1. What does asylum mean?
Asylum means asking for protection in another country due to persecution or serious threats in your home country.
2. Who can apply for asylum in Sweden?
Anyone who arrives in Sweden and fears persecution has the right to apply.
3. How do I apply for asylum in Sweden?
By contacting the Swedish Migration Agency or border police.
4. What is the Swedish Migration Agency?
The authority responsible for processing asylum claims and deciding on residence permits.
5. What happens after I apply?
You will be given accommodation, an LMA card, and be scheduled for an interview.
6. What is an LMA card?
A temporary ID card that shows you are an asylum seeker in Sweden.
7. Can I work during the asylum process?
Yes, in some cases – if you are granted an exemption (called AT-UND).
8. Can children attend school while seeking asylum?
Yes, children have the right to education in Sweden.
9. Can adults study during the process?
In most cases no, but exceptions may apply depending on your status.
10. What is the asylum interview?
A detailed meeting where you explain why you need protection – it’s very important.
11. Do I need evidence?
You should provide all documents and facts you can, but your own testimony is also important.
12. Will I get a lawyer?
Yes, usually a public counsel is appointed for free.
13. What does the lawyer do?
Supports you in the process, explains your rights, and represents you in your case.
14. How long does the asylum process take?
It varies – some months or more than a year, depending on your case.
15. Can I stay in Sweden while waiting for a decision?
Yes, you may remain in Sweden until a final decision is made.
16. What is a temporary residence permit?
Permission to live in Sweden for a limited time, often granted in asylum cases.
17. What is permanent residency?
Permission to live in Sweden without a time limit – not granted immediately.
18. What happens if my application is denied?
You will receive a return decision but have the right to appeal.
19. How do I appeal a denial?
By writing to the Migration Agency, which forwards your appeal to court.
20. Can I stay in Sweden while I appeal?
Yes, in most cases you can stay until the court makes a decision.
21. What is the Migration Court?
It is a Swedish court that reviews appeals of asylum decisions made by the Migration Agency.
22. What if the court also denies my case?
Then the decision usually becomes final, and you must leave Sweden.
23. Can I appeal again?
Yes, to the Migration Court of Appeal, but it only accepts certain cases.
24. Can I stay in Sweden while waiting for that decision?
Yes, if the court has granted a delay (inhibition) on your deportation.
25. What is an enforcement decision?
It means you must leave Sweden, voluntarily or by force.
26. What is voluntary return?
Leaving Sweden by your own choice, possibly with financial help.
27. What is forced return?
When the police deport you after a final rejection.
28. Can I get help to return home?
Yes, you can receive reintegration support and help with travel.
29. What is the Dublin Regulation?
EU rules that determine which country should handle your asylum claim.
30. What is a Dublin case?
When Sweden decides another country is responsible for your asylum application.
31. Can I appeal a Dublin decision?
Yes, but you usually have only one week to do so.
32. What happens if I hide after rejection?
You lose your right to housing and support, and risk being removed by the police.
33. What is a new ground for asylum?
A new reason that has not been reviewed before, such as fresh threats.
34. Can I apply for asylum again?
Only if you can present new and relevant reasons.
35. What is a protection status?
It means you have the right to stay due to danger in your home country.
36. What is refugee status?
Protection under the UN Refugee Convention due to persecution.
37. What is subsidiary protection?
Protection for people who face serious harm but do not qualify as refugees.
38. What are particularly distressing circumstances?
Special humanitarian reasons that may allow you to stay even without protection status.
39. Can children apply for asylum?
Yes – either with family or as unaccompanied minors.
40. What is an unaccompanied minor?
A child under 18 who arrives in Sweden without a parent or legal guardian.
41. Can children stay even if their parents are denied?
Each case is assessed individually based on the child’s best interests.
42. What is accommodation for unaccompanied minors?
Housing with staff responsible for care and safety.
43. What does a legal guardian (god man) do?
They represent the child in legal and practical matters.
44. How long can I stay with a temporary permit?
Usually 13 months or 3 years, depending on your case.
45. Can I get permanent residence later?
Yes, after a period with a temporary permit, if you meet the conditions.
46. What is family reunification?
When your close family members are allowed to join you in Sweden.
47. What are the income and housing requirements?
You must show that you can support your family and have adequate housing.
48. Can I see a doctor during the asylum process?
Yes, you are entitled to emergency health care, and children receive full medical care.
49. What about dental care?
Children get full dental care, adults receive emergency treatment.
