Residence permit for International Programme Students

If you are a student from a EU/EEA country you do not need to apply for residence permit. Instead you need to register your right to live in Sweden as an EU/EEA citizen at The Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket).

This page provides guidance on the application process, but Karlstad University is not responsible for residence permit applications—they are handled by the Swedish Migration Agency. We have no control over processing times or decisions. Always refer to the Swedish Migration Agency website for the most up-to-date information and instructions. You are responsible for your own application and ensuring you meet the requirements.

Application Timeline & Steps

Beginning of March – Preparing for Your Application

At this stage, you have applied to Karlstad University and are waiting for your letter of admission, which will arrive in a few weeks.

What to do now: 

• Open a bank account in your name. Shared accounts even with your parents are not accepted.
• Check your passport validity – It must be valid for the full period you are applying for (one year or up to a maximum of two years). If your passport will expire before the end of your intended study period, renew it now.
  If you apply with a passport that expires soon, your residence permit will only be granted for as long as your passport is valid. You will then have to reapply and go through the process again.

End of March/Beginning of April – After Receiving Your Letter of Admission
Congratulations!

What to do now:

• Pay your tuition fee via Ladok for students - you can only apply for a residence permit after you have paid the tuition fee. Try to apply as soon as possible. It can take several months for The Swedish Migration agency to process a case, and you might not get a decision in time if you apply late.  
  You may apply for:
• Up to 1 year at a time OR up to 2 years at once (maximum allowed at a time).
  Even if your studies are longer than two years, you cannot apply for more than two years at once.

Application Steps:
Apply for a residence permit through the Swedish Migration Agency 

You will need the following documents:

• A valid passport – Ensure it is valid for the entire period you are applying for.
• Notification of Selection Results (PDF) – Download this from your university admission account.
  Proof of tuition fee payment.
• A bank statement in your name proving you can support yourself financially during the whole time you are applying for. As of January 1, 2025, you must show at least 10,584 SEK/month in available funds.
• Insurance Proof

Later, you will need to visit a Swedish embassy or consulate to:
Show your passport (mandatory for all first-time applicants).
Possibly be interviewed.
Provide biometric data (for your residence permit card).

Bringing Your Family (Co-Applicants)
You can apply for a residence permit for your spouse/partner and children at the same time or later.
Learn more: Permits for family members 

Tips for a Successful Application

•    DO NOT apply for a visa—visas are for short stays. You must apply for a residence permit for higher studies.
•    Ensure your passport is undamaged and all personal details are clearly readable.
•    Pay your tuition fee before applying.
•    Your bank statement must be in your name—shared accounts (even with parents) are not accepted.
•    Your bank statement should show the total required amount upfront for the full application period.