Qualification requirements for social insurance
The Swedish Parliament (Riksdagen) has decided that people who move to Sweden have to meet new requirements for certain benefits. The new requirements are called ”kvalificering” and they will come into force on 1 January 2027.
New requirements from 1 January 2027
Previously, people who moved to Sweden could gain immediate access to some benefits from Försäkringskassan. On 1 January 2027 new requirements will come into force. People who move to Sweden must either live in Sweden for a certain period of time or have an income above a certain level to be able to receive benefits.
Benefits from Försäkringskassan affected by the new requirements
The qualification requirements apply for the following benefits:
- Parental benefit
- Child allowance
- Housing allowance
- Additional cost allowance
- Care allowance for children with special needs
- Sickness compensation and activity compensation (only guarantee benefit)
- Housing supplement
Qualifying by living in Sweden for a certain period of time
To meet the qualification requirements, you have to have lived in Sweden for 5 years in total during the past 15 years. If you have lived in another EU/EEA country, that time is also taken into account.
Qualifying by having an income in Sweden
There are 2 ways to meet the qualification requirements by having an income:
- You have had an income of 40 032 kronor per month for at least 6 consecutive months.
- You have had an income of 20 850 kronor per month for 12 months during the past 24 months.
Income from both employment and self-employment may be included. The income is only counted from the date when the person moved to Sweden.
The amount is adjusted yearly according to the valid income base amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It is a decision made by the Riksdag and as part of the government's call for benefit reform.
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These are residence-based benefits, based on that the person is living in Sweden.
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There are exceptions which means that some people can receive these benefits immediately, without having to meet the qualification requirements. This applies for people who have particularly strong ties to Sweden.
