Foreign-born population – 2025 | 20.7% of the population | Main countries of birth: Syria (9%), Iraq (7%), Finland (6%) |
Size: 2.2 million, 50% women | Evolution since 2015: +37% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, Sweden received 67 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), ‑11% compared to 2024. This figure comprises 34% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 15% labour migrants, 46% family members (including accompanying family) and 4% humanitarian migrants. Around 11 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 2 200 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 95 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2024, a 22% increase compared to 2023. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Ukraine, India and Germany were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2024. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Ukraine registered the strongest increase (30 000) and India the largest decrease (‑1 700) in flows to Sweden compared to the previous year.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑27%, to reach around 4 900. The majority of applicants came from Afghanistan (400), Syria (400) and Eritrea (300). The largest increase since 2024 concerned nationals of Georgia (70) and the largest decrease nationals of Syria (‑500). Of the 8 630 decisions taken in 2025, 25% were positive.
Emigration of Swedish citizens to OECD countries increased by 3% in 2024, to 23 000. Approximately 17% of this group migrated to Spain, 14% to Germany and 10% to Norway.
On 1 June 2026, new rules on labour migration took effect, tightening conditions, strengthening protection and encouraging skilled-workers migration. The minimum salary threshold for work permits was raised to 90% of Sweden’s median wage (SEK 34 470 per month, circa EUR 3 000), and comprehensive health insurance for permits shorter than one year will be implemented. The government announced that 27 shortage occupations are exempt from the new salary threshold. Selected highly skilled employees and beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine that transition to a work permit are also exempt. For exempted occupations or individuals, a salary requirement corresponding to 75% of the median wage applies.
Researchers and doctoral students can obtain permanent residence more quickly (after three years in eligible permit categories). Doctoral students can in some cases obtain research permits, and graduates receive up to 18 months to seek employment after completing their studies or research. The legislation also introduces stricter requirements for international students, including limits on work alongside studies and stronger academic progress requirements for permit renewal.
The government has proposed stricter family reunification rules, including a requirement that most holders of temporary residence permits must have held their permit for at least two years to sponsor family members, as well as higher and broader income requirements. Labour migrants, researchers, doctoral students and certain refugees would be exempt from the waiting-period requirement. The changes are proposed to enter into force on 1 October 2026.
At the end of 2025, a government bill referred to the Council on Legislation proposed to phase out the granting of permanent residence permits to refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and certain related categories, including their family members. The legislative changes came into force on 12 July 2026. Under the new system, affected individuals will instead receive five‑year temporary residence permits, which can be renewed.
Since January 2026, financial support has been increased for persons residing lawfully in Sweden and choosing to repatriate to their country of origin or another country where they have the right to settle. An adult may receive SEK 350 000 (circa EUR 31 200), and a family may receive up to SEK 600 000 (circa EUR 54 500).
From 13 July 2026, several public authorities must proactively share information with the police if they have reason to believe that a foreign national does not have the right to stay in Sweden. The law also gives the police and the Swedish Migration Agency additional tools to verify identities.
The extension of the EU Temporary Protection Directive until March 2028 allows beneficiaries to remain lawfully in Sweden during this period. As of 11 June 2026, people from Ukraine who hold a Swedish residence permit under the Temporary Protection Directive can apply for certain other residence permits.
In June 2026, a new bill established stricter requirements for obtaining Swedish citizenship (Govt Bill 2025/26:175). These include an increase in the minimum duration of residence from five to eight years and requirements in Swedish proficiency and knowledge of Swedish society. Applicants should also lead a law-abiding life and be able to support themselves.
At the local level, municipalities developed targeted integration initiatives. The City of Stockholm, for example, launched an integration pact bringing together public authorities, private employers and civil society actors to promote labour market inclusion.
For further information: www.migrationsverket.se | www.regeringen.se
