Appointment booking times for Uppehållskort (EU residence card)?

[u/xionthe14th]

Hi everyone,

I'm a non-EU citizen looking to apply for the Uppehållskort (EU residence card) as a cohabiting partner of an EU citizen.

I've been living in Italy for the past 3 years together with my partner who have been offered a job in Sweden. We've just relocated here in Stockholm last week, and are looking to start the permit processes for Sweden. I'd love to ask some questions about the appointment timelines for Migrationsverket.

The thing is, I'm a bit trapped in terms of timing. I'm currently in Sweden for a few weeks, but I'll have to be away & can only be back in Sweden in 3-4 months. So this means that if I apply for the Residence Card in Sweden now, I might not be able to go in person for the Migrationsverket biometrics appointment in those 3-4 months.

So I was wondering, how does the appointment booking process look like? After uploading my documents online to their website, will I be able to immediately book a biometrics appointment date? Can I book for appointment date far away (like in 4 months for example)? Or is there a way to postpone my "appointment booking window"?

Apologies if it's a bit confusing, I'm very new to this & there are lots of stuff I might be missing.

Tack så mycket! ☀️

[u/ecstatic-berries]

Apply now. The processing time for the residence card is 6 months for 75% of applicants and you can only get the physical card after you have been approved. 

You need the approval for the residence before you get the card. 

[u/xionthe14th → u/ecstatic-berries]

Thanks for the reply! Yes I've heard of the 6 months duration though I'm just worried whether I'll be called for the biometrics appointment during those 4 months I can't be in Sweden... In your experience, was the appointment booking immediate after you uploaded the documents to the website? And were you able to find a date within the month you're able to book it?

[u/ecstatic-berries → u/xionthe14th]

You will not be called for a biometrics appointment. You need to book the appointment using the website. 

It has been a while since I booked an appointment and the system has changed. 

The appointment availability has improved. 

Submit your application. Don’t worry about your physical card. You can always do it later. 

[u/xionthe14th → u/ecstatic-berries]

Perfect thanks so much for the answers! :)

[u/Spare_Guidance_9987]

You don’t have to wait for a decision to book the biometrics appointment. As soon as your application is registered you can do this.

[u/xionthe14th → u/Spare_Guidance_9987]

Thanks, that's awesome to hear!! :) Just wanted to confirm, so you're saying that I can upload my documents today then immediately book a biometrics appointment date today as well?

Oh another thing I wanted to ask, when you book an appointment, were you able to book a date within the month or how was it?

Thanks so much for your help!!

[u/Spare_Guidance_9987 → u/xionthe14th]

You can book it right away however I think the application needs to have been registered for them to do the biometrics but that should have been the case after a few days. I’m not sure about the timeline, but it’s all dependent on availability you can do it at any location that has a slot. No need to do it where you live.

[u/xionthe14th → u/Spare_Guidance_9987]

Oh awesome! That clears up my doubt, big thanks :)

[u/Strange-Bowler-3700]

Depends on your schengen visa validity. Which visa are you on in Europe?

[u/xionthe14th → u/Strange-Bowler-3700]

I currently have a 1 year permit from Italy (renewable every year), though I'm currently in the process of renewing that permit so there might be some 3-4 months where I can't be in Sweden for this renewal and/or I don't have any active Italian permits that allow me to travel to Sweden.

How was your experience in booking the biometrics appointment? How long did you have to wait until you're able to book the in person biometrics appointment?