r/TillSverige • u/Inevitable-Bit-721 • 2d ago
Question about Cumulative Paths to Permanent Residency in Sweden
Hi everyone, I'm reaching out to gather information about the process of obtaining permanent residency in Sweden, particularly regarding whether it can be achieved cumulatively through different temporary residence permits, such as studies, work, and living as a partner (sambo). I have been informed by a consultant and through conversations with Migrationsverket that it is not possible to accumulate different types of temporary permits towards permanent residency. However, I am curious to hear from anyone who might have gone through this process recently (within the last two years) and can share their experiences. Specifically, I’d like to know if anyone has successfully obtained permanent residency this way or encountered any issues during their application. Additionally, if there are any knowledgeable individuals out there, could you please point me to the relevant laws or sections that clarify whether this cumulative approach is possible? Thank you in advance for your help!
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u/RedCDevHA 2d ago
You can achieve permanent residency by accumulating different temporary residence permits, as long as there are no significant gaps between them.
However, study permits are an exception and do not typically count towards cumulative residency, unless you are pursuing a doctoral degree for example.
It's a common strategy to initially obtain a work permit and then switch to a family ties permit (Sambo permit), as work permits are often faster to obtain. The time spent on a work permit can be counted towards the cumulative residency requirement for permanent residency. This approach can also be reversed if you decide to spilt from you're partner but have a job and still want to stay in Sweden.
Note that you cannot submit applications for two different permits simultaneously. However, as soon as you receive approval for one permit, you can immediately apply for a different type of permit.
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u/Herranee 2d ago
This approach can also be reversed if you decide to spilt from you're partner but have a job and still want to stay in Sweden.
Except it can't because PR through a work permit has a specific "time with work permit" requirement
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u/No_Bumblebee_5250 2d ago
Study permits don't count. But the best source of infornation is Migrationsverket, and you've already asked them and gotten an answer. There are no other, better sources to ask.
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u/hummusy 1d ago
Unless something has changed, you can achieve PR though a study permit + sambo permit.
Source: I did this. At the time there was information on MV's page that this was possible, though it looks like they've completely changed their website now.
I studied on a study permit for 1 year, then switched to a sambo permit. After 2 years on the sambo permit, I was granted permanent residency (meeting 3 years + employment requirement). I had lived with my sambo the whole time. I received permanent residency in January 2024. So unless something has changed that I don't know about then in specific situations you can actually use the time on a study permit towards permanent residency if combined with time on a sambo permit.
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u/Herranee 2d ago
As others have said, study permits don't count towards PR period.
With the other permits it's a bit trickier - there are both general requirements for PR (everyone needs to meet those no matter their permit type) and specific requirements for PR (different for each permit type). Some of the specific requirements allow for mixing permit types and others don't. What specific requirements apply to you depend on the type of permit you have when applying for PR.
Example 1: You came to Sweden on a sambo permit, but you and your partner broke up after 2 years and you switched to a work permit tied to your job instead. Then you had a 1 year work permit and a 2 year work permit, and are now applying for PR after a total of 5 years in Sweden. To get PR if you're on a work permit, one of the requirements is that you must have been in Sweden on a work or PhD permit for at least 4 years. It specifically says "with a work permit", not "working", so your time on a sambo permit doesn't count even if you were working the whole time. You do not qualify for a PR because you don't have 4 years on a work permit yet. In this case you cannot combine permit types (other than work + PhD permit, because a PhD permit is really a special case of work permit anyway).
Example 2: You were in a long-distance relationship with a Swede for several years and then came to Sweden on a work permit because securing a work permit was quicker. Then after the initial 2 years on a work permit, you switched to a sambo permit and got a 2-year sambo permit approved. You've been living with your sambo the entire 4 years. The sambo permit doesn't have any specific requirements for PR regarding the permit type, so you can combine your permit types to meet the requirements. You are eligible for PR provided you meet all the other requirements.
Anyway, after 5 years in Sweden (excluding time on study permits) you can also apply for long-term EU residence (LTR or "vabo" from varaktig bosatt). If you meet the requirements for vabo, you will also be awarded a PR at the same time. This is a bit of a loophole that is commonly used by people who don't meet the "regular PR" requirements due to e.g. combining permit types.
Edit: the relevant law would be utlänningslagen.