Swedish Rules Require Foreigners to Leave Country to Change Permit Status

Foreign residents in Sweden must leave the country when changing their residence permit status. Non-EU citizens generally cannot apply for a new permit from inside Sweden. This rule affects foreign workers, researchers, and families switching permit categories.

For example, switching from a work permit to a spouse permit requires leaving Sweden. Having a spouse, home, or job in Sweden does not exempt applicants from this rule.

Other European countries handle this policy differently. Finland and Denmark allow legal residents to apply for family permits from inside the country. France and Germany also permit status changes without leaving.

Sweden has introduced a few minor exceptions. The country now allows easier switches from work permits to research permits. Young adults can also switch more easily from family permits to study permits. However, the general rule requiring applicants to leave remains in force.

This report was published by The Local Sweden.