What does the self-support requirement (försörjningskravet) mean?

The requirement of self-support is new and was introduced with the tightened rules. As a main rule it applies to applicants between 18 and 67 years old.

The level for 2026

The level is linked to the income base amount (inkomstbasbelopp) and is recalculated every year. For 2026, at least three income base amounts are required, corresponding to SEK 250,200 per year before tax or SEK 20,850 per month.

What normally counts

• Durable salary from non-subsidised employment.
• Durable income from your own business.
• Work-related parental benefit or sickness benefit during ongoing employment can count.
• Stable income over time weighs more than a few good months.

What normally does not count

• Your partner's income.
• Capital, savings or property.
• Unemployment benefit (a-kassa), activity support, development allowance and establishment benefit.
• New start jobs, special employment support, establishment jobs and certain start-your-own-business grants.

You also must not have received financial assistance (försörjningsstöd) for more than a total of six months during the three years before the decision.

Exceptions

• You are entitled to income-based old-age pension, guarantee pension or elderly support (äldreförsörjningsstöd).
• You are a full-time student with approved results on a degree-oriented programme at a Swedish university or university college.
• You are a full-time student on a higher vocational education (yrkeshögskola) programme leading to a YH diploma or advanced YH diploma.
• You are studying at upper-secondary (gymnasium) level.
• It cannot reasonably be required of you to meet the requirement, for example due to a disability.