Sweden

Information for all students

Students should ensure that their passports are signed and stamped when entering and exiting Border Control. These stamps will prove the duration of your visit and, more importantly, prove to the visa official that you have not overstayed your 90-day visit.

The Schengen 90/180 rule allows visitors to visit any Schengen Zone country without requiring a visa for 90 days within a 180-day window. These days are calculated on a rolling basis, meaning you look back at the last 180 days to count how many days you have spent in the Schengen area. To be eligible to return, you must wait for enough of your previous stay to fall outside of the current 180-day period. You can calculate your days spent in the Schengen Area using this calculator.

Read more about the Schengen rules.

Depending upon your nationality, students who wish to study in Sweden for 90 days or less can do so without the need for a visa. To determine if you need a visa, please see the list of non-visa required countries.

You can find out further information about which visa best suits your needs for entering and staying in Sweden on the Studying in Sweden website.

If you do not require a visa, you can enter Sweden for up to 90 days to complete the following activities:

• Tourism
• Visiting family or friends
• Attending business meetings
• Cultural or sports events
• Short-term studies or training

Studying for less than 3 months

UK students do not require a visa to enter Sweden to study for a duration of 90 days.

Non-EU/EEA students need to check if they require a visa for entry to Sweden.

EU/EEA students can enter without any visa requirements to work, study and live in another Schengen/EU country.

All nationalities can check if they need a visa by using the Schengen visa eligibility checker tool.

If you are from a non- EU/non-EEA country, you will need a short-stay Schengen visa.

Gather your documents

To apply for a short-stay Schengen visa, you will need to gather the following documents:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Valid UK residence permit or other form of Identity Card
• A Swedish Schengen visa application form, filled out completely and signed by the applicant
• A photograph, which must be glued onto the application form
• Biometric data
• A copy of the passport bio page, including photograph
• A cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit to Sweden
• Proof of travel arrangements
• Schengen travel insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Sweden
• Proof of financial subsistence

Those looking to study in Sweden must also supply the below:

• Proof of enrolment
• A no-objection certificate from your school or university

Studying for more than 3 months

Non-EU/non-EEA and UK students who intend to stay in Sweden for a period longer than 3 months, must apply for a residence permit for study (uppehållstillstånd).

A residence permit allows you to travel and reside in Sweden for a set amount of time. The permit must be applied for before travelling and entering Sweden. The responsible authority in Sweden is the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket).

EU/EEA students do not require a visa or residence permit to study in Sweden, regardless of the duration of your stay. Discover further information on additional steps you might need to take as a EU/EEA student.

Gather your documents

To apply for a residence permit, you will need to gather the following documents:

• Copies of your passport
• An admissions letter from your Higher Education provider in Sweden
• Proof of Healthcare coverage
• Proof of having sufficient funds
• Proof of payment for the application fee

Discover further information about the resident permit and visa requirements.

How to apply

Students can apply to study in Sweden at their nearest embassy. You will be asked to book an appointment to complete your application. You may have your biometrics taken and be photographed at this appointment.

If you are applying for a residence permit from Sweden, you should apply using the online service: The Swedish Migration Agency Upon Arrival.

Upon arrival in Sweden you must book an appointment to have your biometrics taken and have your photograph taken at the Swedish Migration Agency.

Working for less than 6 months

Immigration requirements when it comes to working in Sweden are dependent upon several factors, including nationality and profession.

If you are already in Sweden and have obtained your residence permit, you are exempt from applying for a work permit.

If you are an EU or Nordic national, you do not require a visa or permit to work, study or live in Sweden. This is called Right of Residence.

The Right of Residence also extends to citizens of the following countries:

• Denmark
• Finland
• Norway
• Iceland

If you have Right of Residence, you simply need to register with the Swedish Tax Agency.

Upon arrival

Upon arriving in Sweden, you will need to register with the Swedish Tax Agency to obtain your Swedish personal identity number.

Depending on your nationality, students outside of the EU/EEA may need to apply for a work permit and/or a residence permit to work in Sweden for less than 90 days. Work permits in Sweden typically allow you to stay for a maximum of 2 years.

UK students must apply for a work permit to work in Sweden. However, you may be exempt from needing a work permit for a duration of 3 months.

If your occupation is not exempt, you will need to apply for a work permit.

All students need to have their offer of employment approved by the relevant department of trade.

If you're planning to stay longer than 3 months, you will need to register with the Swedish Population Register.

Gather your documents

Students applying for a work permit need to gather the following documents:

• Your completed work permit application form – either an online or paper copy, submitted to your closest Swedish embassy or consulate
• Copies of your passport, clearly showing your personal data, period of validity and permissions to live in countries other than your country of origin (e.g.: other visas or residence permits)
• Offer of employment and the related statement from the trade union
• Proof of application fee
• Proof of submission of data for visa and residence permit

How to apply

All students should apply for a work permit before entering Sweden.

Working for more than 6 months

UK/NON-EU students who wish to work in Sweden need to apply for a work permit and/or a residence permit.

UK students do not need a visa to enter Sweden. However, you will need to apply for a residence permit (uppehållstillstånd) to work in the country for over 3 months.

For speed and convenience, it is recommended that you apply for a residence permit or work permit online with the Swedish Migration Agency.

EU/EEA citizens will need to do the following if working in Sweden for longer than 3 months:

• Register with the tax agency
• Register with the Swedish Population Register
• Get your personal identity number 

Once you are working you will be entitled for social security benefits, which includes, healthcare, family benefits and pension rights.