Before you arrive as a doctoral student

Checklist

Before travelling to Sweden, make sure that you:

• Apply for the correct residence permit
• Review your insurance coverage
• Arrange accommodation
• Plan your finances
• Prepare necessary documents
• Join Welcome Services' Mailing list list to receive newsletter, information & invitations to events 

Residence permit for doctoral studies

If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA, you will need apply for a residence permit for doctoral studies in Sweden. It is important to begin preparing your application as soon as you receive your admission decision, as processing times may be long.

If you will be studying in Sweden for less than three months, you should not apply for a residence permit.

Please note that you cannot enter Sweden before the start date stated in your residence permit decision. If you arrive earlier than the valid-from date, you may be denied entry.

Residence permit information on Swedish Migration Agency's website

Insurance

Before travelling to Sweden, make sure you understand what insurance coverage applies to you during your stay. Depending on the length of your stay, and what you plan to do in Sweden, you could be insured by the Kammarkollegiet's Insurance for foreign visitors.

As an employee at the University, you are generally covered by various kinds of insurance, both at work and on the way to your workplace, but also during business travels. Detailed information about employee insurance and benefits is available in the Staff Portal once your employment has started.

Register as a resident

If you are going to stay in Sweden for a year or more, visit the Swedish Tax Agency’s online service “Moving to Sweden” to register yourself as a resident. You will complete the registration when you have arrived in Sweden and visit a State Service Centre. 

Moving to Sweden, Swedish Tax Agencys website

Acommodation in Gothenburg

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second largest city and housing can be difficult to find, particularly at the beginning of each semester. We strongly recommend that you begin looking for accommodation as soon as possible.

To increase your chances of finding housing, consider areas outside the city centre. Public transport in Gothenburg is reliable and well developed, making it easy to commute from surrounding areas.

Housing options for doctoral students

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Documents to prepare

Before travelling to Sweden, make sure you bring all necessary documents. Some documents are required for official procedures, while others may be useful during your stay. Examples of documents to bring:

• Valid passport
• Residence permit decision
• Housing contract
• Recent bank statements
• Degree certificates
• Vaccination and medical records

We also recommend scanning important documents and saving digital copies.

Travelling to Gothenburg

Gothenburg is located on the west coast of Sweden and is well connected to other European cities by air, train, bus and ferry.

The closest airport is Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT). From the airport, you can travel to the city centre by airport shuttle bus (Flygbussarna). The main stop is Nils Ericson Terminal, located next to Gothenburg Central Station.

Practical travel information, (goteborg.com)

Before travelling, make sure you review entry requirements and required travel documents.

Information about border control requirements, (polisen.se)

If you are travelling with medication, please check the regulations regarding medicines for personal use with the Swedish Medical Products Agency before departure.

Guidelines for travelling to Sweden with medicines, (Swedish Medical Products Agency)

Bringing your family

If you are planning to bring your family to Sweden, additional preparations may be necessary.

Support and contacts

Find out what resources are available to support your education and everyday student life.

Student services and support