Residence permit for studies

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Residence permit

Students from outside EU/EEA must apply for a residence permit for studies from the Swedish Migration Board. You should apply for the residence permit using the online application as soon as possible after being admitted to KTH. The application process can take up to three months. 

Apply online at The Swedish Migration Board’ s website. Applications for a residence permit can under no circumstances be submitted after entering Sweden.

The following documents are required:

• A copy of a valid passport or ID-card
• Notification of Selection Results or Letter of Acceptance as proof of admission to KTH, including the duration of studies
• Proof that you can support yourself during your stay in Sweden. A minimum of SEK 7300 per month for the entire study period is required (further details here)
• Proof of payment of the residence permit application fee (SEK 1000)
• If the duration of the programme is 1 year or less: a valid health insurance

Make sure that your  passport is valid for the full period you are applying for (minimum 12 months) or this might affect the length of your permit period negatively.

Degree seeking students: Please note that the residence permit will not be granted if the tuition fee has not been paid in time (31 May).

Biometric data

The Migration Board requires that you leave your biometric data (i.e. fingerprints and photograph) to be stored in the residence permit card. You have to be photographed and fingerprinted for each new residence permit card that is issued (extensions included). If you are in Sweden you contact the Migration Board's local permit unit. If you are abroad, contact the embassy in your country of residence. Visit Sweden abroad to find the Swedish Embassy or Consulate closest to you. 

After you have been photographed and fingerprinted at the embassy your residence permit (UT) card takes around four weeks to arrive. For information about how to receive your UT card, contact the embassy.

Citizens of certain countries can leave their biometric information upon arrival in Stockholm at the Swedish Migration Board’s permit unit in Solna. You have to book a visit at the Migration Board to do this. Book a visit at the Migration Board  here

Extension of residence permit

A residence permit is granted for one year at a time. Extension of a residence permit must be made should be applied for well in advance before the existing residence permit expires. The extension process may take up to five months. The cost for an extension is SEK 1000.

The following documents are required for extensions:

• Proof that you have had funding amounting to SEK 7 300 per month (bank documents) during the previous year
• Proof of sufficient funding (at least SEK 7 300 per month) during the remaining duration of the studies
• Proof of sufficient study results (student must acquire at least 15 ECTS credits during the first academic year, 22.5 ECTS credits during the second academic year and 30 ECTS credits during the third and the following academic years)
• Copy of your valid passport, stating identity, citizenship and validity of the passport 

You are entitled to stay in Sweden while the permit is being processed, however if you travel abroad in connection with your permit expiring, it can be difficult for you to re-enter Sweden before your new permit has been granted. You may then need to wait for your new decision outside Sweden. If you have a Swedish address the residence permit card will, without exception, be sent there.

An information session with the Swedish Migartion Board regarding Extention of recidence permit and Work permit after studies will be held on:

9th April :17.40-18.40, Lindstedsvägen 3 Hall: E1.

No pre-registration is needed. Welcome!

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

Right of residence

Students from EU/EEA staying in Sweden for more than three months need to register the right of residence at the Migration Board, within three months after entering the country. To register is free of charge. Together with the registration form of your right of residence, you should enclose:

• Certified copies of a valid passport or ID-card stating your citizenship
• Proof that you have been enrolled on a course/programme
• Assurance signed by yourself that you have sufficient funds to support yourself 
• Documented proof that you have comprehensive medical insurance that is valid in Sweden

Swiss citizens

If you are a citizen of Switzerland you must apply for a residence permit upon arrival. Please visit the Migrations Board's website for more information regarding  residence permit for Swiss citizens

Nordic citizens can live and work in Sweden without registration of residence or a work permit.

Work during studies

Foreign students are allowed to work in Sweden during their period of study. No additional work permit is needed. However, please be aware that it is difficult to find a part-time job in Stockholm, especially if you do not speak Swedish. You can read more about working during your studies here