How long do I need to have lived in Sweden?

The main rule was raised from five to eight years as part of the tightened rules that mainly took effect on 6 June 2026. The period that applies depends on your category.

Habitual residence period by category

• Main rule: 8 years.
• Nordic citizen applying: 2 years.
• Married to, registered partner of, or cohabiting with a Swedish citizen: 7 years, if the relationship has lasted at least 5 years and the partner has been a Swedish citizen for at least 5 years.
• Former Swedish citizen: 2 years.
• Under 21 at the time of application: 7 years.
• Stateless: 5 years.
• Person with declared refugee status: 7 years.

What counts as habitual residence?

Habitual residence (hemvist) is more than population registration (folkbokföring). You must be durably settled in Sweden and intend to stay. Which time may count depends on the legal basis you had for staying.

• Visitor permits, ordinary study permits and au pair permits normally do not count as residence-establishing habitual residence.
• Doctoral studies may in some cases count, if it is clear you intended to stay after your studies.
• If you have been outside Sweden for more than six weeks in a year, the whole time abroad is normally excluded.
• Moving to and actually settling in another country breaks the period of habitual residence.
• EU and EEA citizens must have met the conditions for right of residence during the relevant period.
• Time in Sweden under a false identity does not count.