Sweden to offer $34,000 in financial aid for voluntary migrant return starting in 2026

STOCKHOLM — Beginning in 2026, immigrants in Sweden who voluntarily choose to return to their home countries will be eligible for financial assistance totaling around $34,000, according to a new policy announced by the Swedish government.

Under the current law, migrants returning home can receive 10,000 Swedish krona per adult, 5,000 krona per child, and up to 40,000 krona per family. The new initiative significantly increases these amounts in an effort to encourage more voluntary departures.

Swedish Immigration Minister Johan Forssell described the policy as part of a “paradigm shift” in Sweden’s immigration approach during a press conference in Stockholm. While the return grant has existed since 1984, it was relatively small, lesser-known, and used by only a limited number of people.

The new government plans to heavily promote the enhanced financial assistance, believing it will encourage more migrants to take advantage of the offer and return to their home countries.