Sweden Changes Rules for Long-Term Residents: Permanent Residence Replaced with 5-Year Permits

🇸🇪 Sweden changes long-term residence rules from July 12

From July 12, Sweden introduces new rules for “long-term residents” (varaktigt bosatta), clearly distinguishing applications before and after this date.

🔹 1. Difference in residence documents

✔ If granted before July 12:

• You receive an EU residence card (EG/EU residence permit card)
• Plus a card confirming permanent residence status

👉 You retain permanent residence status.

✔ If granted after July 12:

• You receive an EU residence card (EG/EU residence permit card)
• And a 5-year residence permit card instead of permanent residence

👉 Status becomes time-limited and subject to renewal.

🔹 2. Important change regarding citizenship

Currently, Swedish citizenship generally requires permanent residence.

From July 12:

👉 This requirement will no longer apply strictly to long-term residents if they:

• Have well-founded prospects of continued long-term residence, or
• Have lived in Sweden for at least 10 years

✔ Such cases may still be eligible for citizenship.

📌 Purpose of the reform

• Align Sweden with EU regulations
• Introduce structured time-based residence status
• Allow flexibility for long-term residents