Information on how to apply for a residence or work permit
Sweden distinguishes between different permits depending on the employment content (percent research) and purpose (research vs doctoral studies, employment or visits). for first-time applications generally you must in general be outside of Sweden before you receive the decision.
Non-EU/EEA nationals will find information about
- Residence permit for research
- Work permit
- Residence permit for doctoral studies
As a researcher, you can also be granted a residence permit if you have a residence permit for research in another EU country and are going to conduct part of your research in Sweden over a lengthy period of time.
Residence permit for research
For non EU/EEA nationals who will conduct research duties of 50% or more during their time in Sweden. the permit is based on a Hosting Agreement with a research principal.
Key requirements
- Have a valid passport
- A signed Hosting Agreement with a research principal approved by the Swedish Research Council
- At least 50% of working hours must be research
- Have sufficient financial means to support yourself
- Fully covered health insurance if staying shorter than 1 year
Family members
- Spouse/partner and children under 18 years of age may apply together with the applicant
- Family members and children who will turn 16 during the current year and who are granted residence permit may work in Sweden
Can I be in Sweden while waiting for my decision?
For most first-time applications, you must be outside Sweden when you receive a decision, unless you do a change of status from:
- Permit for higher education studies.
- Residence permit for research in another EU member state and intend to conduct part of your research in Sweden.
- Permit for work or to run your own business.
If you are applying from within Sweden, you must submit your application before your permit expires, and the conditions for the previous permit must have been met.
Read more on Apply for a residence permit for research (Migrationsverket)
Work permit
If your employment will consist of less than 50% research, you should apply for a work permit. This applies to, for example, university teachers and other academic staff with limited research duties and technical and administrative staff.
It is the employer that initiate the application process with the Swedish Migration Agency.
Key requirements
- Hold a valid passport
- Have a concrete job offer and employment contract for longer period than 3 months
- You have applied and been approved for a work permit before entry into Sweden
Family members
- Spouse/partner and children under 21 years of age can apply together with the applicant
- If your family is granted residence permits, your adult family members and children who will turn 16 during the current year are permitted to work
Can I be in Sweden while waiting for a decision?
If you are applying for a work permit for the first time, you must do so from outside Sweden, otherwise your application may be rejected, unlessany of the following describes your situation:
- You have a work permit but need to apply for a new one because you have changed profession or employer.
- You have a residence permit for studies at a university or in a higher education programme at a university or university college.
- You have a residence permit to look for work after completing your studies.
- You have entered Sweden to visit an employer. This only applies to professions in which there is a high demand for labour.
- You have a residence permit for highly qualified individuals, to look for work or investigate the possibilities of starting a business in Sweden.
You must apply for a work permit before your current residence permit expires.
Residence permit for doctoral studies
If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA, you will in most cases need a residence permit to study in Sweden. If you will be studying in Sweden for less than three months, you should not apply for a residence permit.
Key requirements
- Have a valid passport
- Have been admitted to full-time doctoral studies at a Swedish university
- Be able to support yourself
- For studies shorter than 12 months, you need to have applied for a comprehensive health insurance (If your studies will last for at least one year, you should register in Sweden’s population register. This will give you access to health and medical care and dental care)
Family members
- Spouses/registered partners and children under the age of 18 can apply at the same time as you
Can I be in Sweden while waiting for a decision?
Please find more information on Permit for doctoral studies at Apply for a residence permit for doctoral studies (Migrationsverket)
Extend a residence or work permit
Find more information for each permit category under respektive link. Please make sure to apply for an extension before the current one expires. Also make sure that your passport is valid. A residence or work permit cannot be granted longer than your passport is valid.
Who can do research in Sweden without a permit
Researchers or teachers in higher education for a brief period - maximum of three months in total
Researchers or teachers in higher education who will be participating in research, teaching or lecture activities can work in Sweden without a work permit for a total of no more thanthree months in a twelve-month period. However, individuals from certain countries may need a entry visa to travel to Sweden.
Researchers who will be performing part of their research in Sweden - maximum of 180 days
Researchers with a residence permit for research in another EU country, but who will be performing part of their research for an approved research organisation in Sweden, can work in Sweden without a work permit for a maximum of 180 days in a 360-day period.
Read more about Entry visas on Entry conditions and visas