Sweden Issues 7,000+ Residence Permits for Family Reunification in Early 2025
Sweden Granted Over 7,000 Residence Permits for Family Reunification in Q1 2025, While Work and Study Permits Remain Low
In the first quarter of 2025, Swedish authorities issued 7,379 residence permits for family reunification purposes, making it the most common reason for obtaining residency during this period.
Significant Numbers for Asylum Seekers
A total of 6,872 residence permits were also granted to asylum seekers, including individuals under the Temporary Protection Directive. Of these, 2,394 permits—or 34.8%—were issued in March alone, highlighting continued demand for international protection in Sweden.
Work and Study Permits Lag Behind
While family reunification and asylum-related permits remain high, Sweden has issued significantly fewer residence permits for work and study purposes in 2025 so far.
- Employment-related residence permits totaled just 296 in Q1 2025.
- Study-related residence permits were similarly low at 290.
- In March alone, 106 work permits and 105 study permits were issued.
Although these numbers are modest, they reflect a notable increase compared to the same month in 2024, when only 4 work permits and 8 study permits were issued.
During Q1 2024, Sweden issued 49 work permits and 90 study permits, meaning 2025 figures are showing a rising trend, albeit from a low base.
Surge in Residence Permits for EU/EES Applicants
One of the most significant changes in 2025 has been the sharp increase in residence permits issued to EU/EES nationals.
- In all of 2024, only 49 permits were granted to EU/EES citizens.
- In contrast, between January and March 2025 alone, 3,167 permits were issued to this group.
- March 2025 saw 938 permits granted—over 19 times the annual total in 2024.
Permits for Impediments to Enforcement Also on the Rise
Residence permits issued due to impediments to enforcement have also increased. In March 2025, 10 permits were issued under this category, contributing to a total of 27 in the first quarter. This figure already surpasses the 21 permits granted for the same reason throughout 2024.
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