Immigration challenges for internationals’ teenage children

A change in Sweden’s immigration laws in 2021 means that children aged 18 years old and over are no longer counted as dependents in permanent residency applications and need to apply for their own permanent residency permits instead.

Requirements for permanent residency include showing that they can support themselves, have a permanent job and accommodation independently of their parents. Given that most 18 year olds in Sweden are still in school, this is a difficult requirement to meet. Unfortunately it is not enough for parents to show that they can support the 18-year-old. The assessment is made for each applicant separately, regardless of whether they share household costs with their family members.

This law change creates a huge challenge for families who moved to Sweden with teenage children in the belief that they had a clear path to permanent residency, which is also a standard requirement for obtaining Swedish citizenship.

This change is increasingly catching out internationals working in Sweden who arrived with Swedish work permits and children between the ages of 14 and 17 years. Furthermore, if the parent is issued a permanent residence permit, children over the age of 18 are no longer eligible for a permit as a dependent family member of a work permit holder.

The rules are different depending on whether the Swedish Migration Agency is assessing eligibility for permanent residence or for an extension to a work permit. To be issued a time limited permit as a family member of a work permit holder the applicant can be up to 21, if dependent on their parent. However, this option ends at the age of 21. In short, there is a lot for internationals to consider when planning a family future in Sweden.

Wondering about the options for your international recruits and their longer term options in Sweden?

For consultations on Swedish work and residence permits and available paths for international recruits and their families, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Relocate to Sweden provides expert advice and hands-on help for companies recruiting internationally or transferring staff to Sweden. We help your international recruits with the entire relocation process including immigration, home finding, tax consultancy, registration with Swedish authorities, schools, health care and intercultural training. We also provide private relocation services. Email us at info@relocatetosweden.com or call us on +46 8 361011 if you would like help. You can also read more about our relocation services at www.relocatetosweden.com or follow us on social media for tips and advice.