You cannot legally stay in Sweden without it, since it is a legal document that certifies the ability of a non-citizen to live within Sweden’s borders, and it includes biometric information, for instance, a photo and fingerprints. For reasons of biometrics, in order to obtain the residence permit card, it is required to go to the Migration Agency’s office. This prompt is particularly necessary when traveling to and from Sweden and dealing with officials and healthcare institutions.
Importance of the physical card
When they approve your permit, they will also tell you how to have a residence permit card made for yourself. This essential step should not be delayed as the card serves not only as evidence that one is legally resident in Sweden and is needed to return to Sweden after a trip. The card is addressed to your registered residence but first, to go so you will need to make a visit to an office of the Migration Agency to provide the required information about your biometrics (Migrationsverket).
The process
The process starts when you receive an email from the Swedish Migration Agency saying that they have accepted the residence permit application. You will also have to make an appointment with the office of the Immigration Agency which will record your biometrics. This data, which includes photos and fingerprints, is needed for the issuance of the card, too. The card will then be processed and delivered to the specified address in Sweden after your appointment.
Important when travelling
This document is also strictly for traveling purposes. This is true for the practical needs for re-entering Sweden. The card can be used to identify oneself in the country where the card was issued as well as outside of Sweden. This card will be needed when you go out of the country and wish to come back into Sweden. Such a card also acts like an identity document though one does not have to be within the confines of Sweden (Migrationsverket).
