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Safeguarding the possibility for fleeing people to seek a safe refuge in Sweden is an important and integral
part of the work for human rights. People who need and seek protection must know that they are welcome
here, in accordance with Swedish laws and the conventions to which Sweden is a signatory.
Asylum seekers
Asylum seekers are those who come to Sweden and apply for protection (asylum) here, but who have not yet had their
application assessed.
race;
nationality;
religious or political beliefs;
sex;
sexual orientation; or
belonging to a certain social group.
Persecution could come from the authorities in your home country, or it could also be that the authorities cannot or will
not protect you from persecution from individual people or groups of people.
The Refugee Convention is included in Swedish law together with rules for the declaration of refugee status. Refugee
status declaration is an international concept based on the UN Refugee Convention and EU rules.
Even if you are not a refugee, you might still have the right to be given a residence permit because you need protection.
As a person needing protection, you can get a residence permit as aperson eligible for subsidiary protection or a person
otherwise in need of protection.
Other reasons
Status declaration as a person otherwise in need of protection
If you need protection because:
of external or internal armed conflict or because of other severe tension in your home country;
of well-grounded fear of being subjected to serious abuse; or
Residence permit
A person who is given a status declaration as a refugee or a person eligible for subsidiary protection or a person
otherwise in need of protection will be granted a permanent residence permit or a temporary residence permit that is
valid for at least three years. In exceptional cases the validity is limited, but the permit is never granted for a period less
than one year.
At the border
The police are responsible for border inspection in Sweden and make sure that travellers have the right to enter the
country, for example, that they have valid passports.
In many cases, travellers may cross the border into Sweden without inspection. This is because Sweden, as well as most
other countries within the EU, have subscribed to the Schengen agreement. All people that have the right to reside in a
country that is part of the Schengen region can travel freely across borders to other Schengen countries.
At borders with countries outside the Schengen region, however, traveller documents are checked carefully.
If a person seeks asylum at the border, the police hand the matter over to the Swedish Migration Board.
Seeking asylum
Most people seek asylum after they have entered the country. They contact one of the Swedish Migration Board's
application units directly in Stockholm (Solna and Mrsta), Gteborg and Malm.
The asylum seeker must say who he* is and explain his travel arrangements to Sweden. He must also give fingerprints.
Initially the Board considers whether it is Sweden or another country that is responsible for the asylum investigation.
If the person is to have an application for asylum examined in Sweden, the person must explain why he needs asylum in
Sweden. The asylum seeker is given help with an interpreter and legal assistance from a public counsel if necessary.
During the waiting period, the Swedish Migration Board offers the applicant somewhere to stay. The asylum seeker can
also choose to organise his own accommodation, such as at friends or relatives.
* Most asylum-seekers in Sweden are men and this is the case in this example.
Decision
Refusal of entry with immediate enforcement
If it is clear that the asylum seeker does not need protection, nor has other reasons to remain in the country, he is
expelled from Sweden immediately. This is called "refusal of entry with immediate enforcement" and is relevant if the
asylum seeker clearly has no grounds for seeking asylum. Such a decision must be made within three months of the
application date.
The asylum seeker may appeal against the Swedish Migration Board decision, but he is not entitled to remain in Sweden
and await the outcome of the appeal.
An asylum seeker can also be refused entry immediately if he was in another country where he was protected against
persecution before coming to Sweden. The asylum seeker is then returned to this country, and any further investigation
is not normally necessary. Otherwise, the examination of the asylum case will continue.
Examination
The legal assistance is free of charge for the asylum seeker. The counsel works exclusively for the asylum seeker and
looks out for his interests.
When the Swedish Migration Board has received a complete application from the applicant, we summon a meeting with
the applicant and counsel. Following the meeting where any uncertainties can be sorted out the Board decides on
the asylum case. It is the Swedish Aliens Act that governs who may be granted a residence permit.
