Sweden Residence Permit for Students
Your residence permit for studies lets you live and study in Sweden while it is valid. Here is how to keep it, extend it and use it after you finish. Fees are in Swedish krona (SEK).
SwedenEXAMPLE RESIDENCE PERMIT
Type: Student
Status: Student
Program: Example Programme
Institution: Example University
Example card. Your own card shows your real details.
Keeping Your Student Permit
Your permit comes with rules. If you break them, the Migration Agency can take your permit away or refuse to extend it.
Swedish Migration Agency
The Migration Agency grants, extends and withdraws residence permits.
Key Papers
Residence permit card
The card that shows you have a permit. You give fingerprints and a photo for it.
Decision
The letter that says your permit was granted.
If You Break the Rules
Rules for Students
Study full-time
30 credits a semester counts as full-time.
Pass enough credits
For permits granted on or after 11 June 2026: pass 37.5 credits in your first study year, then 45 credits each year.
Work within the limit
For permits granted on or after 11 June 2026: at most 15 hours a week during semesters.
Report your address
For permits granted on or after 11 June 2026. Report it within 30 days if the Swedish Tax Agency (the tax office) has not added you to the Swedish Population Register (the list of everyone who lives in Sweden).
Your Permits in Sweden
The permits a student from India or Pakistan uses during and after study.
Key Timeframes
First permit
3 out of 4 decided within 3 months
Extension
3 out of 4 decided within 6 months
Permit to look for work
Up to one year
Permit Types
Residence permit for studies
For full-time bachelor's and master's study on site in Sweden.
Key Requirements:
- Full-time admission.
- Tuition fee paid.
- At least SEK 10,656 a month (the amount for applications made in 2026). Check the amount for 2027 on the Migration Agency website when you apply.
Extension of your residence permit for studies
For students who continue the same kind of study.
Key Requirements:
- Full-time admission for the next period.
- Enough study results.
- Money for the new period and the rest of your current permit.
Permit to look for work
Lets you look for a job or check if you can start a business.
Key Requirements:
- A finished programme of at least two semesters, with passing grades.
- Enough money for the whole permit.
Permit Timeline
First permit
Applied for from home before you travel.
Duration: 3 out of 4 decided within 3 months
Extension
Apply up to four months before your permit ends.
Duration: 3 out of 4 decided within 6 months
Permit to look for work
Apply before your residence permit for studies ends.
Duration: Up to one year
Extending Your Permit
How to extend your residence permit for studies in Sweden.
Extension Steps
Check your credits
Get a certificate of your results from your university.
Apply online
No more than four months before your permit ends.
Pay the fee
SEK 1,500 for an adult.
Wait for the decision
You may stay in Sweden while you wait, if you applied in time.
Changing to Another Permit in Sweden
| From Status | To Status | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence permit for studies | Work permit | A finished programme of at least two semesters. | From 11 June 2026 you usually must finish at least two semesters first. |
| Residence permit for studies | Permit to look for work | A finished programme of at least two semesters, with passing grades. | Apply before your residence permit for studies ends. |
Papers for an Extension
Attach these to your extension application.
Extension of a residence permit for studies
Passport copies
Copies of your passport.
Admission decision
It must say you will keep studying full-time in Sweden.
Study results certificate
From your university, showing your credits.
Proof of money
For the new period and the rest of your current permit.
How Long Decisions Take
In the 12 months up to October 2026, 3 out of 4 first applications were decided within 3 months.
Extension Step by Step
Check the rules
Check that you meet the extension rules.
Key Activities:
- Enough credits.
- Money for the new period.
- A valid passport.
Apply online
Apply before your permit ends.
Key Activities:
- No more than four months before your permit ends.
- Pay SEK 1,500.
Decision
The Migration Agency decides.
Key Activities:
- You may stay in Sweden until the decision, if you applied in time.
What Slows It Down
Missing papers
If the Migration Agency must ask for more papers, you wait longer.
Wait Times
Typical Cases
Keep Your Permit Safe
Simple habits that protect your permit.
What to Do
Keep your passport valid
A passport that ends soon limits your permit.
Renew your passport early if it will end soon.
Common Mistakes
Plan Ahead
Most problems come from late applications.
Common Sweden Residence Permit Questions
Short answers about living in Sweden on a residence permit for studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Links
Need More Help?
Your university's international office can answer questions about your studies and your permit.
Complete Guide to Sweden
Explore all aspects of studying in Sweden with our comprehensive guides
Post-Arrival - Detailed Guides
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Get personalized guidance for studying in Sweden with our expert consultants
Get Free ConsultationNeed help keeping or extending your Sweden permit?
We help you check the rules before you extend your permit or change to a work permit.
Talk to an Advisor