How to apply

Applying online

The easiest way to apply for a residence permit is to apply online. Applications for residence permit submitted online goes directly to the Swedish Migration Agency. Applications for children to reunite with their parents can be submitted online. There is more information about the procedures on the website of the Swedish Migration Agency. 

Applying at the Embassy

If you cannot or do not want to apply over the Internet, you can fill in a paper form that you submit in person to the Embassy. An application submitted at the Embassy will be sent to the Swedish Migration Agency for decision making.

In order to apply for a residence permit you must schedule an appointment. This is done via e-mail (ambassaden.addis-abeba-visum@gov.se). The following information needs to be provided (via e-mail):

• The reference person’s (the person whom you intend to reunite with) personal number or dossier number.

• The number of applicants including their full names, dates of birth and nationality.

• If previous applications have been made, the file/dossier number. 

• A local contact telephone number.

• The language spoken.

• Passport details

• If previous application has been made, the control/dossier number for the case that was registered.

When the information has been included in an e-mail to the Embassy, the Embassy will get back to you with an appointment time and further instructions.

Bring along the completed application form together with all your documents and the receipt of payment. Appointments booked after 3 May 2021 will be processed the same way as online application, that is no interview is done when the application is handed in. The application will be sent to the Swedish Migration Agency, which will process the case. If an interview is needed the Migration Agency will inform you and reference person that an appointment should be done for interview at the Embassy. 

Interview at the Embassy

The Migration Agency will send a message to your email address when/if it is time to book an interview appointment at the Embassy. When/if you get a message to book an appointment please send an e-mail to the Embassy (ambassaden.addis-abeba-visum@gov.se) with your name and case number and a booking will be made.

At the Embassy, you are requested to your identity by showing your passport, and you will be interviewed. Children applying for a residence permit are also interviewed. If the child is too young or too immature, the person looking after the child is interviewed instead.

Bring the originals of the documents you attached to your online application and other supporting documents that you wish to hand in. In its email, the Swedish Migration Agency may also have asked you to bring additional documents with you. You may need to be photographed and fingerprinted for the residence permit card you will receive if you are granted a residence permit.

If you submitted your application online, you can check the status of your application on the Swedish Migration Agency website.

Wait for the decision

When the Swedish Migration Agency has made its decision, you will be informed of this by email. The actual decision will be sent to your family member in Sweden, if you have authorised him or her to represent you.