Sweden: Residence Permit Renewal Delays Impact Travel Plans for Expats

Sweden's Residence Permit Renewal Delays Affect Expats' Travel

The Local Sweden reports significant delays in the issuance of renewed residence permit cards by Migrationsverket. While the decision on a permit extension may be approved, the physical card often takes months longer to arrive than previously.

This situation creates considerable uncertainty for expats, making it difficult to plan international travel for holidays, business trips, or family visits. Without a valid, updated residence permit card, re-entry into Sweden can become problematic, even if the permit extension has been granted.

• Delays at Migrationsverket are ongoing, with residence permit cards being issued slower than before. This is a current systemic issue, not an error.
• Returning to Sweden after international travel without an updated residence permit card is not guaranteed. Border control may raise issues, even if the permit decision has been made.
• Applicants should apply for residence permit renewal several months before their current permit expires, rather than at the last minute, to provide a safety buffer.