Residence Permits for Studies

If you are a citizen of an EU-country please contact the Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo.

Please note: As of July 1, 2006, it is no longer possible for students to apply for a residence permit using the electronic option.

How do I apply?

An application for a residence permit is filed at the Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo (in person or by post)
Application hour: 9:00-12:00 on weekdays except Embassy's holidays.

Following documents are required if you apply to the Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo:
(All documents should be written in English or Swedish)

• Two sets of completed application form "Application for residence permit for students and doctoral students" From exchange students only one set is required.
  
  
• Two passport size photographs: full face, colour, light background, not more than 6 months old, bareheaded unless special religious reasons exist (4.5cm x 3.5cm). Exchange students only need to bring one photograph.
  
  
• Valid passport (the passport must be valid for the entire planned stay in Sweden) and one copy (data page and stamped page)
  
  
• Acceptance letter from the education institution where you will be studying in Sweden, indicating what program you are participating in and the period
  
  
• Proof that you have sufficient funds of your own for the entire study period in Sweden. At least SEK 7.300:-/month. Proof of funding can be either a scholarship or private means. (Support through guarantor is not acceptable.) Copies of proof are not acceptable.
  
  
• Comprehensive health insurance covering your stay in Sweden and Schengen area, if you intend to study less than one year.
  
  
• 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
  
  
• Self-addressed "Ex-pack 500" envelope if you want to have your passport returned by mail. The "Ex-pack 500" is available in convenience stores and post offices. Please note that the Embassy does not bear responsibility for any delay or losses caused by the postal service or any other courier services.
  

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

Do I have to pay a fee?

The fee for a student residence permit is

• free of charge for Japanese citizen
• non-Japanese:
  adult (over 18 years of age) JPY 13,000.-
  minor (under 18 years of age) JPY 6,400.-

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

Can my wife and children stay in Sweden with me?

Family members wishing to accompany the applicant must submit their own application separately:

• Valid passport (the passport must be valid for the entire planned stay in Sweden) and one copy (data page and stamped page).
  
  
• Completed sets of application forms "Application by co-applicants to students/doctoral students for (DB) and Application for children under 18 year
  
  
• Two passport size photographs (4.5cm X 3.5cm)
  
  
• Proof that you have sufficient funds for your accompanying family members for your entire study period in Sweden e.g. guarantee letter from the main applicant and certificate of bank balance (The required amount is 3,500 SEK/month for accompanying wife, 2,100 SEK/month per child.)

How can I send my application to the Embassy?

If you can not deliver your application in person, you may send the application by courier or by registered mail.  You are responsible for ensuring that the application is delivered to the Embassy; moreover, the Embassy does not notify you that your application has been received. When sending in application, your original passport must be enclosed and if you are a non-Japanese citizen, the application fee is also requested to be enclosed.

Do you keep my passport while my application is on going?

We only keep your passport if you are an exchange student. When you turn in your application in person, we will return your passport after we check your application.  If you turn in your application by post, we will send your passport back few days later, thus, please enclose a self-addressed "Ex-pack 500" envelope.
 
What will happen after my application is accepted?

You will be notified from the Embassy in Tokyo when a decision has been taken. If your application is approved, the Embassy will contact you to bring your passport to issue a residence permit in your passport and you will be informed as to when you can pick up your passport at the Embassy. Should you wish your passport to be returned to you by post, please enclose a self-addressed "Ex-pack 500" envelope. The Embassy is not responsible for any delay or loss that may be caused by the postal service.  Should your application be denied, you will be noticed either by postal mail or fax. Therefore, please do not arrange your transportation to Sweden before you have been informed of your decision.

Whom do I contact for additional information?

You can call the Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo at 03-5562-5050 (choose 27 for consular section) Monday through Friday between 9.00-12.00 except the embassy holidays (E-mail and fax inquiries are not accepted).