Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Vaxjo

About Dependent Visa Law in Vaxjo, Sweden

In Sweden, what many people call a dependent visa is legally a residence permit based on family ties. If you live in Vaxjo and your spouse, partner, or child wants to join you in Sweden for longer than 90 days, they usually apply for this type of residence permit through the Swedish Migration Agency. The term dependent covers close family members such as spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners known as sambo, and unmarried children under 18. In some situations, other relatives may qualify, but the rules are strict.

The application is processed under the Swedish Aliens Act and related regulations. The main questions are whether the family tie is genuine, whether the sponsor in Sweden meets the maintenance requirement for financial support and suitable housing, and whether there are any legal grounds that prevent granting the permit. If approved, the family member receives a residence permit card and can usually live in Vaxjo with the sponsor for the same length of time as the sponsor’s own permit.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can be helpful when your situation is not straightforward or when a refusal would have serious consequences for your family. Common reasons to seek legal help include complex family structures, previous refusals or revocations, difficulty proving a relationship, sponsors who do not clearly meet the income or housing requirements, changes in circumstances after applying, family members who must apply from inside Sweden rather than from abroad, cases involving refugees or persons with subsidiary protection, criminal record or immigration history issues, appeals after a negative decision, and strategic planning for transitioning from temporary to permanent residence.

A lawyer can also review your documents before submission, prepare legal arguments with references to the Aliens Act, ensure translations and apostilles meet Swedish standards, manage deadlines, and represent you in communication with the Swedish Migration Agency or in court if an appeal is needed.

Local Laws Overview

The Swedish Aliens Act governs family migration and applies in Vaxjo as anywhere in Sweden. Key points include who is eligible as a family member, evidence needed to prove a genuine relationship, and whether the sponsor in Sweden meets the maintenance requirement. The maintenance requirement usually means the sponsor must show stable income and suitable housing that meets Swedish standards for the family size. There are exemptions in certain cases, such as for some refugees and persons with subsidiary protection if the family applies within a limited time after the sponsor receives protection status.

First time applicants normally apply from outside Sweden and wait for a decision before traveling. There are exceptions, such as for certain EU and EEA family situations or when the applicant is lawfully in Sweden and eligible to apply from within the country. Processing times vary and can take several months. Biometric data and a residence permit card are required for entry if the applicant needs a visa to travel to Sweden.

After arrival in Vaxjo, newly arrived family members typically register with the Swedish Tax Agency for population registration and a personal identity number, then apply for an ID card. Access to health care benefits is coordinated with the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, and school enrollment for children is managed through Vaxjo Municipality. If the sponsor is an EU or EEA citizen using free movement rights, special EU rules on residence cards for family members apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dependent visa called in Sweden

It is a residence permit based on family ties. The permit lets a close family member live with a person who resides in Sweden, such as a spouse, registered partner, cohabiting partner, or child.

Who counts as a dependent family member

Spouses and registered partners, cohabiting partners known as sambo, and unmarried children under 18 usually qualify. In limited cases, other relatives may qualify, but the standards for dependency and exceptional circumstances are high.

Do we have to be married, or is a cohabiting relationship enough

Cohabiting partners can qualify if the relationship is genuine and stable. You will need to provide proof, such as evidence of shared residence and joint responsibilities. A short or new relationship may require more evidence.

Do I need to apply from outside Sweden

Most first time applicants must apply from outside Sweden and wait for a decision before traveling. There are exceptions, such as certain EU or EEA family cases, or when the applicant is already lawfully in Sweden and the law allows an in country application. Always check your specific category before applying.

What is the maintenance requirement

The sponsor in Sweden usually must show that they can support themselves and the family member and have suitable housing that meets Swedish standards. Acceptable income can include employment, self employment, or other stable income. Some protected persons are exempt if timelines and conditions are met.

How long does processing take

Processing times vary and can take several months or longer depending on the case type, evidence, and current workload. Incomplete applications or missing documents can cause delays. Submitting clear, complete evidence from the start usually helps.

Can I work or study as a dependent

Family members with a valid residence permit based on family ties generally have the right to work in Sweden. Adults can also study. The exact rights depend on the type and validity of the permit shown on the residence permit card.

What if our relationship changes after the permit is granted

You must inform the Swedish Migration Agency about significant changes, such as separation. The agency will assess whether you still meet the conditions for the permit. There are protections in some situations, for example in cases involving children or if there has been violence, but each case is assessed individually.

How do we prove our relationship

Common evidence includes marriage or partnership certificates, proof of cohabitation such as joint leases or utility bills, photos, travel records, communication logs, and birth certificates for children. Documents not in Swedish or English generally need certified translations, and some may require legalization or apostille.

Can we appeal a refusal

Yes. You normally have the right to appeal within a set deadline shown in the decision letter. An appeal should explain why the decision is wrong and include any missing evidence. Many people seek legal assistance to prepare appeals under the Aliens Act provisions.

Additional Resources

Swedish Migration Agency - for applications, decisions, and biometrics. Search for the nearest service center or embassy for appointments.

Swedish Tax Agency Skatteverket - for population registration, personal identity numbers, and ID cards after arrival in Vaxjo.

Swedish Social Insurance Agency Forsakringskassan - for health insurance coverage, parental and family benefits.

Vaxjo Municipality Vaxjo Kommun - for local services such as school enrollment, preschool, and Swedish for Immigrants programs.

County Administrative Board Lanstyrelsen Kronoberg - for regional information and certain integration support initiatives.

Swedish Police Authority - for passport and national ID services where applicable.

Swedish Public Employment Service Arbetsformedlingen - for job seeking support and programs for newcomers.

Courts and Legal Aid information through Domstolsverket and the Legal Aid Act - for understanding eligibility for state supported legal aid.

Certified translators and authorized interpreters - for accurate translations and interpretation during appointments and interviews.

Next Steps

Define your category. Confirm whether the application will be under Swedish national family rules or EU free movement rules, and whether you should apply from abroad or inside Sweden.

Gather evidence. Collect passports, civil status documents, proof of relationship, proof of income and housing for the sponsor, and translations or apostilles where needed.

Prepare the application. Complete all required forms accurately and include a clear, organized set of supporting documents. Consistency and accuracy reduce delays.

Submit and attend biometrics. Follow the instructions from the Swedish Migration Agency for submitting documents and giving fingerprints and a photo at a service center or embassy, depending on where you apply.

Monitor your case. Keep copies of all submissions, watch for requests for additional information, and respond by the deadlines provided.

Plan arrival in Vaxjo. After approval, arrange travel, register with the Swedish Tax Agency, contact Vaxjo Municipality for schooling and local services, and consider booking an appointment with the Social Insurance Agency.

Consult a lawyer if needed. If your case has complications, previous refusals, or urgent timelines, seek legal advice early to reduce risks and protect your rights under the Aliens Act and related regulations.