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Sweden

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At a glance

Living index rating
Expensive
Monthly rent
SEK 4,000 – SEK 6,000 for a student room (Stockholm SEK 5,500 – SEK 8,000)
Monthly food
SEK 2,500 – SEK 3,500
Other monthly expenses
SEK 1,500 – SEK 2,500 (transport, phone, insurance, personal)
Visa processing time
Usually 1 – 3 months; apply as soon as you're admitted
Family allowed for students
Yes

Visa requirements

  • Residence permit for higher education studies, applied for online with the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket)
  • Admission to a full-time programme and payment of the first tuition instalment
  • Proof of funds: at least SEK 10,656 a month in 2026 for the permit period
  • Comprehensive health insurance if the permit is for a year or less
  • Valid passport
  • No limit on working hours while studying, but your studies must come first

Work permit after studies

  • Residence permit to look for work or start a business: up to 12 months after completing your degree (doctoral graduates up to 18 months)
  • These applications have historically taken months to process, so apply well before your study permit ends
  • Once you have a job, apply for a work permit or EU Blue Card

Citizenship route

  • Permanent residence after 4 years on a work permit (time as a student doesn't count) with requirements on self-support
  • From 6 June 2026, citizenship requires 8 years of residence (up from 5), plus Swedish language and civics tests and a minimum income

Family details

  • Spouse, registered or cohabiting partner and children under 18 can apply to come with you
  • You must show extra funds: SEK 4,440 a month for a partner and SEK 2,664 a month for each child
  • Family members get permits for the same period and can work
  • From 1 October 2026, family members staying up to a year need comprehensive health insurance

Universities in Sweden

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (32), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.