Cities of Refuge 1
dren who accompanied them apply together with the
artist in residence. After receiving an application, the Swedish Migration Board conducts an investigation where they assess the artist’s ability to provide for themselves in Sweden for the coming year. If the artist meets the criteria stated in chapter 5, section 5, second paragraph and chapter 6, section 2 of the Aliens Act, an extension of the residence permit is granted. The application must be submitted before the previous permit has expired. A permanent residence permit grants the artist and any accompanying family members the same rights they had during their residency period—that is, entitlement to healthcare, social security and so on. The permanent residence permit also allows the artist in residence to accept employment, to work outside their artistic profession and to study. After a certain amount of time—usually five years, including the two years spent in the ICORN programme—the person can apply for Swedish citizenship. The following documents should be enclosed with the residence permit extension application: ● Copies of passports showing the person’s identity, the passport’s period of validity and any permits for visiting countries other than the artist’s country of origin. ● Receipts showing that the application fee has been paid. ● Bank statements showing any savings. ● A self-sufficiency plan showing how the artist intends to support themselves after the residency period ends. ● Certificates and documents showing the artist’s income whilst in Sweden. Self-sufficiency plan In order to receive a permanent residence permit as a freelance artist, the artist in residence needs to show how they plan to support themselves for the coming year. This can be done by listing planned work and taxable scholarships. The artist must also submit documents that support the self-sufficiency plan, such as contracts, letters of intent from employers/project partners etc. The more clearly an artist in residence is able to show they can support themselves through their income, the 33/49