Visa Guidelines - Sweden
The guidelines below apply to students studying in Sweden for a period of over 90 days or for one semester up to one academic year. Please contact Education Abroad if you have any questions.
What is the difference between a visa and a residence permit?
- A visa is a legal document from immigration authorities which shows you have permission to enter the country for a certain amount of time. In the case of Sweden, a visa permits foreigners to enter the country for 90 days on a visa.
- A residence permit allows foreigners to remain in Sweden for a specified purpose (in this case, to study) for a prescribed period of time which exceeds that of a standard 90-day visa. US passport holders do not need a visa to enter Sweden, but must obtain a residence permit in order to study in Sweden past 90 days.
Is a Visa Required for US Citizens?
- No! US Passport Holders are NOT required to apply for a visa in order to enter Sweden.
- If you are not a US passport holder, please click here to see if you need a visa to enter Sweden based on your nationality.
- Yes! An application for a residence is required for US passport holders who are studying abroad at a Swedish higher education institution.
- All nationalities, except for Sweden country citizens, need a residence permit to study in Norway.
- Resident Permit Cost: $140
Important notes
The Swedish Embassy strongly recommends applying for a residence permit on-line through the Swedish Migration Board, and uploading the following documents electronically to your application. If you submit a paper application, you have to send all the required documents to the Embassy. The processing time takes about 2 to 3 months, and costs $140 for US citizens.
List of requirements
- Copy of your valid US passport information pages + 2 blank pages available for the Sweden visa
- Official Acceptance Letter from sponsoring Host university
- Proof of international health insurance (contact Education Abroad for this documentation)
- Bank statement showing that you have the financial means to support yourself o) recent photos in US passport photo format or
- Proof that you have received a scholarship or financial aid, including information about the monthly amount and the period during which you will receive such funds
Application process
Review the following steps on the Swedish Migration Board website for more in-depth information..
- Prepare the documentation listed on the the Swedish Migration Board website.
- Complete and submit your on-line application according to the Swedish Migration Board’s instructions. You attach documents electronically and pay the $140 application fee using one of the following payment types.
- The Swedish Migration Agency processes your application in one to two months, and then notifies you by email to grant you a residence permit.
- You can go to the Swedish Embassy to pick up your residence permit once notified.
- Once the card has arrived there, you can collect it without making an appointment during normal business hours. You must bring your passport with you.
- If you pay a shipping fee the Embassy will send the card to you (see Fee page for shipping cost). If you want to know whether your card has reached the embassy, you can contact the embassy at (202) 467-2600.
Contact Information
Embassy of Sweden, 2900 K Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20007
Tel: (202) 467-2600
Fax: (202) 467-2699
E-mail: ambassaden.washington@gov.se
This page was last updated 8/29/22