For foreign residents and Swedish citizens living in Sweden, bringing a spouse or children from abroad is becoming increasingly mathematical. The days of simply proving a relationship are over. In 2025, the primary reason for the rejection of family reunification visas is not a lack of love, but a failure to meet the Maintenance Requirement (Försörjningskravet).
The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) enforces strict rules regarding how much money you must earn and how large your home must be before your family is allowed to join you. This guide breaks down the 2025 standards, helping you calculate exactly if you qualify.
Official Source: All requirements mentioned in this guide are based on the legal standards set by theSwedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket).
1. The Two Pillars of the Requirement
To bring a family member (spouse, partner, or child) to Sweden, the person already living in Sweden (the Sponsor) must prove two things:
- Income: You must be able to support yourself and the family members applying for a residence permit.
- Housing: You must have a home of sufficient size and standard for all of you to live in.
Crucial Rule: You must meet these requirements before your family arrives. You cannot say, “I will get a bigger apartment when they get here.” You must have the contract in hand at the time of the decision.
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2. The Income Requirement (How much is enough?)
You must show that you have a regular, work-related income. This includes salary, unemployment benefits (A-kassa), or a pension. Note that “Social Benefits” (Försörjningsstöd) do generally not count as work-related income.
The calculation works like this: Your Net Income (After Tax) – Your Rent/Housing Cost = Discretionary Income.
This “Discretionary Income” (money left in your pocket) must be higher than the “Standard Amount” (Normalbelopp) set by the Swedish Enforcement Authority for 2025.
The 2025 Standard Amounts (Estimates)
While the exact Krona amount changes slightly with inflation each year, you should budget for the following minimums to be safe in 2025:
- Single Adult: Approx. 6,090 SEK
- Cohabiting Spouses/Partners: Approx. 10,061 SEK (Total for both)
- Child (0–6 years): Approx. 3,255 SEK
- Child (7–10 years): Approx. 3,906 SEK
- Child (11–14 years): Approx. 4,557 SEK
- Child (15+ years): Approx. 5,208 SEK
Example Calculation: You live in Sweden and want to bring your wife. Your rent is 8,000 SEK.
- You need 10,061 SEK (for you and your wife) + 8,000 SEK (Rent).
- Total Net Salary Needed: You must take home 18,061 SEK after tax every month.
- If you earn less than this, your application will be rejected.
3. The Housing Requirement (How big must the home be?)
It is not enough to have money; you must not be overcrowded. The rules for the size of your home are strict and non-negotiable.
- For 2 Adults (You + Spouse): You need a home with a Kitchen + at least 1 Room. (A studio apartment/Etta with a kitchenette is usually not enough if it doesn’t have a separate kitchen area, though rules vary slightly on layout. A strict “1 room and kitchen” is safest).
- For 2 Adults + Children: You need a home with a Kitchen + at least 2 Rooms. One family can share a bedroom, but if there are children, you generally need a separate bedroom or living room that can be used for sleeping.
Subletting (Andrahand): You can meet this requirement with a sublet (second-hand) contract, but it must be an approved contract (usually by the landlord/building association) and it must be valid for at least one year from the date your family arrives.
For official details on what counts as a “room,” refer to the Migrationsverket Housing Guidelines.
4. Who is Exempt? (The Loopholes)
Not everyone has to meet these strict rules. You might be exempt if:
- You are a Refugee (KVOTA/Asylum): If you received a permanent residence permit as a refugee, you might be exempt if your family applies within 3 months of you getting your status. If you wait longer than 3 months, the requirements apply fully.
- Child’s Best Interest: If the applicant is a child, exceptions can sometimes be made, but this is rare and decided case-by-case.
- Returning Swedish Citizens: If you are a Swedish citizen living abroad (e.g., in the UK or Dubai) and you have lived together with your partner for a long time outside Sweden, the rules are slightly more flexible regarding when you get the job, but you still need to prove you can support them.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Calculating Gross instead of Net: Always calculate your salary after tax.
- Forgetting Housing Cost: You must deduct the rent. If you have a high rent, you need a higher salary.
- Temporary Jobs: Trial employment (Provanställning) can be risky. The agency prefers “Tillsvidareanställning” (Permanent contract). If you have a temporary contract, it must last for at least 12 months after the decision date.
The Maintenance Requirement is a mathematical pass/fail test. Before you pay the application fee, sit down with a calculator. If your income after rent is even 100 SEK below the 2025 Standard Amount, do not apply yet. Secure a higher salary or a cheaper apartment first to ensure your family’s successful move to Sweden.
