How We at VS Legal Counsel Assist with Relationship-Based Residence Permits for Sweden

Relationship-based residence permits (also called family reunification or family ties permits) allow spouses, registered partners, cohabiting partners, unmarried children under 18, and in certain limited cases other close relatives to live with a family member already residing in Sweden. According to the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket), the person living in Sweden — the sponsor — must generally hold Swedish citizenship, a permanent residence permit, permanent right of residence, a permanent residence card, or a temporary residence permit granted for protection reasons or exceptionally distressing circumstances.

To be granted a permit, the applicant must usually present a valid passport and clear evidence of a genuine relationship. This can include a marriage certificate, documentation proving cohabitation (such as joint housing contracts or population register extracts), or proof of the intention to marry or live together as partners. The sponsor is normally required to meet a maintenance requirement: sufficient income after housing costs to support the household, and a home of adequate size and standard for everyone who will live there. From 13 July 2026, stricter good-conduct (vandel) requirements also apply to most residence permit applications, including those based on family ties.

At VS Legal Counsel we specialise in guiding clients through every stage of these applications. We begin by carefully assessing eligibility based on the specific family situation and the sponsor’s status in Sweden. We then help collect and organise the necessary supporting documents, prepare a complete and well-structured application, and submit it to the Swedish Migration Agency. Our goal is to minimise the risk of delays or refusals by ensuring that all legal requirements are clearly addressed from the outset.

If processing takes an unusually long time, we can file formal requests for a decision. Should the application be refused, we provide honest advice on the prospects of success and, where appropriate, represent clients in appeals before the Migration Court. We work in English and Swedish and offer clear, practical support tailored to international couples and families — whether the case involves a newly married couple, long-term cohabiting partners, children joining a parent, or more complex family situations.

By combining thorough legal preparation with proactive case management, we help our clients navigate the process with greater confidence and improve their chances of a positive outcome.