The Differences in Swedish Residency: Work Permit Renewal, PUT, and LTR Explained

Navigating the landscape of Sweden migration in 2026 requires a strategic understanding of the distinct differences between Work Permit Renewal, Permanent Residence (PUT), and Long-Term Resident (LTR) status. As the Swedish government implements stricter labor immigration rules—including a proposed salary threshold increase to 90% of the median salary (approximately SEK 33,390) in June 2026—choosing the right residency path is no longer just about staying in Sweden, but about securing your future mobility and rights. Whether you are approaching your first extension or your fourth year in the country, understanding the specific maintenance requirements, family reunification rules, and EU-wide benefits of each status is essential for avoiding deportation and achieving long-term stability.

1. Executive Summary: The Three Tiers of Status

Think of these three statuses as stepping stones with increasing levels of security and freedom.

1. Work Permit Renewal (The “Pause” Button):
   • What it is: A temporary extension of your right to work.
   • Best for: People who have lived in Sweden for less than 4 years.
   • Risk: You are still a temporary guest. If you lose your job and cannot find another within 3 months, you must leave.
2. Permanent Residence – PUT (The “Stop” Button):
   • What it is: The right to live and work in Sweden indefinitely.
   • Best for: People who have worked in Sweden for 4 years (48 months).
   • Risk: You lose this status if you move abroad for more than 1 year. It grants no special rights in other EU countries.
3. Long-Term Resident – LTR (The “Gold Standard”):
   • What it is: An EU-defined permanent status (Varaktigt Bosatt) that grants rights across the European Union.
   • Best for: People who have lived in Sweden for 5 years continuously.
   • Benefit: Grants a special residence card, easier movement to countries like Germany or France, and stronger protection against deportation than standard PUT.

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2. Detailed Comparison: Renewal vs. PUT vs. LTR

3. Step-by-Step Application Guides

A. Work Permit Renewal (Extension)

Use this if you have been in Sweden for less than 4 years.

The 2026 Challenge: The salary threshold is rising. As of late 2025, the requirement is 80% of the median salary (approx. SEK 29,680). By June 1, 2026, this is proposed to rise to 90% of the median salary (estimated ~SEK 33,390). Your salary must meet the threshold applicable on the day of the decision.

Process:

1. Employer Starts: Your employer initiates the web application.
2. Union Opinion: The employer must obtain a statement from the relevant trade union (Facket).
3. Check Insurance: Ensure your employer has paid four specific insurances (Health, Life, Occupational Injury, Pension) for every month of the previous permit.
4. Submission: You receive an email to complete your part and pay the fee.

• Official Resource:Migrationsverket – Extending a Work Permit

B. Permanent Residence (PUT)

Use this if you have worked for 48 months (4 years).

Critical Distinction: You do not file a separate application for PUT. You file an Extension application and check a specific box.

The “Strict Audit”: To get PUT, Migrationsverket audits your entire 4-year history. If you took too much vacation, earned below the threshold for even one month, or if an insurance payment was late 3 years ago, your PUT will be denied (though you may still get an extension).

Process:

1. Apply for Extension: Follow the standard extension process above.
2. Mark the Box: In the online form, tick “I also want to apply for a permanent residence permit.”
3. Proof of Funds: Unlike a standard permit, you must prove you can support your family too. You must earn enough to cover your rent + a standard amount for living costs (approx. SEK 6,090 for a single adult, more for children) left over after tax and rent.
4. Enforcement: No criminal record is allowed.

Official Resource:Migrationsverket – Permanent Residence for Employee

C. Long-Term Resident (LTR) Status

Use this if you have lived in Sweden for 5 years.

Why choose this over PUT?

If you plan to become a Swedish citizen, PUT is sufficient. However, if you want the option to move to Germany, the Netherlands, or France later, LTR status makes that significantly easier. It effectively gives you a “Green Card” for the whole EU.

Process:

1. Separate Application: Unlike PUT, this is a standalone application. You can apply for this even if your current permit is still valid.
2. Form 138011: You must typically use the paper form “Application for long-term resident status in Sweden” (Form 138011).
3. 5-Year Calculation: You must prove you have been in Sweden for 5 continuous years.
   • Max absence: You cannot have been outside Sweden for more than 10 months total over the 5 years, and no single trip longer than 6 months.
4. Decision: If approved, you receive a residence card marked “Varaktigt bosatt / Long-term resident – EU”. This status automatically grants you Permanent Residence in Sweden as well.

• Official Resource:Migrationsverket – Long-Term Residents in Sweden

4. Strategic Advice: The “Double Application” Strategy

If you have been in Sweden for 5 years and your permit is expiring, do not rely on just one application.

The Strategy:

1. Submit a Work Permit Extension Application (Web): This secures your right to work while waiting.
2. Submit an LTR Application (Paper/Post): This starts the process for your EU status.

Why?

• If the LTR is rejected (e.g., because you traveled too much), you still have the Extension application pending, so you are not forced to leave Sweden.
• If the LTR is approved, it overrides the extension, and you are now permanently safe.
• Note: You must pay two separate application fees.

5. Important 2026/2027 Outlook

• Salary Threshold: Monitor the June 2026 median salary update closely. If you earn below ~SEK 33,390, you may need to negotiate a raise with your employer to renew your permit.
• Language Tests: While the government has proposed language tests for citizenship (likely fully effective mid-2026 or 2027), there is currently no implemented language test for Permanent Residence (PUT) or LTR as of early 2026. However, this could change rapidly; always check the “News” section on the Migrationsverket website.
• Passport Checks: You must now present your original passport in person for every renewal. Migrationsverket no longer accepts copies alone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)