Travelling from Sweden with a permanent or temporary residence permit
If you have a permanent residence permit, this means you have the right to reside and work in Sweden for an unlimited period of time. If you have a temporary residence permit, this means you may remain in Sweden for a limited period of time. You will find information here on what you need to know when you want to travel from Sweden.
As proof of your residence permit, you will receive a residence permit card. For those who have a permanent residence permit, the residence permit card is valid for a maximum of five years. Thereafter, you will need a new card. For those who have a temporary residence permit, the residence permit card is valid for as long as the permit. The residence card is not an identity document or a travel document.
Read more about the residence permit card
Travelling from Sweden with a permanent residence permit
You may travel in and out of the country when you have a permanent residence permit, but you must have a valid passport to leave Sweden, and your residence permit card to return.
If you have a permanent residence permit, you may be absent from Sweden for up to one year and keep your residence permit.
If you are away for longer than one year or if you are planning to take up residence in another country, the Swedish Migration Agency may revoke your residence permit. If you notify your wish to keep your permanent residence permit, however, you may be absent from Sweden for up to two years. Your application must be received by the Swedish Migration Agency at the latest one week before you move to another country. If you do not take up residence in Sweden again after two years, your residence permit may be revoked.
Notify your wish to keep your permanent residence permit
In order to notify your wish to keep your permanent residence permit, you will need to complete the form Notification of desire to retain permanent residence permit, 186011. Print and sign the form, and submit it by mail. The postal address is
The Swedish Migration Agency
601 70 Norrköping
Your application must be received by the Swedish Migration Agency at the latest one week before you move to another country. If your journey is cancelled, you should inform the Swedish Migration Agency of this by the date you had originally intended to travel at the latest.
If you leave Sweden in order to live abroad for at least one year, then you are to notify the Swedish Tax Agency.
If your permanent residence permit is no longer valid
If you are no longer in Sweden and your residence permit is no longer valid, you will need to apply for a new one if you wish to travel back to Sweden. You should apply at a Swedish embassy or consulate-general in the country where you live, and the permit must be in place before you travel to Sweden.
If you have had a permanent residence permit previously and are applying for a new residence permit because you have lived in Sweden previously, the Swedish Migration Agency will look at what connection you have with Sweden. The Swedish Migration Agency will also look at how long you have lived in Sweden and how long you have lived in any other country. Contact the Swedish embassy or consulate-general for further information about how to apply and what you need to know if you have previously had a permanent residence permit.
Travelling from Sweden with a temporary residence permit
If you have a temporary residence permit, you may travel in and out of the country during the time your permit is valid, but you must have a valid passport to leave Sweden, and your residence permit card to return.
If your temporary residence permit is no longer valid
If you have left Sweden and your residence permit is no longer valid, you will need to apply for a new one if you wish to travel back to Sweden. You apply from the country in which you live and the permit must be in place before you travel to Sweden.