Sweden Considers Mandatory Registration for Long-Term EU/EEA Residents

Government aims to tighten migration rules and combat fraud

Sweden is considering reintroducing mandatory registration for European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens staying in the country for more than three months. The move, aimed at preventing crime, fraud, and abuse of the welfare system, could mark a significant shift in the country’s migration policy, The Local reports.

Currently, EU citizens can stay in another EU country for up to three months without additional requirements, needing only a valid Schengen passport or ID card. However, before 2014, Sweden required EU citizens staying longer than three months to register with local authorities. The government is now exploring reviving this rule.

Enhanced security measures

Swedish authorities cite growing concerns over shadow economy activities, crime, and misuse of social benefits. Minister for Migration Johan Forssell said the move would help authorities keep track of residents and enhance security:

“To prevent crime, fraud, and abuse of the system, we are considering these rules to understand who is in Sweden and why.”

Ludvig Aspling, migration policy spokesperson for the Sweden Democrats, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the current system has been exploited:

“The EEA residence system has long been abused by people who come to Sweden without any intention of working or engaging in any activities. Part of our work to prevent this is to introduce mandatory registration.”

Tighter border controls

Sweden has already tightened border controls, mirroring similar actions in other European countries. In November 2024, the government informed the European Commission that internal border checks would continue until May 11, 2025, citing terrorism threats and organized crime.

In a statement, Swedish authorities justified the move:

“Serious threats to public order and internal security, driven by recent terrorism-related events and violent gang conflicts, make it necessary to maintain border controls across all entry points (land, air, and sea).”

Additionally, Sweden plans to introduce stricter vetting for citizenship applicants to prevent individuals deemed security risks from gaining naturalization.

A broader trend in Europe?

Sweden’s move follows a wider European trend of tightening migration policies. Germany recently implemented stricter citizenship requirements, while the Netherlands and France have also increased scrutiny on EU migrants. Moreover, several EU countries, including Portugal and Spain, have phased out their Golden Visa programs over concerns about money laundering and real estate speculation.

However, Georgia offers a contrasting approach, maintaining flexible residency rules and positioning itself as an attractive alternative for those seeking fewer bureaucratic hurdles.

Sweden’s push for greater migration oversight is aligned with broader European trends, yet it could discourage skilled workers and investors. The country’s ability to balance security concerns with maintaining its economic attractiveness remains to be seen. If these measures go too far, Sweden risks losing its appeal as a destination for talent and business, with emerging economies like Georgia offering fewer restrictions and greater incentives.