Decision
Residence permit
If the asylum seeker needs protection or should be allowed to stay as a result of particularly distressing circumstances,
he is granted a residence permit in Sweden. As a rule, this is permanent and means that he has a right to stay in Sweden
as long as he wants. In some cases, the Swedish Migration Board may also grant a temporary permit.
When a person has been granted permission to remain in Sweden, he is given a residence permit card. The card is proof
of his residence permit.
Refusal
If the asylum seeker is not in need of protection or has no other reasons to remain in Sweden, the Swedish Migration
Board takes a decision on refusal of entry. He can then accept the decision and return home or to another country that is
willing to accept him.
However, the vast majority of people who are refused by the Swedish Migration Board appeal against the decision. This
means a continued wait.
Appeal
An appeal is sent first to the Swedish Migration Board who re-examines the decision. If the Board stands by its rejection
decision, the appeal will be passed on to the Migration Court at one of the administrative courts in Stockholm, Gteborg
or Malm.
The Court may invite the applicant together with his public counsel and the Swedish Migration Board to an oral hearing.
The Migration Court makes a decision on the appeal either by confirming or changing the decision of the Swedish
Migration Board.
There is the option of appealing the decision of the Migration Court at the Migration Court of Appeal at the Administrative
Court in Stockholm. However, the Migration Court of Appeal only examines in principle important cases and only after
having granted leave to appeal.
Decision
Residence permit
If the Migration Court or Migration Court of Appeal changes the Board's decision, the Swedish Migration Board will issue a
residence permit.
Refusal
If the Migration Court and, in certain cases the Migration Court of Appeal , considers that the asylum seeker has no need
of protection, nor has any other reasons to remain in the country, the Court will reject the appeal.
The person who has been refused entry must now leave Sweden. The Swedish Migration Board staff can assist with the
preparations for departure.
If the person who has been refused entry or been deported refuses to leave voluntarily, it becomes the responsibility of
the police to ensure that he leaves.
Impediments to enforcement
Where new circumstances emerge following a final decision on refusal of entry or deportation, the Swedish Migration
Board will re-examine whether there are any impediments to enforcement. The Board can do so on its own initiative or
after the person concerned has presented evidence.
If the impediments are medical or practical, it is the assessment of the Swedish Migration Board that applies and the
decision of the Board cannot be challenged. If the impediments, on the other hand, include new reasons for protection,
the rejection decision from the Board can go to appeal at a Migration Court.
Submit an application
You should apply for asylum at Sweden's border. If you have already entered Sweden, you may apply at one of the
Swedish Migration Board's application units located in Gvle, Gteborg, Malm, Mrsta, Norrkping and Stockholm.
Initially, the Board determines whether it is Sweden that should examine your asylum application or whether you came
from another country which has a primary obligation to do this. If it is clear that you lack grounds for asylum, the
Migration Board can make a quick decision in the case; for example, you may be the citizen of another EU Member
State.
You will be asked to come to several meetings at the Migration Board when you first come to Sweden. It is important
that you come to all appointments which have been booked for you.
Fingerprints
Countries in the EU, as well as Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, have a fingerprint database called Eurodac. It is the
Swedish Migration Board that looks after this database in Sweden. If you are over the age of 14 you will be fingerprinted
and your fingerprints checked against the database to see if you have applied for asylum in any of the other countries
that use the database.
The Swedish Migration Board will also check your fingerprints against another database called the Schengen Information
System, or SIS. SIS holds information about people who are wanted criminals etc.
Legal assistance
Most asylum seekers are allowed to have legal assistance. This is called your right to public counsel. Usually, a trained
lawyer will look out for your interests and help you to explain your grounds. The Swedish Migration Board will choose a
counsel for you, but you can also suggest someone whom you trust. The Migration Board will pay for the public counsel.
The counsel works independently of the Swedish Migration Board and other public authorities.
If you do not have the right to public counsel, you can choose to pay for and hire your own counsel.