50. What if I give birth in Sweden during the asylum process?
Your baby will be registered and may also be considered for protection.
51. Can I live wherever I want in Sweden?
No, not if the Migration Agency provides your housing – you’ll be assigned a location.
52. Can I move in with a relative?
Only if you arrange your own housing and inform the Migration Agency.
53. Do I get financial support during the process?
Yes, a daily allowance is given if you lack income.
54. What is the daily allowance?
A small amount for food, hygiene, and basic needs.
55. What happens if I start working?
You may lose the allowance, but can support yourself instead.
56. What is a residence permit card?
A plastic card proving you have permission to live in Sweden.
57. When do I get the permit card?
After your case is approved and you give fingerprints.
58. How long is the card valid?
As long as your residence permit is valid.
59. Do I need to renew the card?
Yes, before it expires – if your right to stay continues.
60. What if I get married during the asylum process?
Inform the Migration Agency – it could affect your case.
61. Can I visit my home country during the process?
No – and doing so may hurt your credibility.
62. What is a re-entry ban?
A decision that you cannot return to Sweden for a certain period.
63. How long is a re-entry ban?
Usually 1 to 5 years depending on the case.
64. What is AT-UND?
A permit exemption that lets you work during your asylum process.
65. How do I get AT-UND?
Automatically if you show your identity and cooperate with the process.
66. Can I get a Swedish personal number as an asylum seeker?
No – only if you receive a residence permit.
67. What is a coordination number (samordningsnummer)?
A temporary ID used for certain services when you don’t have a personal number.
68. Can I open a bank account?
It may be difficult, but some banks accept your LMA card and documents.
69. Can I get a Swedish ID card?
Only after receiving a residence permit and registering with the tax office.
70. What if the Migration Agency does not contact me?
Call them or speak with your public counsel.
71. What is a request for inhibition?
A request to stop the deportation until a new decision is made.
72. What if I become a victim of crime in Sweden?
Report it to the police – you have the same rights as any resident.
73. Can I get asylum due to family threats?
Yes, family-based violence or threats can be grounds for protection.
74. What is honor-based violence?
Violence used to control behavior in the name of family or tradition.
75. Can LGBTQ+ individuals get asylum?
Yes, if facing persecution due to sexual orientation or gender identity.
76. Do I need to prove my orientation?
You must tell a credible story – no medical tests are required.
77. What if I don’t have identity documents?
You may still be granted protection, but lack of ID can affect some rights.
78. Can I stay if my children go to school here?
In some cases, the child’s integration may affect the decision.
79. What does “the best interests of the child” mean?
A legal principle that always considers the child’s safety and well-being.
80. Can I get help from NGOs or churches?
Yes, organizations like Red Cross, Save the Children, or local churches offer support.
81. What does an asylum lawyer do?
They help explain the law, prepare your case, and write appeals.
82. How do I know if a lawyer is good?
Ask for recommendations or accept one appointed by the Migration Agency.
83. Can I change my lawyer?
Yes, but you need valid reasons.
84. What is a medical age test?
An exam sometimes used if your age is unclear.
85. Can I refuse the age test?
Yes, but refusal may affect the credibility of your claim.
86. Can I talk to the media about my case?
Yes, but be cautious – it can affect your process positively or negatively.
87. What does “cooperating with the process” mean?
Giving information, attending meetings, and following instructions.
88. Can I join clubs or activities?
Yes, you’re free to participate in social and cultural activities.
89. What is the introduction program?
Help with work and language for those who get residence permits.
90. What is SFI?
Swedish For Immigrants – a language course for new residents.
91. When can I start SFI?
Once you receive your residence permit and register your address.
92. Can my family join me later?
Yes, through family reunification if you meet the requirements.
93. Can I get married during the process?
Yes, but the marriage must be legally registered in Sweden.
94. Can I travel to other EU countries?
Not during the asylum process – you must stay in Sweden.
95. Can I travel once I get residence?
Yes, but not to the country you fled from if you claimed protection.
96. What if I return to my home country?
It can lead to your Swedish permit being cancelled.
97. Can I request to move within Sweden?
Only with permission from the Migration Agency.
98. Can I get an interpreter?
Yes, authorities must provide an interpreter when needed.
99. Can I bring a friend to meetings?
Yes, you may have a support person present in most meetings.
100. Where can I find more help?
From your public counsel, the Migration Agency, NGOs, or local support centers.
