Sweden Considers Mandatory Registration for Long-Term EU/EEA Residents
Key Takeaways
- Sweden may soon require EU/EEA citizens staying longer than three months to register with Swedish authorities.
- Currently, EU citizens can reside in another EU country for up to three months without additional formalities.
- The proposed measure aims to curb crime, fraud, and abuse of Sweden's systems.
The Swedish government is considering reintroducing mandatory registration for EU and EEA nationals residing in Sweden for more than three months. This change would mark a return to pre-2014 rules, where such registration was compulsory, as reported by The Local.
Currently, EU citizens can live in another member state for up to three months with only a valid Schengen passport or ID card. The proposed rule seeks to better track and identify individuals in the country to enhance public safety and prevent misuse of the Swedish welfare system.
Government Focus on Combating Fraud and Crime
Migration Minister Johan Forssell emphasized that the government is committed to tackling the shadow economy and ensuring the security of Swedish residents through better monitoring of who enters and stays in Sweden.
“The new measures aim to ensure that we know who is in Sweden and why, in order to protect the safety and security of our citizens.”
– Johan Forssell, Migration Minister
Similarly, Ludvig Aspling, a migration spokesperson for the Sweden Democrats, voiced support for these changes, citing the misuse of residence rights by individuals who do not contribute to the system.
“The system has been abused by individuals who come to Sweden without any intention of working or contributing. Introducing mandatory registration is a step toward addressing this issue.”
Stronger Border Controls and Security Measures
Sweden has also tightened its internal border controls to bolster national security. Since November 2024, the country has maintained extended checks on land, air, and sea borders, citing concerns over terrorism and organized crime. These measures will remain in place until at least May 2025.
Additionally, Swedish authorities have announced plans to implement stricter screening processes for citizenship applications to prevent individuals posing security risks from obtaining Swedish citizenship.