If you are an asylum seeker, you will receive an Asylum Seeker card (LMA card) as proof that you are allowed to be in Sweden while you wait for a decision in your case.
Your Asylum Seeker card is called "LMA" cards in Swedish. “LMA” stands for “Lagen om mottagande av asylsökande”, which translates to “the Act on Reception of Asylum Seekers”. Always carry your LMA card with you to show that you are an asylum seeker and have the right to be in Sweden while you wait for a decision. The LMA card is valid throughout the country and is issued by the Swedish Migration Agency.
When you apply for asylum in Sweden, you will be photographed, so that we can issue you an LMA card. The card replaces the receipt you received when you submitted your application for asylum. The card is personal, so only you can use it, and you cannot use it as an identification document.
Keep your LMA card with you at all times, so you can present it in contact with authorities, employers or health and medical care providers, for example.
Below the photo on your LMA card is your case number at the Swedish Migration Agency. When you contact us, it is useful to have that number available. With the help of your case number, we can quickly produce the information we have about your application.
Present your LMA card when your contact national authorities or when you need to show an employer that you have the right to work. If you have a job and want to open a bank account, you must present your LMA card to the bank.
In some cases, you may use the LMA card as proof of your identity when collecting postal packages from abroad or registered mail from the Swedish Migration Agency.
If you present your LMA card at the pharmacy, you will pay less for most medications prescribed by a physician. In some cases, you will also pay a lower patient fee if you present your LMA card when you visit a health/medical care provider.
You will have an LMA card for the duration of your time as an asylum seeker, but the validity of the card needs to be extended regularly by the Swedish Migration Agency. This is because we cannot know in advance how long you will have to wait for a decision in your case.
The LMA card’s period of validity is updated digitally, and we can extend its expiry date by three months each time you visit the Swedish Migration Agency, regardless of the reason for your visit. When you visit us, please ask if the validity of your card has been extended.
If you have not visited us for a few months, you will receive a reminder two weeks before your card expires. If your children also have LMA cards that need to be extended, they will need to accompany you to the Swedish Migration Agency.
The LMA card has a QR code that allows anyone with access to a QR reader to easily check
Scanning the QR code does not reveal any other personal information about you.
If you receive AT-UND status, this will be registered directly on your LMA card, and your employer can verify your status by scanning the QR code.
If your Asylum Seeker card is stolen or lost, you must report this to your Unit for Reception or Service Centre. The Swedish Migration Agency will then block your card and order a new one.
2025-03-05
The Swedish Migration Agency's new website has now been launched
On 5 March, the Swedish Migration Agency launched a completely new version of migrationsverket.se, with a new structure and a more user-friendly navigation. The purpose of the new website is primarily to make it easier for visitors to find the information they need.
2025-02-28
Amended rules for asylum seekers living in their own accommodation (EBO)
From 1 March, virtually all new asylum seekers will be required to live in one of the Swedish Migration Agency’s asylum accommodation centres in order to receive financial support from the Swedish Migration Agency in the form of daily allowances and special grants.
2025-02-18
If you are returning to your country of origin, you can receive support worth EUR 5,000
If you withdraw your application for asylum or if it is rejected, you can receive support from the Swedish Migration Agency. On 1 March 2025, the support we provide for efforts to help you and your family members reintegrate into society in your country of origin will change. The amount of support you can get depends on when you choose to return.
2025-01-30
Legislative change on accommodation and financial support for asylum seekers
The Swedish Parliament has decided on a legislative change that will affect asylum seekers’ right to financial support and the option to live in their own accommodation. The change will be introduced in two stages. From 1 March, the change only applies to new asylum seekers, and from 1 September 2025, anyone who applied for asylum before 1 March and who lives in their own accommodation is also affected.
2025-01-20
The Upper Secondary School Act ends on 20 January
January 20 is the last day to apply for a permanent residence permit under the Upper Secondary School Act. After this the law will expire, but many people who currently have a residence permit under the Upper Secondary School Act will be able to have their application for permanent residence considered even after January 20.
2024-12-16
Now you can see your complete decision on My Page
If you are waiting for a decision from the Swedish Migration Agency, you can now see the complete decision on My page. Previously, you have only been able to see if the decision is positive or negative, and the justification has only been sent home to you in paper format.
2024-12-12
Now there are films that explain to children what happens when they apply for asylum in Sweden and why they may need to answer some difficult questions. Children will also learn more about life in Sweden, about children’s rights and about laws that protect children.