student
Content updated 2022-04-07

Student Visa/Residence Permit

Students that are required to have a residence permit or visa to study in Sweden are advised to start the process as soon as possible! Please contact the Swedish embassy and/or consulate to start your application.

Before starting your application, please know whether you need to apply for a visa or study permit.

  • in general, students from countries outside the EU/EEA that are staying for a whole semester or longer at JU (more than 3 months) need to have a residence permit to study in Sweden. Students that are studying here for more than 3 months should not apply for a visa (which is generally for shorter visits), but for a residence permit for studies.

  • If you come from a country that is allowed to visit Sweden for up to 3 months without a visa, you will still need to apply for a residence permit for studies if you are staying longer than 3 months. You need to apply for, and receive, your permit before you travel to Sweden. The permit must be valid and you need to bring it with you when you travel to Sweden.

  • Please note that "mobility studies" (as it is mentioned on the Migration Agency's website) is not the same as regular exchange studies, but rather a very rare exception between two or more academic institutions. Most exchange students should apply for the residence permit for studies and not as a mobility student unless otherwise instructed.

  • At the moment, the application time is longer than usual, so it is very important that you send in your application as soon as possible! We will make sure to process your application and send your Letter of Acceptance as quickly as possible.


To be eligible for a residence permit/visa, you must be admitted to full-time studies for the period that you are here. Full-time study for one semester is equivalent to 30 credits. Please contact the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country for more information. Students are recommended to apply online. More information can be found at the Swedish Migration Agency website.

Find more information here.

Contact us via the links below or visit us during the drop in online or at Service Center

Weekly Drop-in

At Service Center : Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:30 - 12:30

Drop-in online: Thursdays, 11.30-12.30

Send us a case

Outgoing Students: Choose "Outgoing Exchange"

Incoming Students: Choose "Incoming Exchange"