Students should make sure their passports are signed and stamped when entering and exiting Border Controls. These stamps will prove the duration of your visit and more importantly prove to the Visa official that you have not overstayed your 90-day visit.
It is important to understand the Schengen 90/180 rule. You are allocated 90 visa free days to use within the Schengen Zone, however you must remember these are rolling days and are added onto a cumulative total of days in the Schengen region. Leaving and entering does not reset your calculator – only leaving for a period of 90 days in a non-Schengen country will reset your Visa free 90-day allowance. You can read about the Schengen rules here.
Depending upon their nationality, Students who wish to study in Sweden for 90 days or less can do so without the need for a visa. To determine if you need a visa please see the list of non visa required countries on the Belgium Embassy website.
You can find out further information about which Visa best suits your needs for entering and staying in Studying in Sweden website.
UK Students and other students from outside the EU/EEA, who intend to stay in Sweden for a period longer than three months, must apply for a residence permit for studies (uppehållstillstånd).
A Residence Permit allows you to travel and reside in Sweden for the duration of the permit. The Permit must be applied for before travelling and entering Sweden. The responsible authority in Sweden is the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket).
EU/EEA Students do not require a Visa or Residence Permit to study in Sweden regardless of the duration of your stay. Further information on additional steps you might need to take as a EU/EEA student can be found here.
Gather Your Documents
To apply for a Residence Permit you will need to gather the following documents:
Copies of your passport
Admissions letter from your Higher Education provider in Sweden
Proof of Healthcare coverage
Proof of having sufficient funds
Pay for application fee
Further information about the Resident Permit about the Visa requirements can be found here.
How to Apply
Students can apply from abroad at their nearest embassy. You will be asked to book an appointment to complete your application. You may have your biometrics taken and be photographed at this appointment.
Immigration requirements for working in Sweden is dependent upon several factors:
Nationality
Dependent upon profession
If you are already in Sweden and as part of your studies have obtained you are exempt from applying for a work permit.
If you are an EU or Nordic national, you do not require a visa or permit to work, study or live in Sweden without a residence permit. This is called Right of Residence. The right of Residence also extends to citizens of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland may live in Sweden without obtaining a residence permit. You only must register with the Swedish Tax Agency.
Depending on your nationality Students outside of the EU/EEA may need to apply for a work permit and/or a Residence Permit for employment under 90 days.
UK Students need to apply for a work permit to work in Sweden. However you may be exempt from needing a work permit for a duration of 3 months.
A full list of exemptions can be found here.
If your occupation is not exempt you will need to apply for a Work Permit. Students need to have their Offer of employment approved by the relevant department of trade.
Gather Your Documents
Students applying for a work permit need to gather the following documents:
• Compile and submit your application – either online or through a paper application submitted to your closest Swedish embassy or consulate. Your completed application must include: – a completed application form – copies of the pages of your passport that show personal data, period of validity and whether you have permission to live in countries other than your country of origin (e.g. other visas or residence permits) – your offer of employment and the statement from the trade union – an application fee. • Submit data for visa and residence permit card.
