International protection (asylum) in Sweden
Migrationsverket
People who are persecuted or risk persecution or inhumane treatment can apply for international protection once they are in Sweden or at its border. The Swedish Migration Agency registers the application, checks which EU+ state is responsible under the AMMR, interviews the applicant and decides. Since 12 June 2026 the EU Pact applies to new applications, and since 12 July 2026 people with protection permits can no longer be granted permanent residence permits.
Life in Sweden
Money
3
Currency
Swedish Krona
SEK
Swedish Krona
Cost of living
91
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20%
Income tax (national)
VAT 25% · social security 7%
No state income tax below SEK 643,000 taxable income; 20% above. Municipal tax averages 32.38% on all earned income.
Living
1
Happiness
#5 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Who it’s for
People in Sweden or at the Swedish border who fear persecution or serious harm in their country.
Eligibility
Refugee status
For people who are persecuted or risk persecution in their country of origin.
Subsidiary protection
For people at risk of serious harm or inhumane treatment who do not meet the refugee definition.
Where to apply
You must be in Sweden or at the border to apply, and where you apply depends on where you are.
- At the border: tell the border police
- Inside Sweden: apply at a reception and return centre
- Centres are in Malmö, Gothenburg, Stockholm and Boden
- You can also tell the police, the Migration Agency or the Prison and Probation Service
Official wording
You must be in Sweden or at the border. At the border, tell the border police. Inside Sweden, apply at a Migration Agency reception and return centre in Malmö, Gothenburg, Stockholm or Boden, or tell the police, the Migration Agency or the Prison and Probation Service.
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- 5 more requirements
- 5 documents
- 1 fee
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Official sources
- Migrationsverket - International protection (asylum) in Sweden
- Migrationsverket - Apply for international protection (asylum)
- Migrationsverket - New rules on the right to work (1 October 2026)
- Migrationsverket - Common migration rules introduced for EU Member States (12 June 2026)
- Migrationsverket - Several legislative changes from 12 July
- Migrationsverket - Family reunification for those granted international protection
- Migrationsverket - New rules for Swedish citizenship from 6 June 2026
