According to the Swedish Migration Agency report, the total Sweden granted residence permits is 19,367. These are given out in April 2022. At the same time, the total issued permits were 57,807 from January to April 2022. Before moving forward, it is good to know the difference between a residence permit and a residence card.

What is the difference between a residence card and a residence permit?

The residence permit is a broad term for permission to live in a specific country. It might refer to any status other than a visitor under national or EU rules. A residence card is a particular term for a residence permit for an EU national dependent.

Types of Sweden Residence Permits

Sweden has many types of residence permits. It includes the following.

• Work
• Study
• Asylum seekers
• European citizens
• Humanitarian grounds
• Family reunification
• Impediments to enforcing 
• European citizens
• Persons in need of protection

Number Of Granted Residence Permits - April 2022

Let us look at the break up of the number of Sweden granted residence permits out of 19,367 for April 2022.  

The highest number of them is 12,608 issued to asylum seekers. It makes up 39 per cent of total residence permits. After that, there were 3,659 work permits granted. And the third number is for family reunification, totalling 2,025. 

Other than this, the total of issued permits is as follows. 

• Study - 327
• EU/EES - 684
• Impediments to enforcement - 64

How do I get a residence permit in Sweden?

Applying for a residence permit online is the most convenient option. Further, the Swedish Migration Agency receives an online application. 

Suppose you cannot apply online for any reason. Then, you need to ask your family members in Sweden to complete the electronic registration form. Also, they would need to attach copies of documents and pay application fees on your behalf.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Swedish residence permits. Let's look into their answers to learn more.

Can I live in Sweden after Brexit?

Yes, you can live in Sweden even after Brexit. The European Council and the British government had a withdrawal agreement. This agreement allows you and your family to remain in Sweden after December 31, 2020.

How long does it take to get a Swedish residence permit?

Before entering Sweden, a residence permit should be granted. Also, the UT-card must be collected. It takes four weeks to make a card and send it to the Embassy from when you receive your decision.

How long can I stay outside Sweden with residence permit?

You can be away from Sweden for a year if you have a permanent residence permit. For example, you are absent for more than a year or intend to relocate to another country. In that case, the Swedish Migration Agency may withdraw your residence permit.

Can I stay in Sweden while waiting for a residence permit?

It must be decided before travelling to Sweden. You can apply for a temporary entry visa to Sweden while you wait for a decision.

Final Thoughts

The given statistics show that the demand for Swedish residency is just increasing. If we only look at the work granted, work permits for only the first quarter of 2022 are 3,659. In comparison, the total of Sweden Granted residence permits in 2021 was 39,270. Thus, it can be roughly forecasted that work and a total of other issued residency permits may be more than the last year at the end of the year.