Sweden Strengthens Good Conduct (Vandel) Requirements for Residence Permits from 13 July 2026 – Migration Agency Gains Broader Powers to Refuse or Revoke Permits
- Xavi
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 14
Stockholm, 14 July 2026 — The Swedish Migration Agency has introduced stricter rules on “good conduct” (vandel) for residence permit applications and existing permits, effective from today.
The amendments to the Aliens Act give the Agency increased authority to refuse new applications or revoke existing residence permits if an applicant fails to demonstrate law-abiding behaviour and honesty.
What “Good Conduct” Means Under the New Rules
Good conduct refers to a person’s overall compliance with societal rules, honesty, and law-abiding behaviour. A lack of good conduct may include:
Repeated breaches of rules over time.
Providing incorrect or misleading information to authorities.
Supporting oneself through dishonest means.
Links to criminal networks or activities.
Isolated minor incidents will normally not lead to refusal or revocation. However, repeated or serious misconduct can be grounds for a negative decision.
How the Migration Agency Will Assess Good Conduct
When processing applications, the Agency will now conduct a broader assessment, including:
Criminal records in Sweden.
Information from other authorities on payment orders, social assistance, social insurance, and benefits.
Overall compliance with rules and requirements.
The assessment is individual and proportionate, balancing the applicant’s right to a residence permit against society’s interest in law-abiding residents. Decisions must be properly justified and follow administrative law principles of legality, objectivity, and impartiality.
Who Is Affected?
The strengthened requirements apply to most residence permits not based on EU law (e.g., work, study, family reunification under national rules).
Exemptions: Residence permits based on EU law and applications for international protection are not covered by the new good conduct rules.
Oskar Ekblad, head of the Swedish Migration Agency’s initiative to detect and counter misuse, stated:
“A lack of good conduct pertains to behaviors that, while not criminal offenses, still violate societal rules. The Swedish Migration Agency now has the authority to deny or cancel residence permits based on this lack of good conduct.'
Practical Implications for Applicants and Residents
Applicants should ensure all information provided is accurate and complete.
Those with previous issues (e.g., unpaid debts, benefit fraud, or repeated minor violations) may face higher scrutiny.
Existing permit holders could see their permits reviewed if new information emerges indicating a lack of good conduct.
Related Reading
Sweden Overhauls Work Permit System: Major Reforms to Single Permit Regime Set to Take Effect — Sweden's single permit reforms take effect February 1, 2027, with work permits no longer tied to employers, a 6-month unemployment grace period, 90-day processing, and an employer fee ban.
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