The Swedish government received on 27 January 2026 the inquiry report "Registrering av EES-medborgare" (Registration of EEA Citizens), which proposes reintroducing a registration requirement for citizens of the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) staying in Sweden for more than three months.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
This proposed measure would reintroduce an administrative obligation for EU/EEA citizens residing in Sweden for over three months to register both their right of residence and their move with the Swedish Migration Agency. For global mobility programs, this change would increase compliance requirements for assignments and transfers of EU/EEA nationals to Sweden.
Background
The previous registration requirement for EU/EEA citizens was abolished in 2014, resulting in limited governmental insight into which EU/EEA citizens are present in Sweden and their rights to reside. The current absence of this obligation has constrained authorities' ability to monitor migration, enforce regulatory compliance, and address potential abuses.
Key Highlights
- EU/EEA citizens staying in Sweden longer than three months would be required to register both their right of residence and their move with the Swedish Migration Agency.
- The measure aims to improve the authorities’ knowledge of EU/EEA nationals' presence and grounds for residence, contributing to security and efforts to counteract the shadow economy and misuse of free movement.
- Employers and individuals would need to adapt to the renewed obligation, updating internal processes to support timely registration.
- The proposal is slated to enter into force on 1 January 2027, pending enactment. For EU/EEA citizens already living in Sweden, the proposed deadline is 31 July 2027.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the potential change, organisations may wish to review internal assignment policies and update onboarding checklists to incorporate the proposed registration steps. Communication to affected employees about the change may help prevent processing delays or disruption in access to Swedish administrative services.
If employers, organisations, or individuals have questions regarding the updated immigration regulations and require further advice and assistance regarding next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration counsel, or they can contact a member of the Immigration team with KPMG in Sweden (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Government Offices of Sweden, Regeringskansliet website (in Swedish), “Utredning föreslår återinförd registreringsskyldighet för EES-medborgare,” published on 27 January 2026.
RELATED RESOURCES
See article, “Reinstatement of registration for EEA citizens in Sweden,” in TaxNews, a publication of the KPMG International member firm in Sweden, published on 29 January 2026.
See article (in Swedish), “Registrering av EES‑medborgare föreslås återinföras,” in TaxNews, a publication of the KPMG International member firm in Sweden, published on 29 January 2026.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Sweden.
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