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Long-stay visas (Type D)

Swedish Residence Permit to Look for Work After Studies or Research

A residence permit letting graduates and researchers stay in Sweden to seek employment or start a business after completing their programme.

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Under review — check current rules

Maintenance amounts (SEK 10,656/month for 2026, SEK 10,584 for 2025) are revised annually; confirm the current figure with Migrationsverket.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Sweden government website before you apply.
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Issued by
Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket)
Eligibility
Completed a full higher-education programme of at least two semesters (or completed research in Sweden)
Maintenance
At least SEK 10,656 per month (2026 applications)
SEK 10,584/month for 2025; reducible for free food/housing. Updated yearly.
Duration
Up to 1 year (bachelor's/master's); 1–18 months (doctoral)
Application fee
SEK 1,500 (adult); SEK 750 (child under 18)

Who it's for

Non-EU/EEA graduates who have completed a qualifying higher-education programme in Sweden, and researchers who have completed research in Sweden, who want time to find a job or start a business.

Requirements

  • Valid passport
  • Completed a full higher-education programme of at least two semesters and passed all courses (or completed research in Sweden)
  • Maintenance of at least SEK 10,656 per month for 2026 applications (SEK 10,584 for 2025)
  • Funds covering the whole permit period

What you can do

  • Stay in Sweden to look for employment or investigate starting a business
  • Switch to a work permit or self-employed permit if you find a job or launch a business
  • Include family members in the application

How to apply

Apply via Migrationsverket's e-service, or by paper form sent to the Swedish Migration Agency (Box 3100, 903 03 Umeå). Family members can be included at the same time.

The permit runs up to one year for most graduates and up to 18 months for doctoral graduates, and cannot exceed passport validity.

Documents

  • Passport copy
  • Degree certificate or documentation that you completed the programme and passed all courses
  • Evidence of maintenance funds for the whole period
  • Documents for any family members included in the application

Frequently asked questions

  • Most bachelor's and master's graduates get up to one year; doctoral graduates can be granted between 1 and 18 months. The permit cannot exceed your passport validity.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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