Proposed stricter conditions for family immigration

On September 5, 2025, SOU 2025:95, "Stricter Conditions for Family Immigration," was published. The investigation aimed to review the Swedish regulatory framework for family immigration to achieve a restrictive and purposeful regulation.

The report resulted in proposals for changes concerning, among other things:

• Requirements for family member in Sweden: For Swedish or Nordic citizens to act as sponsors, residency in Sweden is required, as is currently the case. For individuals with temporary residence permits to act as sponsors, it is proposed that the permit must have a validity of at least one year, there must be well-founded prospects of being granted permanent residence, and the person must be residing in Sweden.
• Restrictions on family circle: The rules are proposed to become more restrictive, providing greater opportunities to deny residence permits in certain cases for relatives planning to marry or cohabit.
• Maintenance requirement: The maintenance requirement for family immigration is proposed to be tightened and also apply when applying for an extension of residence permits. However, family members' incomes should also be considered when assessing if the requirement is met during an extension application. Exceptions to the requirement are limited and, in some cases, require exceptional reasons.
• Specific categories of persons: Changes are also proposed for specific categories of individuals, such as researchers and labor immigrants, where the maintenance requirement should also apply when applying for an extension of residence permits. For relatives of individuals with work permits in Sweden, the age for accompanying children who can be included in the application is lowered from 21 to 18 years.
• Children who turned 18 in Sweden: The investigation proposes that the regulations for young adults who moved to Sweden as minors with their parents and have turned 18 while in Sweden should be better adapted for extension applications. This should increase the possibility for young adults to be granted extended residence permits even after turning 18 during a transitional period when they remain dependent on their family.

The investigation proposes that the changes take effect on January 1, 2027. However, the proposed waiting period for family immigration should not apply to cases initiated before this date. The proposals will now be reviewed by the government and parliament.

KPMG notes the proposed changes in SOU 2025:95 with interest and sees both opportunities and challenges in the new regulations for family immigration. The proposals aim to create a more purposeful regulation, which can contribute to a more legally secure and controlled immigration process.

KPMG views positively the possibility for children who have turned 18 in Sweden to be granted extended residence permits due to their connection to their parents. This increases Sweden's attractiveness for highly qualified labor with children in their late teens and facilitates many families already residing here.

The maintenance requirement is extended to include extension applications. KPMG sees it as positive that in these situations, family members' incomes can also be included.

KPMG recognizes that the proposed changes could have significant consequences for individuals and businesses affected by family immigration. It is important that these changes are communicated clearly to affected parties to ensure a smooth transition to the new rules. We welcome continued dialogue on these proposals and are available to answer any questions.

Feel free to contact us for further information or questions!

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