The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) has announced a major strategic shift in its service model, confirming the closure of its 11 dedicated service centres across Sweden for general public visits by the end of 2025.
The move is part of a broader government effort to modernize services, enhance efficiency, and prioritize digital channels.
What Does This Mean for Visa Applicants?
The closure will phase out drop-in services at locations like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Instead, applicants and residents will primarily be directed to new channels:
- National Government Service Centres: The Migration Agency’s in-person services will be integrated into the expanded network of 35 National Government Service Centres around the country. These multi-agency hubs already assist with the Swedish Tax Agency and other public bodies, allowing applicants to handle tasks like submitting fingerprints, photographs, and document checks for residence permits in more locations than before.
- Digital and Telephone First: For any questions concerning a specific case, applicants are urged to use the dedicated telephone Contact Centre or the digital platform “My Page” (Min sida). The government is strongly encouraging users to rely on digital self-service tools for case tracking and communication.
- Appointments Only: Physical visits to a Migration Agency location will now only be available to those who have been explicitly summoned for a personal appointment (such as for identity verification or citizenship processes).
This transition aims to streamline the process for most users but underscores the need for applicants to become familiar with the agency’s online tools and the locations of the new multi-agency service centres.