Translation
An interpreter translates for you when you are in contact with the Migration Board. The interpreter is neutral and will
translate only what is said. The interpreter is not allowed to let his or her own private, political or religious beliefs
become involved. Neither is the translator permitted to speak of what he or she has heard during your investigation. If
you do not understand the interpreter, it is important that you say so.
If you cannot show who you are and from which country you come, it may be difficult for the Swedish Migration
Board to assess whether or not you are entitled to asylum
You will receive a more rapid decision regarding your asylum application if your identity has been established
You have the possibility to work in Sweden while you are waiting for your decision. You may have an exemption
from the obligation to hold a work permit (AT-UND)
If you should become severely ill or meet with an accident in Sweden, the Swedish Migration Board must be
aware of your true identity in order to be able to contact your close relatives
You will be able to return home if you receive a negative decision
It will make it easier to obtain Swedish identification documents if you are granted a residence permit;
You need it to open a bank account
You avoid having a note in any aliens passport or travel document stating that your identity is not established
which may make it difficult to travel to other countries
You avoid the risk that any residence permit you receive may be canceled if it becomes known that you
submitted incorrect information regarding your identity
A possible reunion with your family will be made more difficult if you present yourself under a false identity
Your chance of become a Swedish citizen in the future may be hindered or delayed if you do not have proof of
your identity.
you have received a visa or residence permit from another country governed by the Dublin Regulation
you have illegally entered a country governed by the Dublin Regulation
you have already applied for asylum in another country governed by the Dublin Regulation.
If your family already has residence permits in another EU Member State, it may mean that your application for asylum
will be examined in the same country.
Appealing a decision
If you do not accept that another country should examine your grounds for asylum, you have the right to appeal the
decision to the Migration Court. The appeal must be received by the Migration Board within 21 days, calculated from the
date on which you were notified of the decision. Note that it is the country in which your application is to be examined
that is reviewed during the appeal process and not your grounds for asylum. You must still leave Sweden during the
appeals process.
The EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom. Norway, Iceland and Switzerland are covered by the Dublin Regulation
through special agreements.
...Eurodac
All EU countries are linked to the electronic data-base Eurodac. Iceland, Norway and Switzerland are covered by Eurodac
through special agreements.
Living in Sweden
You may move to wherever you like in the country. However, it is very difficult to get accommodation, especially in the
big cities. You often need to have work or a regular income.
If you cannot find work or a place to live, the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsfrmedlingen) can help you. A
plan ("etableringsplan", or introduction plan) will be made for you so that you can support yourself as soon as possible.
Right after receiving your residence permit, you will meet Arbetsfrmedlingen to talk about your skills, previous work
experience, goals, interests and talents. If you have any certificates and references from work you have had before, you
should bring them to your meeting with Arbetsfrmedlingen. If you are entitled to an introduction plan, you can be given
an allowance if you follow it.
The rules for settlement change depending on if you have stayed in accommodation offered by the Swedish Migration
Board or if you have arranged your own place to stay during the waiting period.
Practical advice
When looking for a place to live
Some municipalities have municipal housing offices. They can help you find somewhere to live in both municipal and
privately-owned properties. There are also private housing offices. Many local authorities have a list of all property
owners in the municipality. You can find their telephone number in the green pages of the telephone catalogue or on the
internet.
Housing, social support and school for children
The local authorities where you live provide child care and schooling for children. If you have been assigned to a
municipality, they will also provide housing and other social support. The local authorities will arrange for you to learn the
Swedish language and will also give you information about how society works. You can find more information on the
municipality's web site.
Home equipment loan
If you are 18 years old or older, you can apply for a loan to buy things you need for your home. Ask Arbetsfrmedlingen
to help you with your application when you meet them.
Protection status
Sweden has ratified the UN Declaration on Refugees and incorporated it into the Swedish Aliens Act. This
convention gives refugees the right to a legal declaration which proves their status. Furthermore, since 1
January 2010 Sweden has amended the Aliens Act to fulfill the requirements of the EU's Qualifications
Directive. Everyone who is granted a residence permit based on grounds of protection is now given the right
to a status declaration.
