Students from outside the EU/EEA require a residence permit to study in Sweden. The authority responsible for issuing residence permits in Sweden is the Swedish Migration Agency and a residence permit is granted for a maximum of one year at a time. Find your category below to see exactly what applies to you.
Students from outside EU/EEA must apply for a residence permit for studies from the Swedish Migration Agency. Applications for a residence permit can under no circumstances be submitted after entering Sweden.
If you are to support yourself with your own funds, you must submit your application no earlier than three months before the date you are applying for a residence permit from. This is because you will be able to show that you can support yourself close to the beginning of the study time and that your actions will not get too old. This does not apply if you will receive a scholarship to cover your means of support.
Letter of Acceptance/Notification of Selection Results as proof of admission to KTH and the duration of your studies (use the official notification printable pdf-file)
Financial Support. You must show that you have secured financial support for the entire period for which you are applying for a residence permit. You need to have a minimum of SEK 8,370 per month for the entire study period, and be able to show a financial statement from your personal bank account.
Proof of payment of the residence permit application fee (SEK 1000)
If the duration of your studies is 1 year or less: proof of a valid health insurance for the entire period of studies
If you have additional insurance through KTH (FAS+) enclose a copy of the insurance certificate (sent out in May/early June)
NB: Make sure to extend your passport if it is about to expire — you can not obtain a permit for longer than your passport's period of validity.
To ensure the fastest possible decision:
Pay the first installment of the tuition fee (if this applies to you). Invoices will be sent out in April.
Apply online at the Migration Agency's website
Fill out the entire application
Enclose all required documents (see list above)
Have your picture and fingerprints taken when you apply
Biometric data
The Migration Agency 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 Agency'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.
NB: Citizens of certain countries can leave their biometric information upon arrival in Stockholm at the Swedish Migration Agency’s permit unit in Solna. You have to book a visit at the Migration Agency to do this. Book a visit at the Migrations Agency.
When visiting the Migration Agency remember to bring your passport and the following information:
Case number (find it on your residence permit decision from the Swedish Migration Board)
Given (first) name & family name
Your address in Sweden (including 4 digit apartment number)
A residence permit for studies is normally granted for approx. 12 months at a time so if you are staying in Sweden for longer than this, you will have to apply for an extension of your residence permit. We strongly advise you to apply for an extension 6 months before your current permit expires, since the decision and renewal process may take a while. More detailed information from the Swedish Migration Agency.
You are entitled to stay in Sweden while the extension application is being processed. However, if you leave Sweden during this process, you must return before your current residence permit expires or be prepared to wait for your decision outside of Sweden. Please pay attention to this when you are planning your travels.
The Migration Agency requires that you leave your biometric data (i.e. fingerprints and photograph) for each new residence permit card that is issued. The biometric data are only stored on the card's chip and not saved anywhere else. For this reason, it is necessary to be fingerprinted and photographed each time you renew your residence permit card. Read more about how to leave your biometrics at the Swedish Migration Agency's permit unit.
Students who have been granted a residence permit for studies and have completed their studies can apply for a work permit to seek employment or examine the possibilities of starting their own business in Sweden. This residence permit is valid for up to six months. You should apply before your current residence permit for studies expires but after you have completed your studies.
As an EU citizen you have the right to study, work or live in Sweden without a residence permit and you do not need to contact the Swedish Migration Agency. Nordic citizens can live and work in Sweden without registration of residence or a work permit.
If you are a citizen of Switzerland you must apply for a residence permit upon arrival if you are staying in Sweden for more than three months.
Once you have submitted your application you can check if your application or appeal has been registered as received by the Swedish Migration Agency and if a decision has been made in your case.
Foreign students are allowed to work in Sweden during their period of study. No additional work permit is needed. However, be aware that it is difficult to find a part-time job in Stockholm, especially if you do not speak Swedish.
