How the asylum process works in Sweden

This guide explains in broad terms what applies to you if you have applied for international protection (asylum) in Sweden and are waiting for a decision. Every case is examined individually. What is written here is general information – for your own case the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) and, if you have one, your representative are the right contacts.

The application card

When you have applied you receive an application card (ansökningskort). It shows that you have applied for international protection and are allowed to be in Sweden while you wait for a decision. The card is personal and cannot be used as an ID document.

• Always carry the card and show it when you contact authorities, healthcare or an employer.
• Your case number is under the photo. It is useful to have when you contact the Migration Agency.
• The card is valid for one year. If you have not yet received a decision you then need to apply for a new card.
• If the card is stolen or lost, report it to your reception unit. The Migration Agency blocks the card and orders a new one.

According to the Migration Agency, older LMA cards were to be replaced by application cards by 1 October 2026 at the latest.

Housing while you wait

You are assigned a place in one of the Migration Agency’s accommodations. You cannot choose the accommodation or the town yourself. The accommodation often consists of a room shared with others, but a family always gets its own room. If you have special needs, for example a disability or physical or mental ill health, talk to your reception unit as soon as possible.

If you live in some other way you generally do not receive daily allowance or special grants from the Migration Agency. Exceptions can be made, for example if you live with your closest family who already live in Sweden.

Meetings and interview

After a personal interview you may be called to several meetings before you receive a decision. It is important to attend the meetings the Migration Agency calls you to. If you do not show up the Migration Agency may judge that you are not cooperating, and your application may be written off.

You have the right to an interpreter in contact with authorities when needed. Read more in the guide How do I get help from an interpreter?

When will I get a decision?

The Migration Agency cannot say exactly how long it takes. All applications are handled individually and waiting times vary. You will not get an answer about how long your case will take by calling or emailing. When a decision has been made, the Migration Agency informs you of it at a meeting with an interpreter, where you can also ask questions.

What you should do yourself while you wait

• Read your post regularly so you do not miss information.
• Report a new address if you move, so the Migration Agency can reach you. There is a form for change of address.
• Report new information that may affect your application, for example new grounds, information you have not given before or ID documents you have not shown.
• Be available. If you leave the country or are not available, your right to international protection may be affected and your application may be written off.
• Report changes to your finances if you receive daily allowance, for example if you or your partner get a job.

You can withdraw your application at any time by telling your case officer. This has serious consequences, including a return decision if you are still in Sweden. Talk to someone you trust before you decide.

If you have a representative

If you have a representative (ombud) in your case, the Migration Agency contacts the representative instead. Put questions about your case and your rights in it to the representative or to the Migration Agency – not to the association.

New rules from 1 October 2026

On 1 October 2026 a new reception act came into force. It affects among other things daily allowance, where you may stay and the right to work. Read more in the guide New rules for asylum seekers from 1 October 2026.

Organisations that can give support

The Migration Agency mentions several organisations that can support people who have applied for international protection, including the Swedish Red Cross, Save the Children, the Church of Sweden, Caritas Sweden, Asylrättscentrum and RFSL Newcomers. More are listed on the Migration Agency’s page. In Uppsala you can get help understanding letters and finding the right place at Vägvisaren and the Red Cross Samhällsguiden.

If you are exposed to threats or violence, contact the police on 114 14, or 112 in an emergency, and talk to the staff at your accommodation or your reception unit.