Visa and resident permits

A student cannot apply for a residence permit unless he or she has been admitted to full time accredited university studies in Sweden. When an admitted student applies for a residence permit he or she must attach a copy of the notification of admission. The application fee, which is not refundable, is SEK 1,000 (approximately EUR 110).

Visa and resident permits for non-Nordic non-EU/EEA citizens

If you intend to stay in Sweden for less than three months, then all you need is a visa. If your studies in Sweden will take longer than three months, you need to acquire a residence permit before you arrive in Sweden. The Swedish Migration Board issues permits, for detailed advice please visit their home page. You can apply for visas and permits at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country.

When you apply for a residence permit, you must prove to the Swedish Migration Board that you will have a guaranteed sum of money at your disposal throughout the entire period of your studies. The Migration Board sets the amount, currently SEK 7,300 (USD 1046/€ 768) per month for ten months of the year (SEK 146 000 for a two-year programme).

If you can prove to the board's satisfaction that that you will receive free lodging during the whole or part of your study period this sum will be correspondingly reduced. Students who have been awarded a scholarship through the Swedish Institute or another programme should supply proof of this. You will also need to show a valid passport and the notification of admission from the university at which you will be studying. To be sure of obtaining your permit in time you should submit your application 6-8 weeks prior to your departure for Sweden.

Please note that residence permits are limited to the duration of the study period, or to one year, whichever is the shorter. Your permit will be renewed annually provided you receive the number of credit points required and can produce evidence of continued financial support. Your local Swedish Migration Board office processes renewal requests. If you have any questions please contact the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country or country where you currently live. You can also contact the Swedish Migration Board. Also make sure you have adequate medical insurance.

Visa and residence permits for citizens from non-Nordic EU/EEA countries (and Switzerland)

If you are a citizen of a non-Nordic EU/EEA country (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom) or Switzerland, you do not require a visa if you intend to stay in Sweden for less than three months. If your studies in Sweden will take longer than three months, you need to acquire a residence permit within three months of your arrival in Sweden. The Swedish Migration Board issues permits, for detailed advice please visit their home page.

You can apply for a residence permit at one of the Migration Board offices in Sweden. You may also apply via a Swedish embassy or consulate before travelling to Sweden. To obtain a residence permit as a student, you must show that you have been admitted to full time accredited university studies in Sweden, and provide assurances that you can support yourself. Residence permits for studies are granted for one year at a time. Also make sure you have adequate medical insurance.