When a foreigner gives birth in Sweden, the process generally occurs within the country's healthcare system, and the child's citizenship is determined by their parents' nationality, not the place of birth.
Birth Location and Medical Care
In Sweden, childbirth typically takes place in a hospital. The healthcare system provides comprehensive maternity care, including prenatal check-ups, delivery services, and postnatal care for both the mother and the newborn.
Citizenship Determination
A crucial point to understand is that Sweden follows the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood). This means that a child born in Sweden does not automatically acquire Swedish citizenship merely by being born on Swedish soil. Instead, the child will have the same citizenship as their parents.
Here's a breakdown:
| Parents' Citizenship | Child's Citizenship in Sweden | Key Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Swedish | Swedish | Inherits Swedish citizenship. |
| Non-Swedish (e.g., U.S., Indian, Brazilian) | Same as Parents | Inherits parents' nationality; does not automatically become Swedish. |
Residence Permit Requirements
While citizenship is inherited, a significant consideration for families from outside the EU/EEA is the child's legal right to reside in Sweden.
Applying for a Child's Residence Permit
If the child's parents are citizens of a country outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), they are required to apply for a residence permit for their newborn child. This process is essential to ensure the child's legal status in Sweden.
- Application Process: The application is typically submitted to the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) shortly after the child's birth.
- Required Documentation: Parents will generally need to provide documents such as the child's birth certificate, their own identity documents, and proof of their legal residence status in Sweden (e.g., valid residence permits or visas).
- Timeliness: It is important to initiate the application promptly to avoid any complications regarding the child's legal stay in the country.
Practical Considerations for Foreign Parents
Beyond the legal aspects of citizenship and residence permits, foreign parents giving birth in Sweden should be aware of several practical steps:
- Birth Registration: Registering the child's birth with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) is a fundamental step. This process leads to the child receiving a personal identity number (personnummer), which is vital for accessing public services, healthcare, and registering with various authorities.
- Healthcare Access: Depending on the parents' residence status and their healthcare coverage, the costs and procedures for accessing maternity and pediatric care might vary. However, comprehensive care is generally available through the public healthcare system.
- Travel Documents: After birth and once the child's legal status is secured, parents will need to apply for travel documents, such as a passport, for their child through their respective country's embassy or consulate located in Sweden.
In summary, for foreigners giving birth in Sweden, the focus is on the child inheriting the parents' nationality and, for non-EU/EEA citizens, securing the necessary residence permit to ensure the child's legal stay in the country.
[[Birth in Sweden]]
