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Applying for long-term residence status was previously not necessary for beneficiaries of international protection since they were granted permanent residence permits until 2016. Moreover, most refugees preferred to apply for citizenship after 4 years of residence rather than applying for long-term residence statuses. However, refugees must also hold a permanent residence permit in order to naturalise. Following the shift to temporary residence permits, obtaining long-term residence status has become an increasingly relevant option as persons obtaining this status also obtain a permanent residence permit in Sweden. The national legislation overall reflects the conditions in Directive 2003/109/EC. For protection status holders the minimum five year residence period is calculated from the time of asylum application.[1]
[1] Ch. 5, Section 2 b and Ch. 5 a Section 2 Aliens Act.