Residence permits and visa for students
If you are moving to Sweden to study at the University of Gothenburg, you may need a residence permit or visa depending on your nationality and length of stay. This page explains what applies and where to find official information.
Important information
The Swedish Migration Agency is responsible for processing residence permit applications. The University of Gothenburg cannot influence processing times or decisions. Students are responsible for submitting and managing their own applications.
Non-EU citizens
Staying less than three months
If your planned stay in Sweden is less than three months, you should generally not apply for a residence permit. Instead, you may need to apply for an entry visa. Citizens of certain countries are exempt from the visa requirement and may stay in Sweden for up to three months without a visa or residence permit. Studying during this period is permitted.
- Countries whose citizens need a visa to enter Sweden (government.se)
- Information about Schengen visas (migrationsverket.se)
Staying longer than three months
If you plan to stay in Sweden for more than three months, you must apply for a residence permit. The permit must be granted before you travel to Sweden.
If family members are accompanying you, they can usually apply for permits for the same period as your studies.
How to apply for a residence permit (migrationsverket.se)
Changes to study permit rules
New rules apply from 11 June 2026. They affect both newley admitted and enrolled students, particularly when applying for an extension of a residence permit.
New rules for residence permits for studies in higher education (migrationsverket.se)
Address notification requirement
Students who are not registered in the Swedish population register must notify the Swedish Migration Agency of their address within 30 days and report any future address changes.
Higher requirements for academic progress
Students are expected to complete at least 37.5 credits during the first academic year and 45 credits per academic year thereafter.
Restrictions on the right to work during studies
Students with a residence permit for studies may generally work up to 15 hours per week during the semester. There are no restrictions during June, July and August. Working beyond the permitted limit may lead to your residence permit being revoked.
Stricter rules for changing permit type
Students will generally need to complete their studies before applying for another type of residence permit from within Sweden.
Frequently asked questions
EU citizens
As an EU citizen, you have the right to work, study, or live in Sweden without a specific permit, this is called the right of residence.
If you have the right of residence in Sweden, you do not need to contact the Swedish Migration Agency. When entering Sweden, you need a valid passport or ID card showing your citizenship.
Citizens of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway can live and study in Sweden without a residence permit. If you plan to stay in Sweden for more than 12 months, you should register in the Swedish Population Register through the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket).
You are a citizen of a Nordic country other than Sweden (skatteverket.se)
If you are a British citizen and want to move to Sweden, you must apply for a residence permit.
British citizens who want to live in Sweden (migrationsverket.se)
Citizens of Switzerland can live and study in Sweden without a residence permit for up to three months. If you plan to stay longer than three months, you must apply for a residence permit through the Swedish Migration Agency.
Apply for a residence permit for Swiss citizens (migrationsverket.se)
If you are not an EU citizen but have been granted long-term resident status in another EU country, special rules may apply when moving to Sweden to study.