Visa in Sweden
56 Institutions·700+ Programs📌 Key takeaways
- Proof of funds: 10,656 SEK per month
- Private health insurance: Around 4,000 SEK per year if required
- Full-time study requirement: 30 higher education credits per semester
- When to apply: As soon as you receive your admission offer and pay your first tuition fee installment, if required
Residence permit overview
If you're planning to study in Sweden for longer than three months and you're not an EU/EEA citizen, you'll generally need to apply for a residence permit before traveling to Sweden.
You should submit your application as soon as you receive your admission offer. Processing times can vary and may take several months, so applying early is recommended.
EU/EEA citizens do not need a residence permit to study in Sweden.
Who needs a residence permit?
You'll generally need a residence permit if:
- You're a non-EU/EEA citizen studying in Sweden for longer than three months.
- You're enrolled in a full-time, on-campus program.
You generally won't need a residence permit if:
- You're an EU/EEA citizen.
- You're studying in Sweden for less than three months.
- Your program is entirely distance learning.
Financial requirements
To receive a residence permit, you'll need to show that you can support yourself financially during your studies.
This usually includes:
- Proof of funds of 10,656 SEK per month.
- Proof of health insurance, if required for your situation.
- Payment of any application-related costs, including travel to embassy appointments if necessary.
Required documents
Prepare the following documents before starting your application:
- A valid passport.
- Your official admission letter or Notification of Selection Results.
- Proof that you've paid your first tuition fee installment, if required.
- Bank statements showing you have access to 10,656 SEK per month.
- Proof of health insurance, if required.
- Additional documents if your spouse or children are applying with you.
Depending on where you apply, your local embassy or consulate may ask for additional documents.
Step-by-step application process
- Receive your official admission offer from your Swedish university.
- Pay your first tuition fee installment, if required.
- Submit your residence permit application online or through your local Swedish embassy or consulate.
- Upload or submit all required documents.
- Attend an appointment if requested.
- Wait for your decision before traveling to Sweden.
Because processing can take several months, it's a good idea to apply as soon as possible after receiving your admission offer.
Timelines and important dates
Residence permit applications are typically submitted after students receive their admission offer, often around April for the autumn intake.
Processing times vary and can take several months, so don't wait until shortly before your program begins to apply.
Working while studying
International students from non-EU/EEA countries are generally allowed to work up to 15 hours per week while studying in Sweden, provided they maintain a valid residence permit and continue making satisfactory academic progress. The working hours during holidays are not capped.
Other things to know
- Full-time study is defined as 30 higher education credits per semester.
- Distance-learning programs don't qualify for a student residence permit.
- Your spouse or children can usually apply for residence permits at the same time as you.
- If you plan to stay in Sweden after graduation, separate residence permit options may be available depending on your circumstances.
FAQs
You must show proof of funds of 10,656 SEK per month.
Apply as soon as you have your admission and have paid the first tuition fee installment. For the autumn semester, many students begin applications in April.
You need a valid passport, admission letter, receipt of tuition payment when required, bank statements not older than four months showing 10,656SEK/month, and proof of health insurance, depending on your nationality and length of stay.
International students are generally allowed to work while studying in Sweden: 15 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time on holidays.
