Residence and formalities for students in Europe

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens have a right of residence (uppehållsrätt) in Sweden as students – you don't need a visa or a residence permit.

If your studies will last at least a year, you register in the population register with the Swedish Tax Agency, Skatteverket. Once registered, you get a Swedish personal identity number, the personnummer – you will need it at the bank, at the doctor's and for work. To register you need:

• an identity document,
• proof of your studies – a certificate of registration or your admission decision,
• information showing that you can support yourself during your studies.

You also have to go in person to a government service office (servicekontor) to verify your identity – book the visit in advance. If you study for less than 12 months (e.g. two semesters, 60 hp), Skatteverket will ask what you plan to do after your studies.

Students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland need a residence permit for higher education studies from the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket). You apply online (or on paper at a Swedish embassy or consulate) once you have been admitted to full-time studies and have paid your first tuition fee – only then are you considered finally admitted. The fee is SEK 1,500 for adults. You must show that you can support yourself for the whole permit period: at least SEK 10,656 a month if you apply in 2026. If your studies last less than a year, you also need comprehensive health insurance covering emergency and other medical care, hospitalisation and emergency dental care. If your permit is for a year or more, you register with Skatteverket in the same way as described above.

Health insurance: if you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).