already has a Swedish residence permit, you may be eligible to apply for a dependent residence permit so you can live and work in Sweden. Rules are set by national law and administered by the Swedish Migration Agency. Local authorities in Trollhättan help with practical matters once a permit is granted, for example registration with the Swedish Tax Agency and access to municipal services.
Immigration and family reunification matters can be straightforward for some applicants and complex for others. You may want to consult a lawyer if your case involves any of the following situations:
- Your application has been denied and you need to appeal the decision.
- You need to prove a close family relationship but lack standard documents like a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
- You and your sponsor are unmarried partners and must document cohabitation or durable partnership.
- There are criminal convictions, public order concerns, or national security issues that might affect eligibility.
- Your sponsor has a temporary or conditional residence permit and the length or type of your requested permit depends on their status.
- You face imminent removal, detention, or an urgent deportation risk.
- There are child custody disputes, parental consent issues, or cross-border family law concerns.
- You need help with procedural matters like appeals to the Migration Court or requests for expedited processing.
A lawyer with immigration experience can assess your case, help you gather and present evidence, prepare appeals, and represent you before administrative authorities and courts.
Key legal and procedural points to understand about dependent residence permits in Trollhättan and Sweden more broadly include the following:
- Basis for a permit - Residence permits for family reasons are granted when the applicant is a spouse, registered partner, cohabiting partner, or child of a person who has a right to reside in Sweden. The exact category affects requirements and processing.
- Proof of relationship - The Swedish Migration Agency requires credible documentation of the family link. For marriages and registered partnerships this usually means certificates. For partners who live together, evidence may include joint tenancy agreements, shared bills, joint bank accounts, photos, and correspondence.
- Sponsor obligations - The sponsor in Sweden must generally have the right to reside in Sweden and be able to provide housing and financial support for the family member. The strength of the sponsor's right to remain in Sweden can affect whether the family member receives a permit and for how long.
- Work and study - Most family reunification permits allow the dependent to work and study in Sweden. The exact conditions can depend on the permit type and the applicant's circumstances.
- Children and parental rights - Children under 18 usually need parental consent and separate consideration. If parents are separated or there are custody disputes, administrative authorities and courts will consider the child's best interests.
- Criminality and public order - Serious criminal convictions or threats to public order can be grounds for refusal or removal. Each case is assessed individually under Swedish law.
- EU and EEA differences - Family members of EU or EEA citizens who are exercising treaty rights in Sweden have different procedural rules and may apply for a residence card as family members of an EU citizen.
- Appeals and legal remedies - Refused applications can be appealed to the Migration Court and further to higher courts. Deadlines for appeals and the nature of remedies are governed by administrative law.
Dependent visa is a common phrase but in Sweden the formal term is a residence permit for family reunification or as a family member. The permit allows family members of Swedish citizens, EU citizens, or foreign residents with valid permits to live in Sweden. The rules and application processes are the same regardless of the informal label used.
Typical qualifying family members are spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners, and children under 18. Extended family members such as parents or adult children sometimes qualify in limited circumstances but these cases have stricter requirements and are treated case by case.
Applications are handled by the Swedish Migration Agency. You will need to complete the appropriate application form, provide proof of your relationship, submit identification, and meet any other document requirements. After the permit is granted you will register with the Swedish Tax Agency to obtain a personal identity number and with Trollhättan municipality for local services.
Financial support obligations are typically placed on the sponsor in Sweden, who must demonstrate they can provide housing and means of support. The need to show separate funds varies by case. If a sponsor is unemployed or on temporary benefits, authorities will examine the overall situation closely.
In most cases yes. Family reunification permits generally allow the holder to work and study, but you should check the specific wording of your permit because conditions can vary with the sponsor's status and the specific permit category.
Processing times vary depending on the completeness of the application, country of origin of supporting documents, and current caseloads at the Swedish Migration Agency. Some cases are processed within a few months, while others may take longer. Complex cases or requests needing additional evidence can significantly extend processing time.
If the Migration Agency refuses your application you usually have the right to appeal to the Migration Court. Appeals must be filed within the time limit stated in the refusal letter. A lawyer can help prepare the appeal and present new evidence or legal arguments to support your case.
Yes. Unmarried partners can qualify but you will need to submit credible evidence of a long-term relationship and cohabitation or durable partnership. Evidence can include shared contracts, joint bank accounts, photos, travel records, and correspondence that demonstrates a stable relationship.
Commonly requested documents include passports, marriage or partnership certificates, birth certificates for children, proof of cohabitation, housing documents showing suitable accommodation, bank statements, and possibly criminal record certificates. Non-Swedish documents often need certified translations and may require legalisation or apostille depending on the issuing country.
Local sources of help include the integration or social services office at Trollhättan municipality, local branches or service points of national agencies, and civil society organizations that assist newcomers. For legal representation you should look for an immigration lawyer experienced with Swedish residence permit cases and licensed to practice in Sweden.
There are several national and local bodies and organizations that can help with dependent residence permit matters:
- Swedish Migration Agency - national authority that processes residence permits.
- Migration Courts - for appeals against Migration Agency decisions, often regionally located for administrative cases.
- Swedish Tax Agency - responsible for personal identity numbers and registration in Sweden.
- Police authority - issues residence cards for non-EU family members in some processes.
- Trollhättan municipality - local integration services, social services, and practical newcomer assistance.
- Legal aid and advice - consider contacting a lawyer who is a member of the Swedish Bar Association or specialised immigration law firms. Public legal aid schemes may be available in certain circumstances - ask the responsible authority about eligibility.
- Non-governmental organizations - community groups, refugee advice centres, and migrant support organizations can offer free or low-cost guidance and help with paperwork and translations.
If you need legal assistance with a dependent visa or family reunification in Trollhättan follow these practical steps:
- Gather documents - collect passports, relationship proofs, birth and marriage certificates, housing documents, and any supporting evidence of cohabitation or financial support. Obtain certified translations if documents are not in Swedish, English, Danish, Norwegian, or Finnish.
- Check eligibility - review the basic eligibility criteria for the permit category that matches your situation and note any special requirements for children, partners, or EU family members.
- Contact the Swedish Migration Agency - confirm the current application form and document checklist for your case so you submit a complete application.
- Consider a consultation with a lawyer - if your case is complex, has been refused in the past, or may involve appeals, book an appointment with an immigration lawyer who can evaluate your options and represent you.
- Explore local support - reach out to Trollhättan municipality for practical integration advice and to register once you arrive. Ask local NGOs about low-cost assistance with document preparation and translations.
- Prepare for appeals - if you receive a refusal, act quickly to meet appeal deadlines. A lawyer can draft the appeal and help gather new evidence.
- Keep records - keep copies of all applications, correspondence, and submitted documents. Document communication with authorities and any receipt numbers or case numbers.
Getting professional legal advice early can prevent avoidable delays and improve your chances of a successful application. If you are unsure where to start, a brief consultation with an immigration lawyer or a local advice organisation in Trollhättan can clarify your options and next steps.