Retroactive application
A person who has been granted a residence permit in Sweden, but who has not been granted status declaration, can at
any time apply for a status declaration. This also applies to persons who have been granted a status declaration, but who
want to have a subsidiary protection status declaration or a refugee status declaration.
You can apply for a status declaration by filling out the form "Application for status declaration", form no 158011 (this
form is only available in Swedish.
Appeal
A status declaration can be appealed separately from the decision regarding a residence permit. This means that a
person who is granted a residence permit but who has not been given a status declaration, can appeal the status
declaration decision.
Application
You can apply for the travel grant on the form number 4452, see link to the right on this web page (the form is only
available in Swedish). Submit you application by mail to Migrationsverket, 601 70 Norrkping.
Practical assistance
The refugee reception, civic offices or immigrant services bureau in your minicipality can help you to fill out the form.
The Swedish Migration Board will consider your application. If your application for a travel grant the Migration Board will
provide for your family member's travel arrangements and let you know when they will arrive in Sweden.
Can not be appealed
You can not appeal against the Migration Board's decision to refuse your application for a travel grant.
Alien's passport
If you need a passport and you are unable to acquire one, the Swedish Migration Board can issue you with
an alien's passport in exceptional cases. With an alien's passport you can travel to all countries. The only
exception is that you can not travel to your home country if you got a residence permit on grounds of
protection. In that case you can travel to all countries except your home country. However, the country you
plan to travel to may require an entry visa for citizens from certain countries.
An alien's passport satisfies EU passport requirements. This means that it has a computer chip to store the holder's
personal details, fingerprints and a passport photograph.
The Swedish Migration Board will take your photograph and fingerprints when you submit your application.
Application fee
Waiting time
From the date on which the Swedish Migration Board has granted your application it normally takes one to two weeks to
produce an alien's passport.
When you collect your passport
Please note that you must collect your alien's passport in person. If you are under 18, your parents/guardians can collect
your passport, without you being present. If you have turned 15, you can collect the passport yourself if the custodian
admits it and it is noted when you submit the application. When you collect the passport you need to show an approved
identification.
For a foreign citizen who lives in Sweden and has no possibility of applying for a country of origin passport or
other acceptable travel document in Sweden should be able to apply for a passport abroad. A temporary alien's
passport is only issued if there is a travel plan that shows "when, where and how" a country of origin passport is
to be obtained outside Sweden.
For a foreign citizen without a passport who lives in Sweden so he or she immediately will be able to travel
abroad for a humanitarian urgent purpose.
For a foreign citizen currently outside his/her country of origin who may be granted a residence permit for
reasons of family ties but has no passport documents that are acceptable in Sweden to be able to travel here.
The same applies when a foreign citizen in the same situation is refused a passport by the authorities in his/her
country of origin for reasons that are, in our opinion, unacceptable.
For a foreign citizen with a residence permit in Sweden who is currently abroad, although not in his/her country
of origin, that has lost an alien's passport or travel document and who needs a travel document for the return
journey to Sweden.
For a foreign citizen without a residence permit who voluntarily wants to return to his/her country of origin.
For a foreign citizen who does not get an alien's passport or travel document due to the misuse of a previously
issued document for traveling or a serious crime but who needs to make an urgent journey.
Application abroad
You can apply at a mission abroad by completing the form Application for alien's passport and temporary alien's
passport, no 157011. The mission abroad will send the application to the Swedish Migration Board for a decision. The
Swedish Migration Board's decision is notified to the mission abroad.
Make sure your application is complete
Our chances of quickly processing your case increase if your application is complete and you have enclosed all the
necessary documentation.
Enclose the following documents with your application:
Application fee
Most people have to pay an application fee; see page on fees.
Travel documents
If you have been recognised as a refugee under the 1951 Geneva Convention, or if you are applying for
refugee status, you can apply to the Swedish Migration Board for a travel document. Persons who are
stateless and meet the requirements of the 1954 New York Convention can apply for another type of travel
document.
