Background & Purpose

Currently, people moving to Sweden can access certain benefits immediately without prior connection to the country. The government wants to ensure that these benefits are reserved for those who have established a stronger link to the Swedish society.

The Decision

The Swedish parliament decided that individuals must now meet specific qualification requirements, such as a period of residency or work, to receive benefits like child allowance and parental leave.

Does this affect you?

  • New arrivals to Sweden: They will no longer have immediate access to all social benefits and must meet residency or work requirements first.
  • Foreign workers: They need to ensure they meet the new work-income thresholds to qualify for social security support.

In Practice

  • You must live in Sweden for a set period to qualify for certain benefits.
  • Alternatively, you can qualify by working and earning a specific income over a set time.
  • Only people who are in Sweden legally will be eligible for these benefits.
  • The new rules apply to benefits such as child allowance, parental leave, and housing allowance.