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Pupil exchange

If you are planning to study as an exchange pupil in Sweden for longer than three months, you must have a residence permit.

If you are a citizen in a EU/EEA country special rules apply, see page for EU citizens.

For studies that are shorter than three months, citizens in certain countries must have an entry visa; see link in the right column. You may not work without a work permit during your study period. If you are applying for a work permit, see the page on work permits.

A residence permit for study purposes is temporary. Even if your stay has lasted for several years, you will normally not be allowed to reside in Sweden.

Those who receive a residence permit will be given a residence permit card. The card is proof of your residence permit. When you enter Sweden, you must therefore show your card along with a valid passport.

Requirements to be granted a residence permit


To be granted a residence permit you must:
  • have a valid passport
  • be admitted to full-time studies in an organised exchange programme
  • have a contact person at the organisation in Sweden
  • have consent from your guardians if you are under 18.

You cannot be granted a residence permit for studies that:

  • are only in preparation for further studies in Sweden
  • are directed towards further activities in Sweden
  • require you to take up permanent residence in Sweden.

Approved organisations in Sweden


Examples of approved organisations in Sweden.
  • AFS Intercultural studies
  • Aspect
  • EF Education
  • International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE)
  • Rotary
  • Youth for Understanding (YFU)
  • Scandinavian Seminar
  • Student Travel Schools (STS)

The Migration Board can also, following special examination, issue a residence permit if another organisation or a host family has arranged the exchange. You must prove that you:

  • are admitted to studies
  • have an invite from a host family along with pocket money for your stay in Sweden.

Applying for a residence permit


You apply at a Swedish embassy or consulate in the country you are living in. You must use the form Application for residence permit for students and doctoral students, no. 105031.

In order for the Migration Board to be able to issue a residence permit card, you will be photographed and will need to submit fingerprints in connection with

  • submitting your application or
  • when you receive your residence permit
 

Make sure your application is complete


Make sure that you answer all questions in the questionnaire on the application form. You must also enclose all necessary documents so that your application is complete, otherwise there is a risk that the processing of your application will be delayed and you will not receive a decision in time.

Enclose the following documents with your application:

  • copies of the pages of your passport that show your identity, the validity period of your passport and whether you have permits to be in countries other than your native country
  • two photographs in passport format, taken from the front and that are not more than six months old
  • a certificate from the organisation in Sweden stating that you have been admitted to full-time study.

You do not need to enclose any school reports or grades.
 

Check the requirements of Swedish missions abroad


Note that the embassy or consulate where you submit your application may require additional documents. You will find more information and contact information on the website of the relevant embassy. Click on the link in the right column to find the appropriate embassy.
 

Application fee


Most people have to pay an application fee, see page on fees. If your application is refused, your money will not be returned. You must also pay a fee when you apply for an extension to your permit.
 

Permit validity period


The longest residence permit you can get is for one year.
 

Important to remember


People who stay in Sweden for a period that is shorter than one year are not entitled to the same welfare benefits as those who reside here. It is therefore important that you have good insurance cover when you travel to Sweden.
 

If you are granted a residence permit


An embassy or consulate can approve residence permits for exchange pupils. If an in-depth study is required, the Swedish Migration Board will make the relevant decision. You will be informed of the decision by the embassy or consulate where you submitted the application. If you have not previously been photographed and had your fingerprints taken, you will need to visit the embassy to do so. Once the residence permit card is ready, the embassy or consulate will issue, or in certain cases send, the card to you.
Page updated: 2012-01-25