Under the 1951 Geneva Convention, a travel document will allow you to travel to all countries except your country of
origin or the country from where you have fled. This limitation will be entered in to the travel document.
The travel document satisfies EU passport requirements. This means that it has a computer chip to store the holder's
personal details, fingerprints and a passport photograph.
recognised as a refugee in accordance with the 1951 Geneva Convention, or are applying to be one
stateless and meet the requirements of the 1954 New York Convention. A declaration of refugee status is not
required here.
or
Your husband or wife and your children under the age of 18 can under certain circumstances also receive a travel
document if they have a permanent residence permit in Sweden. A person under the age of 18 must normally have the
consent of his/her parents or guardians to acquire a travel document.
The Swedish Migration Board will take your photograph and fingerprints when you submit your application.
Application fee
If the Swedish Migration Board grants your application for a travel document you must pay SEK 400 when you collect
it.
Waiting time
From the date on which the Swedish Migration Board has granted your application it normally takes one to two weeks to
produce a travel document.
Declaration of acceptance
You can notify the Swedish Migration Board that you accept the rejection decision (you declare acceptance). You cannot
then appeal the decision. If you have already lodged an appeal, the declaration of acceptance means that your appeal
case is withdrawn. You cannot withdraw a declaration of acceptance.
If you received a decision on refusal of entry you must leave the country within two weeks. If you received a decision on
deportation, you must leave the country within four weeks. A decision on refusal of entry or deportation normally applies
for four years unless otherwise stated in the decision. If you come back to Sweden within this period, the decision to
refuse entry or deport may be re-enforced. You will not be enrolled at the Swedish Migration Board and you will not be
subject to the Act on Reception of Asylum Seekers.
You must return to your country of origin or the country you have arrived from. If you have been living in another
country that provided you with protection or where you could have applied for protection before you came to Sweden,
you may be returned to that country. This country is then responsible for your application for asylum.
You are responsible for leaving the country within two and four weeks respectively. If necessary, you must also produce
travel documents and plan for your journey. The Swedish Migration Board provides practical support to facilitate your
journey as long as you are taking part in the preparations for your return.
If you return by air, airlines have special rules for luggage. The Swedish Migration Board staff can provide information on
how much luggage you may take with you before you depart. You must pay for any excess weight.
It is your own conduct that determines the procedure for leaving Sweden. If the Swedish Migration Board considers that
you are not cooperating with your return following your rejection decision, the Swedish Migration Board is entitled to:
If you are refused by the Migration Court and the Migration Court of
Appeal
The rejection decision by the Migration Court or the Migration Court of Appeal means that you do not have
the right to a residence permit in Sweden.
Supervision means you are obliged to regularly report at the times and at the place you have received information of,
and that you must relinquish your passport or other identity papers. You may also need to satisfy other special
conditions.
If you are placed in detention this means your freedom of movement is restricted to a detention unit (secured unit). The
Swedish Migration Board is responsible for the detention facilities. Children may be placed in detention if the Board does
not believe that it is sufficient that the child is placed under supervision. The requirements for placing children in
detention are significantly more stringent than for adults. A child without a guardian in Sweden may only be placed in
detention if there are serious reasons involved.
the political conditions in your country of origin have changed and this means you cannot return
you have a life-threatening illness and are unable to receive care in your country of origin
you will be forced to live apart from your close relatives/family for an extended period of time
your country of origin does not permit you to return there.
The Migration Board cannot change your decision merely because you are anxious about the return journey, or have
social or financial problems at home.
You must sign the letter with your name. Please also send any documents that may support or provide evidence for what
you write about in your letter, preferably original copies. Write preferably in English or Swedish so that you may receive
a quicker response.
Decision
You will receive your decision by letter.
Page updated: 2011-02-18
You have established your identity by means of identification documents. This means that you need to present
documents showing what your name is, when you were born and of which country you are a citizen. The
document should also contain a photograph and be issued by a competent authority. Even if you do not have any
identification documents, you can obtain an AT-UND if you help the Migration Board to establish your identity as
far as possible.
