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).
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
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