Sweden's government is tightening the requirements for migrants to obtain residence permits for family members. A new bill increases income thresholds and introduces a two-year waiting period.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell stated the aim is to ensure migrants are financially independent and integrate better. Under the new rules, a person wishing to bring a spouse and two children must have a monthly income of at least 23,818 kronor (about $2,563) after taxes.
State benefits, unemployment allowances, and subsidized job incomes will no longer count as income. Additionally, the applicant must have adequate housing for the entire family.
The two-year waiting period does not apply to labor migrants, researchers, doctoral students, and certain refugee categories. The changes are expected to take effect from October 1 of this year.
