Residence Permits for Students

If you are a citizen of an EU-country please contact the Embassy of Sweden in Ottawa or the Consulate of Sweden closest to where you live.

Please note:  First time applicants must apply in person.  The electronic option is available for renewals only.

How long does it take to get a residence permit?

It takes approximately 4 - 6 weeks to process your application. If you are a Canadian citizen and you will be going to Sweden on an international exchange program or within the framework of certain exchange programs, like Rotary, AFS the processing time is shorter, provided that the application is complete.

How do I apply?

An application for a residence permit is filed

• at the closest Consulate of Sweden (in person) or
• at the Embassy of Sweden i Ottawa (in person)

If you choose to go to a Consulate it will take a  minimum of 3-4 working days for a passport to be sent to the Embassy in Ottawa and then returned.

The following original documentation is required if you apply at a Consulate of Sweden or at the Embassy of Sweden in Ottawa:

• Completed application form "Application by students and doctoral students for". 
  
  
• Two passport size photographs: full face, colour, light background, not more than 6 months old, bareheaded unless special religious reasons exist
  
  
• Valid passport (the passport must be valid for the entire planned stay in Sweden)
  
  
• Acceptance letter from the education institution where you will be studying while in Sweden, indicating what program you are participating in and the dates
  
  
• Proof that you have sufficient funds for the ENTIRE study period in Sweden. At present SEK 7.300/month (approx CAD 1250).
  The proof can take the form of
  - a bank statement/letter confirming that you have funds of your own to support you (a dollar figure must be included in this statement/letter),
  - a scholarship/study grant or similar (exact dollar figure must be included).
  
  
• Proof of medical insurance. This applies to students at university/college level who are going to study in Sweden for LESS than 12 months. The insurance must be comprehensive (not only emergency) and cover any medical care you may require while in Sweden (24 hours) and include hospital stay, repatriation to Canada if deemed necessary for medical reasons. There should be no deductible on the insurance.
  
  Check with the university in Sweden if they have medical insurance for their foreign students that is valid 24 hours a day. If the university has this then attach a document indicating this when you file your application.
  
  
• If you are a Rotary, AFS student and you are under the age of 18 a permission letter from your parents that you can attend school in Sweden
  
  
• If you are going to study in Sweden at one of the bible/missionary schools (Torchbearer or Word of Life) you must provide proof  that the deposit has been paid AND
  - proof that you have the equivalent of SEK 7.300 per month for the entire study period in Sweden (funding MUST be in your name)
  or
  - proof that you have paid the entire school fee and have the equivalent of SEK 4.300 per month for the entire study period in Sweden  (funding MUST be in your name).

Don't forget to indicate on the application form the dates you will be in Sweden.

How is my application processed?

Depending on the type of program you are going on the processing time can take anywhere from 1-2 weeks to approx. 2  months. Permits for international exchange students are processed by the Embassy (1-2 weeks) whereas all other types of student applications must be processed by the Migration Board in Sweden (approx. 2 months).

Your permit must be granted and inserted in your passport before entering Sweden.

Do I have to pay a fee?

Please click here to see information about fees.

Fees are payable at time of application and are non-refundable.

Whom do I contact for additional information?

You can contact the Embassy of Sweden in Ottawa or the Consulate of Sweden closest to where you live.