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About the Swedish Migration Agency This is what the Swedish Migra­tion Agency does

The Swedish Migration Agency's mission is to examine applications from people who want to come to Sweden for various reasons, for example to work, study or receive protection.

In addition to examining applications for people seeking to come to Sweden, the Migration Agency's mission includes offering accommodation to asylum seekers, paying state compensation to municipalities and regions, and ensuring effective reception and return. We will contribute to long-term sustainable migration to Sweden and to a competitive Sweden.

The Swedish Migration Agency is assigned its task by the Riksdag and the government and our operations are regulated by laws and regulations, and a regulatory letter that we receive from the government each year.

Main areas

Here is a brief summary of the main areas for which the Swedish Migration Agency is responsible.

To be able to work in Sweden, citizens outside the EU need a work permit. Anyone who wants to move to Sweden to work must have found employment in Sweden. The employment must also provide a salary that is enough for the person, and possibly accompanying family members, to have a good livelihood.

Anyone who wants to study in Sweden for more than three months needs a residence permit. In order to apply for it, the student must first have been admitted to full-time studies in Sweden. Students should also be able to show that they can support themselves throughout their studies.

People who have lived in Sweden continuously for a few years can apply for Swedish citizenship. There are different requirements for adults, young people and children that must be met in order for them to obtain a Swedish citizenship.

A citizen of a country outside the EU who wants to move to a family member in Sweden needs a residence permit. The term “family members” usually refers to a spouse, partner or unmarried children under the age of 18. In most cases, the person in Sweden must be able to support themselves and the family members who will move here.

A person who is persecuted or is at risk of persecution or inhumane treatment in their home country may apply for asylum in Sweden. Residence permits are granted to persons deemed to be refugees under the UN Convention or in need of subsidiary protection in accordance with the EU’s common rules. The Swedish Migration Agency can offer temporary accommodations to asylum seekers while they are awaiting a decision.

Every year, a number of refugees are given the opportunity to move to Sweden through the Swedish refugee quota. To be offered so-called resettlement to Sweden, you must be registered with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

A citizen of a country outside the EU who wants to visit Sweden for a period longer than 90 days must have a residence permit. A person who wants to visit Sweden for less than three months does not need a residence permit, but may need a visa.

Persons not granted a residence permit must return to their country of origin. An important part of a legal and credible asylum system is a humane, sustainable and well-functioning return.

Individuals who have received a refusal of entry or expulsion decision are assigned a place at a return centre where they may stay until they leave Sweden. A person who does not cooperate in their return may be given a decision to be supervised or taken into custody.

Lifos

Lifos is the Swedish Migration Agency’s database for country information and legal governance, where you will find up-to-date information and analysis about countries and regions from which people seek their way to Sweden.

Lifos External link.

The Swedish Migration Agency is responsible for considering applications from people who want to live in Sweden, seek protection or become Swedish citizens. Our work is based on Swedish laws and international conventions, with a focus on legal certainty and effective reception and return.