Residence permit for studies
If you are a fee-paying student (non-EU/EEA) you need to apply for a residence permit for studies. Find out what the requirements are and how you apply.
1. When to apply for a residence permit
You should submit your residence permit application no later than June 15. Start your application as soon as you have:
- Received your admissions results, and
- Received confirmation that you have paid your first tuition fee instalment
How long can I be granted a residence permit?
You can be granted a residence permit for up to two years. We strongly recommend that you apply for a two‑year residence permit if your circumstances allow it.If you apply one year at a time, you will have to extend your residence permit before the old one expires.
2. Why a complete application is important
Submitting a complete application increases the chance of a faster processing time. The waiting time can sometimes be several months. Here are some tips to make the application process smoother:
- Prepare all required documents before starting the process of submitting your application
- Make sure that your personal information is consistent across all documents. Names, dates, and other details must be written in the same way in every document. Any inconsistencies may result in your residence permit application being rejected.
- Read the application instructions carefully
3. Requirements for a residence permit
To be granted a permit, you must meet the following requirements:
- Correctly made copies of your passport
- Admission decision from the higher education institution (Notification of Selection Results)
- Documents showing that you meet the financial maintenance requirement
- Any additional documents that apply to your individual case
Find the details about these requirements at Requirements for a residence permit for studies at higher education – Swedish Migration Agency
4. How to show that you can support yourself
You must show that you can support yourself financially throughout your stay in Sweden. The rules for the different forms of financial maintenance are strict. Here are common issues students run into:
Avoid These Mistakes
- The bank statements showing that you can support yourself cannot be older than four months. For example, if you want your residence permit to start on 1 August, your bank statement must be issued no earlier than 1 April.
- Do not transfer a large lump sum from your parents right before applying and then withdraw it after the first bank statement.
- If you have multiple bank accounts, include statements for all of them.
- Funds must be in an account that belongs to you or and from which only you and your accompanying partner can withdraw funds.
- If you come from a country with unstable exchange rates, keep extra funds to avoid falling below the required amount.
- Some banks require you to be physically present to obtain statements, plan ahead if traveling home during holidays.
Find the detailed instructions at Financial requirements for a residence permit for studies at higher education – Swedish Migration Agency
5. Apply for a residence permit
You apply for a residence permit online through the Swedish Migration Agency. Prepare your documents carefully and ensure all information is up to date before submitting your application.
Apply at Apply for a residence permit for studies at higher education – Swedish Migration Agency
The Swedish government has decided to introduce changes to the current migration legislation that will affect students holding a residence permit for studies. These changes will take effect on 11 June 2026. The changes include the following:
- Registration of Swedish address: Students with a residence permit for studies must report their Swedish address where they intend to live during the period of the permit.
- Limit on working hours: Students with a residence permit for studies are allowed to work up to 15 hours per week alongside their studies with certain exceptions.
- Increased requirements to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress: Students need to pass a higher number of credits than before in order to extend or maintain their residence permit.
- Tuition fees for family members: Family members of students holding a residence permit for studies below the doctoral level will be required to pay the application fee and tuition fees if they choose to study in Sweden. The new ordinance will be applied for the first time for admission to the autumn semester of 2027.
More details on these changes on the Swedish Migration Agency's website.
What happens next?
Karolinska Institutet is not involved in the processing or evaluation of your application. Kindly note that we are unable to speed up the process or affect the outcome.
There are many things that affect the waiting time, for example whether your application is complete to begin with or whether the Swedish Migration Agency needs to request more information, or needs to check with other authorities when investigating your case.
You can find statistics on the average waiting time and contact details on the Swedish Migration Agency’s website.
If your family members also want to apply for a residence permit, they can do so at the same time as you. However, it is common for decisions regarding family members to be issued later, sometimes several months after you have received your residence permit for studies.
It is also important to be aware that there is no guarantee that your family members' residence permit applications will be approved.
Karolinska Institutet has signed an agreement with The Swedish Migration Agency which makes it possible to obtain a residence permit for up to two years for studies. The permit can be revoked if the conditions for the permit are no longer met, such as if you are no longer studying. Karolinska Institutet will according to the signed agreement inform The Swedish Migration Agency if a student is presumed no longer to be an active student.
The conditions that apply regarding your studies are detailed in the syllabus for the course or the programme syllabus. Should you not follow the study plan set out in the syllabus, fail to pay the tuition fee or terminate your studies, Karolinska Institutet will inform the Swedish Migration Agency in accordance with the agreement signed to ensure the possibility to obtain a two-year residence permit to Sweden.
If your application for a residence permit is denied by the Swedish Migration Agency, you have the right to appeal the decision in most cases. You must submit your appeal within the deadline stated in the decision.
Follow the instructions provided in your official decision and read more about the appeal process on the Swedish Migration Agency's website How to appeal a decision – Swedish Migration Agency