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      On 5 September 2025, the Swedish government published Statens Offentliga Utredningar, SOU 2025:95, "Stricter Conditions for Family Immigration." The investigation aimed to review the Swedish regulatory framework for family immigration to achieve a restrictive and purposeful regulation.1

      Key Highlights

      Government Review of Proposals Affecting Residence Rules

      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 temporary residence permit must be valid for at least one year, there must be well-founded prospects of that individual 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 additional reasons to deny residence permits in certain cases for relatives planning to marry or cohabitate.
      • Maintenance Requirement: The maintenance requirement for family immigration is proposed to be tightened and also be required for extensions 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 maintenance 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, so the maintenance requirement would also apply for extensions of residence permits by those specific categories of individuals. 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 families.

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

      KPMG INSIGHTS

      KPMG in Sweden 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 in Sweden 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 could increase Sweden's attractiveness for highly qualified labor with children in their late teens and facilitate many families already residing in Sweden.

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

      KPMG in Sweden recognizes that the proposed changes could have significant consequences for individuals and businesses affected by family immigration. Businesses may wish to communicate these changes clearly to affected parties to facilitate a smooth transition to the new rules. We welcome continued dialogue on these proposals and are available to answer any questions.

      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).

      FOOTNOTE:

      1  (In Swedish) Regeringskanliet website: Statens Offentliga Utredningar, SOU 2055:95, “Skärpta villkor för anhöriginvandring” (publicerad on 5 September 2025).

      Contacts

      nina-dahlsten
      Nina Dahlsten

      Tax Advisor

      KPMG in Sweden

      peter-lindstrom
      Peter Lindström

      Senior Manager

      KPMG in Sweden

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      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.

      GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

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