Your case is to be considered in Sweden. Read more about the Dublin Regulation and consideration in the first
country. More information on the Dublin Regulation
Your application is well-founded. This means you must have valid reasons to have your application considered
and grounds for seeking asylum.
Should you fulfil these conditions, you will receive an LMA card on which it states that you have an AT-UND this means
that you are exempt from the requirement to have a work permit. An AT-UND is normally valid until you are granted a
residence permit or leave Sweden.
If you receive an AT-UND, you may use the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsfrmedlingen) in your
municipality to find job vacancies.
You can find job vacancies and other information atwww.arbetsformedlingen.se .
you must demonstrate to your employer that you are exempt from the obligation to have a work permit (ATUND). The proof can be found on your LMA card under point 7.
using a standard form which can be found by following the link on the right, your employer must notify the
Reception Unit where you are registered that you have found employment and when this employment ends.
If you receive a daily allowance, you must always notify the Migration Board of your income.
You must contact the Swedish Tax Agency to obtain a coordination number. You will need this to show that you have
been working and paying tax during your asylum period if you subsequently wish to apply for a work permit. You will also
require a coordination number in order to be able to receive sickness benefit if you become sick and are unable to work.
LMA card
Asylum Seeker Card
When you apply for asylum in Sweden, you are given a receipt. A few days later, you will receive a card called LMAkort or the Asylum Seeker Card. The card shows that you are an asylum seeker and that you have the right to stay in the
country whilst you are waiting for the reply. If you show your card when visiting a health-care centre, the fee you have
to pay will be smaller.
Even though the LMA card has the same format and, to some extent, the same contents as an identity card (ID), it is not
an ID card. It simply confirms that you have been registered in the Migration Board's reception system under the name
stated on the card.
You must give your card back if you receive a residence permit or if you have to leave Sweden.
Page updated: 2011-07-18
Own accommodation
If you choose to arrange somewhere to live yourself you will as a rule be personally responsible for the cost of the
accommodation. If for any reason you cannot remain living in accommodation you have arranged yourself, you can move
to one of the Migration Boards centres where there is a place. Contact the reception unit where you are registered for
further information.
If you have arranged accommodation yourself and you are granted a residence permit you are regarded as being a
resident there one month from the date on which you receive the permit decision. If you would like help to find
somewhere to live other than the place you had during the investigation period, you must first move within the same
period of time to centre accommodation.
Economy
Allowance
If you can not find work or if you for some reason do not have money, you can apply for daily allowance. At reception
centres where food is provided free of charge, the daily allowance is:
SEK
SEK
SEK
SEK
SEK
71
61
37
43
50
per
per
per
per
per
Apart from food, the daily allowance should be sufficient to pay for: clothes and shoes, medical care and medicine, dental
care, toiletries, other consumables and leisure activities.
If you are granted a daily allowance by the Migration Board you will receive a bank card where the money is deposited.
For further information contact a case officer at the Migration Board.
Housing allowance
If you have been offered or have received a job you can apply for a housing allowance. This applies if the period of
employment is longer than three months and you need to move to a town where the Migration Board does not have any
accommodation.
The housing allowance is:
Right of appeal
If you feel that the Migration Board has made an incorrect decision about your daily allowance you are entitled to appeal.
Your appeal must be submitted to the Migration Board within 21 days of the date on which you were informed of the
decision.
If the Migration Board does not change its decision the case will be handed over to the county administrative court, which
will examine the Migration Board's decision.
If you lose your bank card
If you lose your bank card or if it is stolen you must block the card immediately.
Notify ICA Banken by phone on 033-435 98 29, in Swedish or English only. You must give your card number, serial number or dossier
number.
Medication
You can buy any medication you need at the nearest pharmacy. If you show your LMA card, you pay no more than 50
kronor for prescription drugs. That applies to children as well. Make sure to save both the cash register receipt and the
prescription receipt with your name on it.