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Visas and residence permits

Before you come to Sweden, make sure that you have the correct documentation.

Residence permit for studies

International and exchange students with citizenship outside the EU/EEA, who are admitted for studies lasting longer than three months, must apply for a residence permit for studies (“uppehållstillstånd” in Swedish).

Residence permits for studies

Stays shorter than three months

If your total period of stay in Sweden is less than three months, you should not apply for a residence permit, but should instead apply for an entry visa. Citizens of some countries may stay in Sweden for up to three months without a residence permit or visa. During this period, it is permitted to study.

Countries whose citizens require an entry visa for travel to Sweden

Read more about applying for an entry visa

Students from Nordic countries/EU/EEA/Switzerland

Nordic citizens

Nordic citizens do not need residence permits.

EU/EEA citizens

EU/EEA citizens who are registered students at a Swedish university and have comprehensive health insurance automatically have right of residence in Sweden, and therefore do not need to apply for a residence permit at the Swedish Migration Agency.

Swiss citizens

Special instructions apply for Swiss citizens, who may move to Sweden to study and apply for a residence permit after entrance in Sweden.

Residence permit application for Swiss citizens

Non EU/EEA citizens on Erasmus+ exchanges

Note that if you are an incoming Erasmus+ exchange student without a citizenship in an EU/EEA country, you would in most cases need to apply for a residence permit for studies in Sweden. This applies even if you have a Schengen visa for studies.

Residence permit to seek employment after studies

If you have a residence permit for studies and have completed your programme (that has lasted for at least two semesters), you can get a residence permit for 12 months to seek employment or examine the possibilities of starting your own business here. You must apply for a residence permit while you are still in Sweden and before your current permit for studies expires.

Residence permit to seek employment or start a business after studies

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Last updated: 2025-11-28

Source: Student Services