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Visiting researchers

You must have a residence permit if you wish to as a visiting researchers in Sweden for a period exceeding three months.  In order to be included in the visiting researchers category you must have a university or college education which qualifies you for access to postgraduate studies. The purpose of your stay must be to take part in research work and the research organisation must be approved by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education (Högskoleverket).
Visiting researchers who will work in Sweden for a period shorter than three months do not need a residence permit  Citizens of certain countries must however have a visa in order to be allowed to enter Sweden, see link in the right-hand column.

Requirements to be granted a residence permit


In order to be granted a permit you must have:  
  • a valid passport
  • a hosting agreement with an approved research organisation. 

Hosting agreement


The hosting agreement must show that the visiting researcher has undertaken to conduct a research assignment and that the research organisation hosts the visiting researcher. It must be signed by both parties.

The hosting agreement must also contain details of:

  • Purpose, duration and funding of the research project
  • The visiting researcher´s qualifications to complete the assignment
  • The visiting researcher´s terms and conditions of engagement
  • Comprehensive health insurance if the researcher will stay for less than one year in Sweden
  • Sufficient funds for maintenance of the visiting researcher during the stay in Sweden and for the return journey. For more information about the amounts applicable, see the website of the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education at www.hsv.se

Applying for a residence permit


You must apply for a residence permit from your native country or other country outside Sweden where you are living. 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.
 

Ways of applying


You can apply on the Migration Board's website or at a Swedish embassy or consulate in the country you are living in. You must use the form  Application for a residence permit for a visiting researcher, no. 127011.

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


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
  • Hosting agreement, the form no. 231011.
  • A receipt of paid application fee

If you plan to work for less than three months and need an entry visa, you must also enclose two photographs in passport format. They must be taken from the front and not be older than six months.

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.

If you are granted a residence permit


The decision will be sent to the embassy or consulate where you applied or that you specified when you applied via the website. If you have applied via the website you will be given notice via e-mail from the Swedish Migration Board.

If you have not previously been photographed and had your fingerprints taken, you will need to visit a Swedish mission abroad to do so. Once the residence permit card is ready, the mission abroad will issue, or in certain cases send, the card to you.

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 and your family have good insurance cover when you travel to Sweden.  

Permit validity period  


The Swedish Migration Board normally grants a permit for at least one year at a time or for the period covered by the hosting agreement. 
 
Extending the permit
Here you can read about how you can apply for an extension of your permit.
After 48 months you may be granted a permanent residence permit.

Permits for family members


Your husband/wife, common law spouse and unmarried children under 18 are eligible for residence permits for the same period as you. Your husband/wife or common law spouse may also be granted work permits if the you have been granted a permit for at least six months.

When your family applies for residence permits they should use the form Application by co-applicants to employees/visiting researchers/athletes/au pairs/self-employed persons, no. 133011. 

Right to appeal


If the Swedish Migration Board rejects your application for a residence permit, you may appeal the decision within three weeks of the date you were given the decision. Send your appeal to the Swedish Migration Board. If the Board upholds its decision to reject your application, your appeal will be forwarded to the Migration Court at one of the three administrative courts, in either Stockholm, Göteborg or Malmö. Which court will hear your appeal depends on which Permit Unit rejected your application.

If you have given power of attorney (and thus the right to represent you) to someone in Sweden, that person can write and submit the appeal for you.

Page updated: 2011-11-07