Residence Permit #

To legally study in Sweden, all students need a passport valid for three months beyond the end of their semester.  All students, except EU and Norwegian passport holders, must also apply for a residence permit for visits longer than 90 days. Depending on their passport nationality, some students also need an entry visa.

The Swedish Migration Agency establishes immigration rules and regulations. Our goal is to make the multi-step process as straightforward as possible. Students will be emailed a comprehensive guide and three supporting documents to be submitted with their application. Do not begin until you have received our Residence Permit Guide. Please carefully follow the directions in our Guide to ensure you apply for the correct permit and receive it in time for departure. Submitting an incomplete or incorrect application can significantly delay your permit and departure date.

Please note: The Swedish Migration Agency has established a financial support requirement of 11,840 Swedish kronor (SEK) per semester in Stockholm. As part of the application, you must demonstrate that you meet this financial requirement through bank statements and/or a letter from your Financial Aid Office. You’ll receive more details in the Guide.

Application Process #

The residence permit application process depends on your passport nationality.

Students applying with a passport that is not on Sweden’s official list of foreign citizens who require a visa for entry into Sweden, including US passport holders, will follow a 4-step process:

1. Submit an online application for a visitor’s permit to study in Sweden for longer than 90 days. Our Residence Permit Guide provides additional details for completing your application. Do not begin until you’ve received the guide.
2. Complete a digital passport check.
3. Receive a residence permit decision letter before departing for Sweden.
4. While in Sweden, submit biometric data and receive a residence permit card.

Students applying with a passport that is on Sweden’s official list of foreign citizens who require a visa for entry into Sweden will apply concurrently for a residence permit and an entry visa in a 3-step process:

1. Submit an online application for a visitor’s permit to study in Sweden for longer than 90 days. Our Residence Permit & Entry Visa Guide provides additional details for completing your application. Do not begin until you’ve received the guide.
2. Visit the Embassy of Sweden in Washington, D.C. for a passport check and to submit biometric data. Given this requirement, the Program will provide reimbursement toward the cost of travel up to $400 for transportation to/from Washington D.C. (airfare, train, bus, parking, gas, etc.), $45 for meals, and $275 for one night in a hotel. See the Residence Permit & Entry Visa Guide for details.
3. Receive a residence permit decision letter and residence permit card before departing for Sweden.