Sweden’s center-right coalition government—supported by the national-conservative Sweden Democrats—is set to roll out a sweeping new plan that will dramatically increase financial incentives for migrants who voluntarily leave the country, marking one of the most generous “return grant” programs in Europe.
Unveiled on Wednesday, the proposed policy would offer up to SEK 600,000 ($61,134) to migrant families who choose to repatriate or resettle outside the European Union and select neighboring countries.
Individual adults could receive SEK 350,000 ($35,974), while couples may qualify for up to SEK 500,000 ($50,933). Families would also be eligible for an additional SEK 25,000 ($2,490) per child under 18, capped at the SEK 600,000 total.
“This is about giving people who feel excluded or who haven’t found a place in Swedish society the opportunity for a dignified return and a new beginning elsewhere,” Migration Minister Johan Forssell said in a statement to the Swedish TT news agency. “But this won’t be a free ticket. If they return to Sweden, they’ll be required to pay the money back.”
The plan comes in response to the country’s ongoing challenges with migrant integration, particularly for those with permanent residency who remain outside the workforce or social mainstream.
Migrants—primarily from Islamic countries—not only rely on Sweden’s generous welfare system at disproportionately high rates compared to native-born Swedes, but are also significantly overrepresented in violent crime statistics.
Speaking about the policy, Ludvig Aspling, migration policy spokesperson for the Swedish Democrats, said:
“Today, there are a large number of people who immigrated to Sweden but who for various reasons have failed to become part of the Swedish community despite being here for a long time. Our starting point is that in this case, it is best to return to your home country, as long-term exclusion entails very high costs for society. Financial support for this purpose can increase both the incentives for return and the opportunities for re-establishment upon returning home.”
The new grant would replace the current, far smaller scheme, which offers a maximum of SEK 40,000 (€3,903) per family—an amount that saw negligible uptake, with only one migrant accepting the offer in all of 2023.
To discourage fraud or exploitation, the proposal includes “extensive control measures,” Forssell emphasized. Only migrants relocating outside the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland will be eligible. Additionally, authorities will track recipients to ensure they don’t attempt to return and keep the funds.
Designing the program has proven complex, with government officials working to prevent abuse while also addressing concerns that the initiative could incentivize migration just to qualify for payouts.
“We’ve closed those loopholes,” Forssell said. “This is not an open invitation.”
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Justice, Minister for Migration Johan Forssell declared:
“Voluntary return creates opportunities for the individual to make a fresh start in life and can lead to the economy and the labor force growing in another country. These may be people who, for various reasons, feel that they have not found their place or become sufficiently integrated into Swedish society and long for home. Then it is reasonable to provide financial assistance so that they can establish themselves in their home country.”
If approved by Sweden’s parliament, the measure is expected to take effect on January 1, 2026.
The proposed payouts would place Sweden at the top of the list among European nations offering similar return programs. For comparison, Germany offers around $2,000, France $2,800, Norway $1,400, and Denmark just over $15,000.
While supporters argue the program could help ease the strain on public services and offer struggling migrants a viable exit, critics warn it risks turning Sweden into a revolving door if not rigorously enforced.
Still, the Tidö coalition insists the plan strikes the right balance between generosity and accountability.
“This is a fresh start for those who want one,” Forssell said, “but Sweden must also protect the integrity of its immigration system.”
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