Permanent residency in Sweden may soon be harder to come by. Credit: Shutterstock, Kittyfly
Sweden plans to overhaul its immigration policy by ending permanent residence permits for several immigrant groups, including asylum seekers and UN quota refugees.
The proposal, currently under review, is expected to take effect in June 2026, according to Sveriges Radio.
Temporary residence permits for some immigrants
An investigation commissioned by the Swedish government has proposed that some immigrant groups should no longer be eligible for permanent residence permits, Schengen News reports. This includes refugees, individuals in alternative need of protection, long-term EU residents, quota refugees, and those granted permits under exceptionally distressing circumstances.
Sweden’s Migration Minister Johan Forssell was cited by Schengen News saying:
“We need to keep asylum immigration to Sweden at a low level and then we need to tighten Swedish regulations.”
Currently, as Sveriges Radio explains, most asylum seekers in Sweden are granted temporary residence permits, and after several years – provided they meet certain criteria such as employment and financial independence – they may apply for permanent residence. The proposed changes would remove this path altogether for many.
Quota refugees in Sweden will also be affected
According to reports, quota refugees selected by the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), who are currently granted permanent residence permits upon arrival, would also be affected by this reform. Sveriges Radio confirms that the government wants quota refugees to receive only temporary residence permits going forward.
Red Cross raises concerns over the uncertainty that migrants will feel
Humanitarian organisations have raised alarms about the psychological toll such uncertainty may have on migrants. Karin Ödquist Drackner from the Swedish Red Cross told Sveriges Radio:
“Not being able to know that you are allowed to land, that you are allowed to be here, all of that leads to a lot of anxiety and fear and a lot of psychological pressure.”
Tighter requirements for Swedish citizenship
In parallel to these changes, the government also wants to make the process of acquiring Swedish citizenship more demanding. According to Sveriges Radio, applicants would need to meet tougher conditions such as learning Swedish, working, and demonstrating financial self-sufficiency.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell told Sveriges Radio that people who come to Sweden need to make an effort to learn Swedish, work and then eventually also become citizens of Sweden.
However, Karin Ödquist Drackner cautioned in the same interview that:
“It takes even longer and is even more difficult to obtain citizenship than a permanent residence permit,” arguing that this could delay social integration and increase hardship for immigrants.
While these changes are set to take effect in June 2026, Schengen News notes that the proposals must first be approved by Sweden’s parliament before becoming law.
As Sweden moves towards a more restrictive immigration framework, many are questioning what this means for refugees and long-term residents hoping to build stable lives in the country. Should temporary residency be the new norm? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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