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.

Swedish (svenska)
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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.

We work on behalf of Riksdag (Parli­a­ment) and the govern­ment

The Swedish Migration Agency is assigned its task by the Riksdag and the government, who are the ones who shape Sweden’s migration policy. The Riksdag establishes the laws that govern our operations and the government governs us through regulations, regulatory letters and ongoing assignments. We also respond to referrals from the government, who wants our view on the consequences different proposals can have if they are implemented. Through forecasts, we report several times a year to the government about what migration to Sweden is expected to look like in the near future. Our work is also governed by several international agreements and conventions.

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.

Working in Sweden

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.

Studying in Sweden

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.

Becoming a Swedish citizen

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.

Moving to someone in Sweden

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.

Protection and asylum in Sweden

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.

Residence permits for visits

Visit Sweden with 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 may choose to live at a return centre or in their own accommodation 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.

Read about return centres

Read about supervision and detention

Our crime-figh­ting mission

The Swedish Migration Agency cooperates with other national authorities to prevent crime and abuse of the country’s welfare systems. We participate in efforts to combat work-related crime, human trafficking, and other forms of organised crime.

Our crime-fighting mission

Colla­bo­ra­tion with others in Sweden, the EU and on an inter­na­tional level

The Swedish Migration Agency cooperates with many actors in society in the area of migration. Collaboration with others is a prerequisite in order for us to fulfil our mission and contribute to society.

Sustai­na­bi­lity and human rights

Swedish migration policy and legislation are based on international agreements that Sweden has signed. Among other things, the UN Declaration of Human Rights is a cornerstone of migration policy.

The Swedish Migration Agency has a greater responsibility than many other authorities for ensuring that human rights have a concrete meaning. The question of the rights and freedoms of individuals becomes clear, among other things, when the Swedish Migration Agency decides to detain a person, by taking the person into custody awaiting deportation.

Sustainability

Human rights

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 databas External link, opens in new window.

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