The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) is gearing up for a significant overhaul of its voluntary return scheme, known as the Återvandringsbidraget. While the headlines focus on the massive financial increase, the core of the reform lies in the stringent new processes and restrictions designed to prevent fraud and ensure that the substantial public funds are used for their intended purpose.
The New Financial Incentive
Effective January 1, 2026, the return grant is set to increase dramatically, a measure approved by the government to facilitate voluntary departure for those who have been granted protection in Sweden but wish to restart their lives elsewhere.
The financial breakdown is as follows:
- Adults (18+): Up to SEK 350,000.
- Children (Under 18): SEK 25,000 per child.
- Maximum per Couple: SEK 500,000.
- Maximum per Household: SEK 600,000.
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As Migrationsverket Director General Maria Mindhammar noted, the purpose is clear: “The aim is to make it easier for those who want to start anew in their home country or another country. The financial support provides people with greater control over their choice to move and contributes to increased security during the transition.”
How the Government Is Stopping Fraudsters
With such large sums of money now at stake, the government and Migrationsverket are establishing a “well-functioning and legally sound process… to ensure correct payments” and minimize the risk of misuse. The new regulation introduces tough restrictions that effectively bar known fraudsters and individuals with ties to crime or public debt from accessing the funds.
Here are the key restrictions and preparations being implemented:
- Ineligibility Due to Debt and Crime: A person will be ineligible to receive the return grant if they:
- Have unpaid debts to central authorities, such as the Central Study Support Board (CSN) or the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden).
- Are serving a prison sentence, have been charged with a crime, are suspected of certain serious crimes, or if there are grounds against issuing the grant based on Sweden’s security or general public safety.
- Exclusion from Free Movement Areas: The grant is strictly intended for return or relocation outside of the immediate European sphere. The grant will not be paid out if the person plans to move to an EU/EES country or Switzerland.
- Preventing “Revolving Door” Fraud: The new regulation and associated preparatory work will also include measures such as staggered payments (not specified in the linked article but confirmed in Government material), meaning applicants will receive the grant in parts, with the final payment contingent on proving they have established residency in their new country for a significant period. This prevents individuals from collecting the money and immediately returning to Sweden.
- Strengthened Application Review: Migrationsverket is “ramping up efforts” to ensure the application process is robust and legally sound, requiring applicants to meet strict eligibility requirements dating back to September 12, 2024, to qualify for the new, higher amounts.
In essence, the new system links generous financial support to strict accountability, ensuring that the aid reaches those who genuinely intend to build a new life outside of Sweden, while simultaneously shutting down avenues for welfare fraud and organized crime.
Official Sources & Further Reading
The information above is based on the Swedish government’s decision and the preparation work announced by the Migration Agency.
- The Swedish Migration Agency News (Provided URL): Återvandringsbidraget höjs den 1 januari 2026
- The Government’s Press Release (Related Official Source): Ett kraftigt höjt återvandringsbidrag
