You have a permit in Sweden – Asylum You want to move from Sweden

You have a residence permit in Sweden as a person in need of protection, and want to move back to your country of origin or to another country where you have the right to live.

The information on this page is for people who have a residence permit as a refugee or a person in need of protection, on the grounds of exceptionally distressing circumstances, or as a family member of a person with one of these permits.

If you have a residence permit in Sweden, you do not automatically have the right to live or work permanently in another EU country.

If you want to move to another EU country

A residence permit is usually only valid in the country in which it was granted. Therefore, if you want to move to or start working in another EU country, you must apply for a new residence permit or work permit there, and the rules may vary depending on the country. You cannot apply for asylum in another country if you have already been granted protection in Sweden.

If you have been legally resident in Sweden for at least five years and also meet other requirements, you may have the opportunity to be granted long-term resident status in Sweden. If you have long-term resident status, you can move to another EU country to work, study or live on your own funds.

You want to apply – Long-term residents in Sweden

If you are moving back to your country of origin, you can apply for financial assistance

If you have decided to move back to your country of origin or to another country where you have the right to live, you can apply for financial assistance from the Swedish Migration Agency, a so-called “repatriation grant”.

You can apply for the grant if you have a temporary or permanent residence permit in Sweden on one of the following grounds:

  • as a refugee
  • as a quota refugee
  • as a person eligible for subsidiary protection
  • on the grounds of exceptionally distressing circumstances
  • as a family member of a person with a residence permit on any of the above grounds.

Repatriation grant

Important things to consider before you move

If you have decided to move from Sweden, there are a few things that may be important to prepare before your move. Here we remind you of some things that might be good to keep in mind.

  • Compile grades, certificates, and references that may affect your future job opportunities. It may be helpful to translate the documents if you think you will need them.
  • Make a list of contacts in Sweden that may be valuable to maintain, such as with your former employer and school.
  • If you have already received a job offer in the country to which you are moving, you should make sure to get a certificate of employment from your new employer.

  • Contact the national authorities or equivalent administration in the country to which you are moving for information about their education system.
  • Be sure you have the grades you will need to be able to continue your studies in your new country.
  • Compile and translate certificates and grades from Swedish schools, courses or internships you have completed.

  • Find out about the Swedish Social Insurance Agency’s rules for pension savings, sickness benefits, child benefits, and other benefits in the event that you move out of Sweden. Also find out what happens to your benefits if you are not a Swedish citizen.
  • Pay off any loans, or make agreements to pay them off in instalments prior to your move.
  • Apply for a repatriation grant for your return journey from the Swedish Migration Agency.

Repatriation grant

  • Find out how the social security system works in the country to which you are moving. For example, inform yourself about the rules governing pensions and any financial assistance/benefits to which you may be entitled there.
  • Find out how the education system works, for example whether it is free of charge or whether student grants and loans or scholarship opportunities are available.
  • Find out if you are eligible for subsidies or grants for housing, or for starting your own business or a cooperative business.
  • Find out if there are non-governmental organisations in your new country that can provide you with help if you need it.

  • Find out how the healthcare system works in the country to which you are planning to move.
  • Find out if the medications and personal aids you need are available for purchase there.
  • Find out what vaccinations you need before you move.
  • Request copies of your medical records and compile other medical documentation that may be useful to bring with you. It may also be wise to translate the documents.

  • Find out how the laws in force in the country to which you are moving may affect you. For help with this, you can contact the country’s nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Find out what your rights and obligations will be in your new country.
  • In former war zones, inform yourself about possible risks, such as undetonated mines and grenades.
  • Inform yourself about ethnic conflicts and other issues that may persist.

  • Plan your journey and the transport of any furniture well before your departure.
  • Arrange for the insurance necessary for the journey and transport.
  • Gather the documents you need to take with you, such as passports, birth certificates, identification documents, driving licences, CVs, your most recent tax returns, customs documents, etc.

Talk openly within your family about your move and the expectations each person has. It is especially important that you talk about this with any children. They may have grown up in Sweden and need your help to understand why you are leaving.

It is also important that you prepare your family and other close relatives in the new country for your repatriation. Informing family and friends of your thoughts before departure can make planning easier.

Also discuss what the consequences will be if it is not possible to implement your decision to repatriate, or if everything does not go as you planned.

News

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.

2025-02-18

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.

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.