Sweden
General visa requirements for travelling to Sweden. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Student visa (Residence Permit for Higher Education Studies)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 75% decided within 2 months
- Fee
- SEK 1,500 (adults); SEK 750 (children under 18)
- Validity
- Duration of studies, up to 1-2 years per permit; renewable for continuation of studies
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Residence permit for non-EU/EEA citizens admitted to full-time higher education in Sweden (university, university college, higher vocational education). Full-time is defined as 30 credits per semester. Tuition fees must be paid before applying. After completing studies, graduates can apply for a residence permit to seek employment in Sweden (up to 12 months). Japanese citizens are exempt from application fees. Students admitted to programs under 1 year need comprehensive health insurance.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Required for all non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens planning to study in Sweden for more than 3 months.
-
Purpose of visit
Must be admitted to full-time studies at a Swedish higher education institution (university, university college, or higher vocational education).
-
Financial
Must demonstrate SEK 10,656 per month for living expenses. Tuition fees must be paid in full before application.
Minimum funds: SEK 10,656 per month
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment via Swedish Migration Agency e-service; Amount: SEK 1,500 (adults); SEK 750 (children under 18)
-
Proof of enrollment
Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.
Must be current: No; Must be original: No
How to apply
-
Online application
Apply through the Swedish Migration Agency's e-service (recommended for faster processing) or submit paper application at a Swedish embassy.
-
Document gathering
Gather: passport copies, admission decision, proof of tuition payment, financial documentation (bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsor declarations), health insurance (if studies under 1 year), translated documents (Swedish or English).
-
Fee payment
Pay application fee: SEK 1,500 (adults) or SEK 750 (children under 18).
-
Document submission
Present passport at a Swedish embassy or consulate and provide fingerprints and photographs for the residence permit card.
-
Processing wait
Wait for decision. 75% of applications decided within 2 months. Apply well in advance of program start date.
-
Visa collection
Receive decision via email or post. If approved, residence permit card issued. May need to collect at embassy or upon arrival in Sweden.
Student visa (Residence Permit for Doctoral Studies)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 30 days for complete applications
- Fee
- SEK 1,500
- Validity
- 3 months to 48 months per permit; renewable; path to permanent residence after 4 years of doctoral studies
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Residence permit specifically for doctoral (PhD) studies in Sweden. Must be admitted to full-time doctoral studies. Faster processing than regular student permits (30 days for complete applications). May work up to 20% of full time in teaching, research, or administration alongside studies. Industrial doctoral students may work more than 20% under certain conditions. After completing doctoral studies, eligible for permanent residence permit. Doctoral students are typically exempt from tuition fees in Sweden.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Required for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens admitted to doctoral studies in Sweden.
-
Purpose of visit
Must be admitted to full-time doctoral (PhD) studies at a Swedish university.
-
Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient funding for the study period, typically through doctoral employment salary or scholarship.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment via Swedish Migration Agency e-service; Amount: SEK 1,500
-
Proof of enrollment
Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.
Must be current: No; Must be original: No
How to apply
-
Online application
Apply through the Swedish Migration Agency's e-service.
-
Document gathering
Gather: passport, doctoral admission letter, proof of funding (employment contract or scholarship), health insurance if applicable.
-
Fee payment
Pay SEK 1,500 application fee.
-
Document submission
Present passport at Swedish embassy/consulate for verification and biometric data collection.
-
Processing wait
Decision within 30 days for complete applications.
-
Visa collection
Receive residence permit card upon approval.