Sweden Tightens Integration and Residence Policy

Stockholm launches a new integration pact

In 2026, Sweden continues to recalibrate its migration and integration framework, placing greater emphasis on obligations alongside rights. A flagship example is the integration pact launched by the City of Stockholm, bringing together municipalities, private businesses and civil society in an open network aimed at building an inclusive local labour market, including for newly arrived migrants.

The pact focuses on employment, education, skills supply and diversity, with flexible formats that have already been adapted to the evolving needs of people displaced from Ukraine, highlighting a pragmatic and responsive approach.

Higher grants for voluntary repatriation

At the national level, Sweden has significantly increased grants for legally resident third-country nationals who choose voluntary repatriation. The scheme, effective from 1 January 2026, applies to refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.

Migration Minister Johan Forssell framed the measure as offering an alternative to individuals who do not feel sufficiently integrated into Swedish society. To reinforce implementation, the government has appointed a national coordinator to work with municipalities and strengthen local support structures.

A broader Nordic policy shift

A new Nordregio report on migrant integration across the Nordic countries finds a clear shift away from a predominantly rights-based model toward frameworks centred on individual responsibility and obligations. Sweden’s policy direction mirrors regional trends aimed at tightening migration governance while demanding clearer integration outcomes, particularly in employment.

Proposed abolition of permanent residence permits

One of the most consequential proposals under discussion is the abolition of permanent residence permits for refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, alongside a potential revocation of permits already granted, including EU long-term resident status.

The government has indicated that affected individuals would be encouraged to apply for Swedish citizenship, presented as a more stable and integration-friendly status. A legislative proposal is expected in the first quarter of 2026.

OECD findings and the Ukrainian displacement case

An OECD report, supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers, reviews migrant integration outcomes across labour markets, education, language acquisition and civic participation. While highlighting strengths, it stresses the need to address discrimination and skills mismatch to ensure long-term social cohesion.

In parallel, a peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies examines the application of the EU Temporary Protection Directive for people displaced from Ukraine in Sweden and Finland, identifying both similarities and national differences against the backdrop of tightening migration policies.

International Investment expert conclusion

As International Investment experts report, Sweden’s 2026 integration reforms signal a structural shift toward conditional stability, where long-term residence increasingly hinges on active participation and, ultimately, citizenship. For migrants, employers and investors, this raises the importance of early integration into the labour market and long-term legal planning in one of Europe’s most closely watched migration systems.