# Visas and residence permits

**Source**: https://www.su.se/english/education/new-in-sweden/visas-and-residence-permits
**Parent**: https://www.su.se/english/education/a-smooth-start/pre-departure-information

Before you come to Sweden, make sure that you have the correct documentation.

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- [Residence permit for studies](#h-Residencepermitforstudies)
- [Stays shorter than three months](#h-Staysshorterthanthreemonths)
- [Students from Nordic countries/EU/EEA/Switzerland](#h-StudentsfromNordiccountriesEUEEASwitzerland)
- [Residence permit to seek employment after studies](#h-Residencepermittoseekemploymentafterstudies)
- [Contact](#h-Contact)

## Residence permit for studies

International and exchange students with citizenship outside the EU/EEA, who are admitted for studies lasting longer than three months, must apply for a residence permit for studies (“uppehållstillstånd” in Swedish).

[Residence permits for studies](https://www.su.se/english/education/new-in-sweden/visas-and-residence-permits/residence-permit-for-studies-1.545011)

## Stays shorter than three months

If your total period of stay in Sweden is less than three months, you should not apply for a residence permit, but should instead apply for an entry visa. Citizens of some countries may stay in Sweden for up to three months without a residence permit or visa. During this period, it is permitted to study.

[Countries whose citizens require an entry visa for travel to Sweden](https://www.regeringen.se/regeringens-politik/migration-och-asyl/lander-vars-medborgare-behover-visum-for-inresa-i-sverige/)

[Read more about applying for an entry visa](https://www.migrationsverket.se/en/you-want-to-apply/visiting-sweden/visiting-sweden-for-up-to-90-days-entry-visa.html)

## Students from Nordic countries/EU/EEA/Switzerland

### Nordic citizens

Nordic citizens do not need residence permits.

### EU/EEA citizens

EU/EEA citizens who are registered students at a Swedish university and have comprehensive health insurance automatically have right of residence in Sweden, and therefore do not need to apply for a residence permit at the Swedish Migration Agency.

### Swiss citizens

Special instructions apply for Swiss citizens, who may move to Sweden to study and apply for a residence permit after entrance in Sweden.

[Residence permit application for Swiss citizens](https://www.migrationsverket.se/en/you-want-to-apply/swiss-citizens.html)

### Non EU/EEA citizens on Erasmus+ exchanges

Note that if you are an incoming Erasmus+ exchange student without a citizenship in an EU/EEA country, you would in most cases need to apply for a residence permit for studies in Sweden. This applies even if you have a Schengen visa for studies.

## Residence permit to seek employment after studies

If you have a residence permit for studies and have completed your programme (that has lasted for at least two semesters), you can get a residence permit for 12 months to seek employment or examine the possibilities of starting your own business here. You must apply for a residence permit while you are still in Sweden and before your current permit for studies expires.

[Residence permit to seek employment or start a business after studies](https://www.migrationsverket.se/en/you-want-to-apply/work/look-for-work/look-for-work-after-completing-your-studies-in-sweden.html)

## Contact

[FAQ and contact](https://www.su.se/english/education/how-to-apply/admissions-faq-and-contact)

Last updated: 2025-11-28

Source: Student Services

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