Sweden has long been known for having one of Europe’s more welcoming immigration systems. But that image is changing. In June 2026, Sweden’s Parliament approved two controversial immigration measures that significantly expand the government’s authority over residency. The changes include a new “good behavior” law and a mandatory reporting requirement for several government agencies. Supporters say the reforms will strengthen public safety and restore confidence in the immigration system. Critics argue they create uncertainty and could have unintended consequences for thousands of people.
The new law allows authorities to deny or revoke residence permits based on a person’s overall conduct, not just criminal convictions. That means immigration officials can now consider things like unpaid debts, unpaid taxes, undeclared work, benefit fraud, providing false information on immigration applications, or connections to criminal or extremist organizations. Even repeatedly ignoring decisions made by Swedish authorities could become a factor.
One of the biggest changes is these rules don’t only apply to new applicants. They can also be used to review people whose applications are still pending and, in many cases, people who already have residence permits. In other words, residency is no longer viewed as something that’s necessarily secure once it’s granted. It can be reviewed based on a person’s ongoing behavior.
Parliament also narrowly approved a separate measure requiring employees at several government agencies to report undocumented migrants to police if they encounter them while working. Healthcare, schools, and social services are exempt to ensure people can still access essential services without fear of being reported.
Supporters say the changes will create a more orderly immigration system by improving information sharing, reducing fraud, and holding residents accountable for following the law. They also note that similar residency standards existed before 2005. Critics argue the law goes too far because “good behavior” now includes more than criminal activity. Financial hardship, unpaid debts, tax issues, or even paperwork mistakes could put someone’s residency at risk, raising concerns that immigration decisions may increasingly hinge on everyday administrative or financial problems rather than criminal offenses.
The changes could also have ripple effects that aren’t talked about as much. As government agencies share more information, things like taxes, paperwork, and employment records could have a bigger impact on immigration decisions. Critics also worry some undocumented migrants may avoid government offices out of fear of being reported, even though healthcare, schools, and social services are exempt. Overall, the new law shifts residency from something that’s granted once to something that depends on continuing to follow Sweden’s rules and requirements.
