Swedish Residence Permit for Higher Education Studies

Who it's for

Non-EU/EEA citizens finally admitted to full-time higher education or other qualifying post-secondary studies in Sweden for longer than three months.

Requirements

• Valid passport
• Final admission to full-time studies (e.g. 30 credits per semester, or at least 20 teaching hours per week)
• Tuition fees paid before applying (where fees apply)
• Maintenance of at least SEK 10,656 per month for 2026 applications (via savings, scholarship, sponsorship, employment or student loan)
• Health insurance for study periods shorter than one year (unless registered in the population register)

What you can do

• Live and study full-time in Sweden for the permit period
• Work up to 15 hours per week (for permits granted after 11 June 2026), with some exceptions
• Bring accompanying family members (with higher maintenance amounts)
• Apply afterwards to look for work / start a business, or switch to a work permit

How to apply

Apply online via Migrationsverket's e-service (available to applicants aged 18+), or on paper at a Swedish embassy. Pay the fee and provide biometrics where required.

The permit is granted for up to one or two years depending on the programme and cannot exceed your passport validity or the length of your studies.

Documents

• Passport copy showing personal details and validity
• Letter of admission to full-time studies
• Proof tuition fees are paid (where applicable)
• Evidence of maintenance funds for the whole period
• Health insurance where required for stays under one year