If you have been granted asylum in Sweden, and you were separated from your family, you can apply for family reunification so that your family can join you in Sweden, under specific conditions.
You can learn more and apply for family reunification on You can learn more and apply for family reunification on the website of the Swedish Migration Agency, available in multiple languages.
When should I apply for family reunification?
If you want to apply for family reunification, you should do so as soon as possible and no later than 3 months after you were granted refugee or subsidiary protection status in Sweden.
If you wish to apply for family reunification beyond the 3 months window after you were granted refugee status or subsidiary protection in Sweden, you must be able to provide financial support for your family and have housing of a certain standard. This is called the ‘maintenance requirement’. In case you fail to fulfil the maintenance requirement, your application for family reunification may be denied. You can appeal this decision before the Swedish courts.
With whom can I reunite?
It is possible for your spouse, registered or cohabiting partner, as well as children under 18 years old to come to reside with you in Sweden. If your application for family reunification is accepted, you need to organize and pay for the trip of your family members to come to Sweden. Some organizations or projects may be able to help, such as Miles4Migrants. Find more information on Miles4Migrants website.
In special situations, other close members of your family who had lived with you in your home country and who fully depend on you may come to reside with you in Sweden.
Can I appeal if my application for family reunification is rejected?
If your application for family reunification is rejected by the Swedish Migration Agency, you have the right to submit an appeal before the Migration Court.
Note that the appeal usually must be submitted within 3 weeks after you receive the letter from the Swedish Migration Agency with the decision on your application for family reunification. This letter will indicate how much time you have to appeal the decision.
Read more about how to appeal a rejected decision on the website of the Swedish Migration Agency, available in English and Swedish.
Where can I find help for a family reunification process?
For legal advice on family reunification, we advise you to contact our partners, the Swedish Refugee Law Center or the Swedish Red Cross, who may be able to provide free legal counselling in your case.
In Sweden, UNHCR supports the national authorities in executing their duties in line with international and European standards. UNHCR is not part of the family reunification procedure in Sweden. The procedure in Sweden is under the responsibility of the Swedish Migration Agency.