New rules for residence permits for studies in higher education
The Swedish Parliament has decided on new rules for those who have or are going to apply for a residence permit for studies in higher education. The rules mean, among other things, limitations on work alongside your studies, higher requirements for study results, and that you must notify the Swedish Migration Agency of your address.
On 11 June, new rules come into force for those who are going to apply for or have a residence permit for studies in higher education at first- or second-cycle level. They also apply to your family members in certain situations.
Limited possibility to work alongside your studies
According to the new rules, you are no longer allowed to work without limitations alongside your studies. You may only work to the extent permitted by the rules. The starting point is a maximum of 15 hours a week during semesters.
During the summer months of June, July, and August, however, you may work without limitations.
If you work too much, you can lose your residence permit
If you work more than the rules permit, it can lead to your residence permit being revoked or affect your possibility to receive an extended residence permit.
Higher requirements for study results
Even today, the student must show that he/she is making acceptable progress in his/her studies to receive an extended residence permit. From 11 June, the requirements for making acceptable progress during full-time studies are tightened to 37.5 credits during the first year of study and 45 credits per year of study from the second year of study onwards.
If you do not make sufficient progress in your studies, it can lead to your residence permit being revoked or affect your possibility to receive an extended residence permit.
You must notify your address
From 11 June, it becomes a requirement that you notify the Swedish Migration Agency of your address within 30 days. You must notify your address both when you receive a residence permit and when you change address in Sweden.
If your population registration is completed, you are not covered by this obligation to notify.
If you have a residence permit today and received it before 11 June 2026, the requirement to notify your address does not apply until you extend your permit.
It will be harder to change to another permit in Sweden
You who currently hold a residence permit for studies need to meet higher requirements from 11 June to be able to apply for certain other residence permits from within Sweden. This applies, for example, if you want to apply for a work permit. With the new rules, you must as a general rule have completed a programme at a university or university college corresponding to at least two semesters.
This applies to your family members
If your family members have a residence permit based on your residence permit, their permit can be revoked if the ties to you cease or if your own residence permit is revoked.
You who received a residence permit before 11 June
If you received your residence permit before 11 June 2026, the following does not apply:
- the limitation that students at first- or second-cycle level are
only allowed to work a maximum of 15 hours per week - the increased requirement for acceptable progress in studies
- the obligation to notify the Swedish Migration Agency of your address.
If you later apply to extend your residence permit, you will, on the other hand, need to meet these requirements.
The rules apply to everyone who receives a decision from 11 June onwards
If you apply before 11 June, but the Swedish Migration Agency makes a decision on 11 June or later, the new rules apply to you.