Residence Permit for Studying in Sweden

Since last May all EU member states have issued residence permit cards (UT cards). The card will contain biometric data (photographs and two finger prints). It is not an ID card or a travel document. When you enter Sweden, you must therefore show your UT card along with a valid passport.
 
If you are applying for a residence permit through a Swedish mission abroad (embassy or consulate), you will be photographed and will need to submit finger prints in connection with submitting your application.

How to apply?
To hand in your application to the Consulate General of Sweden in Shanghai you should first send in an e-application. At the same time as you fill in the e-application form you will also pay for your application and book an appointment at the Consulate to personally hand in all required documents and leave biometrics. Please follow to link to the right to fill in the e-application form.

When should I apply:
The Swedish Migration Board makes decisions about residence permits for studies within three months from the date that a Swedish mission abroad has received your application. In some cases the waiting time can be longer because they need to ask for supplement or investigate your application further.

You are required to enclose the following documents with your application:

• Two fully completed and signed application forms.
  
  
• Two passport size photos. The photos must be: Full face (facing the camera directly with your eyes looking straight at the camera); In colour with a light background; No more than six months old and resemble you; You must be bareheaded, unless you have special religious reasons.
  
  
• A valid passport and two photocopies of the identity page of the passport. Please note that even if you are not yet a holder of a valid passport it is possible to apply for residence permit. You can forward your passport to the Consulate later.
  
  
• An original invitation letter from the research institution in Sweden or a letter of acceptance from the university/college where you are going to carry out full time study, and a photocopy of the letter. Those who first wish to study language and join another university or college later are required to enclose a letter of acceptance and confirmation letter from both the language school AND the university.
  
  
• If you are a student, or have recently graduated, you should enclose a letter of introduction from your school, as well as a copy of the original letter. The letter should state your position at the school, and should also include the address of your school, contact person and telephone number. The letter should be translated into English and carry an official signature and stamp.
  
  
• About the financial guarantee. The sum requested is at present SEK 7300 per month for 10 months a year. Plese submit a bank certificate showing your financial resources. The money should be deposited in your own account. You must be able to show that you have enough money for your upkeep throughout the whole period of your stay in Sweden. The information should be in English, and in two copies.
  
  
• Information about sponsorship/financial guarantee. The sum requested is at present SEK 7300 per month for 10 months a year. You must be able to show that you have enough money for your upkeep throughout the whole period of your stay in Sweden.
  
  
• Those who first wish to study language and join another university or college later are required to enclose a letter of acceptance and confirmation letter from both the language school and the university.
  
  
• For non-Chinese applicants: valid Chinese residence permit.
  
  
• If you will study less than one year, you must have a comprehensive health insurance. The insurance policy in original and two photocopies should be presented.
  

Note!
For information about application fees, please browse the list of: > expedition fees.

Do not pay for you flight ticket until you have received your residence permit card!

You should hand in your application to the Consulate at least 10 weeks before your departure to Sweden.

If you fail to supply the necessary documents mentioned above, the decision-making process of your case may be delayed. The Consulate may call you to ask for additional documents or information if necessary.

Please, note that if your spouse or child is going with you, another kind of application form is needed for them. Read more about co-applicants from links to the right.