The Swedish government has introduced a new proposal aimed at tightening welfare access for non-EU migrants, as part of its broader efforts to reduce immigration and strengthen the link between social benefits and financial contribution to society. The new policy would require migrants from outside the European Union—including international students and workers from third countries—to have lived legally in Sweden for at least five consecutive years before becoming eligible for most social welfare benefits.
These benefits include key forms of support such as child allowance, sick pay, and parental leave. The Swedish Minister for Social Insurance, Anna Tenje, emphasized that the country must ensure that welfare systems are sustainable and fair to taxpayers. “We are not a society without demands,” Tenje said, noting that the proposed policy is about ensuring that social benefits are tied more directly to work, tax payments, and long-term contribution to Swedish society.
The new rules, if implemented, would mark a significant shift in Sweden’s welfare and migration policy. The government said the goal is to promote self-sufficiency among migrants and reduce the reliance on public funds by those who have not yet contributed economically. The proposal is part of a broader government strategy to overhaul Sweden’s immigration and integration framework.
However, there will be certain exceptions to the five-year residency requirement. Migrants who face emergency or acute situations will still be able to access immediate support, and individuals who meet specific income thresholds may qualify for benefits earlier than the five-year mark. This exemption is designed to recognize those who are actively working and contributing to the country’s economy.
Refugees and those granted protection status under EU regulations will not be affected by the proposed changes. Sweden is legally bound to follow non-discrimination laws under EU directives, which protect the rights of asylum seekers and those in need of international protection. As a result, individuals in these categories will still be able to access social benefits without the five-year residency rule.
The government estimates that the new policy could reduce the number of incoming migrants by 5 to 10 percent annually. This would mean a decrease of roughly 1,200 to 1,300 people each year. Officials argue that this would not only ease pressure on Sweden’s social welfare systems but also encourage migrants to integrate more effectively through work and long-term residence.
The proposed legislation is currently under governmental review and is expected to be finalized and, if approved, take effect from January 1, 2027. In the meantime, the government will be consulting with stakeholders, including labor unions, integration experts, and municipal authorities, to assess the full implications of the proposed changes.
The new rules have sparked debate within Sweden and across the European Union. Supporters argue that the policy is a necessary reform to protect public funds and encourage greater integration. Critics, however, warn that the move could deepen social divides and make life more difficult for newcomers trying to build a stable future in Sweden.
As the review process unfolds, all eyes will be on how Sweden balances its humanitarian commitments with domestic concerns over immigration, welfare sustainability, and national cohesion.