New rules take effect for Swedish residency permits

Stricter conduct requirements for residency permits in Sweden take effect today, as reported by SVT. Foreign nationals may now lose their permits for misconduct under the expanded rules.

Legal expert Mikael Kindbom explains that “vandel” – a biblical term describing a person’s way of life – will now weigh more heavily in decisions to grant or revoke residency permits. The concept has proven difficult to define legally, leaving interpretation to the Migration Agency and, ultimately, the courts.

Examples of poor conduct include unpaid fines, statements linking a person to extremist groups, or failure to comply with laws, regulations, and official decisions. Other indicators may include significant debt or dishonest means of support, according to the Riksdag.

Kindbom warns the changes risk arbitrary application, as the law itself will not specify conduct requirements, relying instead on preparatory legislative documents.

The primary purpose of the stricter rules is to increase the possibility of removing individuals from Sweden based on their way of life, and to expand the grounds for revoking residency permits.

Also taking effect today is the so-called “informant law,” requiring certain authorities – including the Public Employment Service, Social Insurance Agency, Prison and Probation Service, Enforcement Authority, Pensions Agency, and Tax Agency – to report suspected undocumented individuals to police and the Migration Agency.