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Residence Permits for Students

If you are planning to study at a university, college, upper secondary school or folk high school in Sweden for more than three months, you will need a residence permit.

The permit must be entered in your passport before your arrival in Sweden.

For a stay of less than three months, no residence permit is required. However, foreign nationals of certain countries must obtain visas in order to enter Sweden.

>The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs maintains a list of countries whose citizens must obtain a visa to enter Sweden.

Visas are granted for no longer than three months. If you are a citizen of a country belonging to the EU, please contact the Embassy of Sweden for further details.

When applying for residence permits, different requirements may apply for:

> doctoral studies or research
> college/university studies
> upper secondary or high school (gymnasium)
> continuing or adult education (folkhögskola)

How much does it cost?

A non-refundable application fee of $140 (or $70 for applicants under 18).

How do I submit my application?

Applications with all required documents may be delivered in person during visiting hours or sent directly to the following address:

Consulate General of Sweden
505 Sansome Street, Suite 1010
San Francisco, CA 94111

Please note that you might be requested to provide additional documentation.

How long does it take?

An estimated time of 2-3 months is usually required to process your application.

How long is a permit valid?

If the study period is a year or less, you will be granted a residence permit for the duration of your studies. If the study period is longer than a year you will be granted a permit for one year at a time.

To obtain an extension of your residence permit, you must be able to show that you have performed adequately in your studies. You must also be able to show that you have regularly received money for your upkeep during the time you have spent in Sweden, by producing a bank certificate or a statement of accounts. In addition, you must be able to show that you have been accepted for further studies and that your upkeep remains assured.


 

Consulate General of Sweden San Francisco

  • Postal address:

    Consulate General of Sweden
    505 Sansome Street, Suite 1010
    San Francisco, CA 94111

  • Phone:

    +1 415 788-2631

  • Fax:

    1 415 788-0141