Temporary residence permits

Last updated: 28/2-2023

The Swedish Aliens Act governs who is allowed to stay in Sweden.

What types of residence permits are there?

These are the different types of residence permit:

  • Temporary residence permit
  • Permanent residence permit

Most successful applicants in Sweden receive a temporary residence permit. Once you have had a temporary residence permit for at least three years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

If you arrive as a quota refugee, you will be granted a permanent residence permit straight away.

What do the different residence permits imply?

Refugee - 3 years

If you are given refugee status, you will be granted a temporary residence permit lasting three years. After three years, you can be granted an extension of your temporary residence permit. An extension lasts for two years.

After three years, you can also apply for a permanent residence permit.

You have to apply for an extension before your temporary residence permit expires. You can make your application from two months before your temporary residence permit expires.

Persons eligible for subsidiary protection - 13 months

If you are given subsidiary protection status, you will be granted a temporary residence permit lasting 13 months. After 13 months, you can be granted an extension of your residence permit if your are still in need of protection. An extension lasts for two years.

After three years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.

You have to apply for an extension before your temporary residence permit expires. You can make your application from two months before your temporary residence permit expires.

UR Skola have made a short film that explains the difference between the different residence permits. The film is in Swedish, with subtitles available in Swedish, Arabic, Kurdish, Persian, Somali and Tigrinya.