Residence permit for studies
If you are a student from a country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and plan to study in Sweden for more than three months, you must obtain a residence permit before traveling.
If you are an international programme student or exchange student from a country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland and plan to study in Sweden for more than three months, you must obtain a residence permit before traveling. As a citizen of Switzerland, you have the right to start studying as soon as you arrive in Sweden. You do not need to wait for a decision regarding your residence permit application.
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).
The authority responsible for issuing residence permits is the Swedish Migration Agency. 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.
How to apply
You apply for a residence permit for studies on the Swedish Migration Agency website. Start your application well in advance to make sure it is processed in time.
You must apply before entering Sweden, but not earlier than four months before the start of your residence permit period. This is because you must provide a recent bank statement with your application.
How to apply for a residence permit for studies
Special conditions for Swiss citizens
Processing time
Processing times vary depending on your country of origin and the details of your case. For up-to-date information, please check the statistics published by the Swedish Migration Agency.
Average waiting time for residence permit for studies
Required documents
You will need the following documents when you apply for a residence permit:
- Your Notification of Selection Result/Admission letter from www.universityadmissions.se
- Proof of tuition fee payment (if liable to pay tuition fees)
- Proof of comprehensive health insurance policy (your notification of selection results, as this is provided by the university)
- A passport valid for the entire duration of your studies in Sweden
- A bank statement in your name in English with the currency clearly stated, showing that you have enough funds to support yourself for the duration of the permit period you apply for. The bank statement should not be dated earlier than 1 April for studies starting in August.
Proof of payment
If you are required to pay tuition fees, the first instalment must be paid before you can apply for a residence permit for studies.
Notification of Selection Results (Admission letter)
When applying for a residence permit, you must submit an admission decision confirming that you have been fully admitted to full-time studies in a programme or courses.
International students can provide the Notification of Selection Results, which can be downloaded from University Admissions.
How to download your Notification of Selection Results
Proof of comprehensive health insurance policy
If you pay tuition fees, you are automatically covered by FAS+, the Swedish State’s insurance for tuition-paying students. You can use your Notification of Selection Results (downloadable from www.universityadmissions.se ) as proof of insurance.
Learn more about the FAS+ insurance
Valid passport for the entire duration of studies
You must have a valid passport for the entire duration of your studies in Sweden. Ensure your passport is undamaged and all personal details are clearly readable. Make sure to renew your passport well in advance If your passport will expire before the end of your intended study period.
Documents showing proof of meeting the financial requirements
You must provide documents showing that you are able to financial support yourself during your studies in Sweden. Please refer to the Swedish Migration Agency’s website for specific document requirements.
Meeting the financial requirement
Applying with family members
If you intend to bring family members with you, include them in your residence permit application. Additional documentation confirming your relationship will be required.
Documents required for family members
Applying for an extension after completing your studies in Sweden
If you have a residence permit for higher education in Sweden and have completed your studies here, you can be granted a residence permit to look for work or explore the possibilities of starting your own business here. Your extension must be sent in before your current residence permit for studies expires.
How to apply for an extension to look for a job