Residence Permits

Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries require a residence permit to study and live in Sweden and the process for application can take many months, which makes it important for you to apply as soon as you can.

Requirements for EU/EEA Citizens

If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country, then you do not require a residence permit to study in Sweden. If you are a citizen of Switzerland, you  need a residence permit to study in Sweden unless you plan to study for less than three months.

Requirements for Non-EU/EEA Citizens

If you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country, then you need a residence permit to live and study in Sweden. Please note that you can only apply for a residence permit for studies which physically take place in Sweden; Online courses and degree programmes do not qualify you for a residence permit. 
Due to the current situation we strongly encourage you to apply for a residence permit online as soon as possible as processing times may be delayed.

How to apply for a residence permit

You should apply for a residence permit as soon as you receive your Notification of Selection Results (admissions decision) from universityadmissions.se
The application process for a residence permit normally takes at least two to four months but it can take longer for you to get a decision depending on the circumstances of your application. To prevent delays, be sure to include all the requested documentation when you submit your application.

Step 1. Before you apply for a residence permit, you should pay the tuition fee (if applicable) for the first semester you will be studying at Dalarna University. The Migration Agency will not approve a residence permit application unless the tuition fee has been confirmed as paid by Dalarna University. Please note that Dalarna University sends this confirmation directly to the Migration Agency and you do not need to inform the Migration Agency that you have paid your tuition fees. Learn about paying your tuition fee online via Flywire.

Step 2. Submit the online application for a residence permit via the Migration Agency's website.

In April 2024, the Swedish Migration Agency signed an agreement that Dalarna University students studying two-years or longer can apply for a two-year residence permit in their initial application. If you are going to apply for residence permit for two years, remember that you must show that you can financially support yourself for the entire period for which you are applying for a permit.

When asked to write the address of Dalarna University, please use this address:

Dalarna University
Attn: Tuition Fee Office
79188 Falun

Be sure to read the information under the "Requirements to get a residence permit" before submitting your online application.

Step 3. Submit all required supporting documents to the Migration Agency, as specified by the Migration Agency website.

You may apply for a residence permit for your immediate family members such as minor children (under 18 years old) and a partner/spouse.

Keep in mind that the process of applying for a residence permit for family members can take additional time so you should start this process as soon as possible.


More information is available on the Migration Agency website.
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  1. Proof you will be studying full-time in Sweden

    To get a residence permit to study in Sweden, you must be registered as a full-time student: this means you are registered each semester for 30 credits worth of courses that are taught in campus classrooms. You must submit the document proving you have been admitted to the university: the document might be called "Admission Decision" or "Notification of Selection Results". 
  2. Proof that your tuition fee payment has been received by Dalarna University

    Dalarna University will inform the Migration Agency that your payment has been made. You do not submit any verification of this to the Migration Agency. You may be asked to show proof of payment to the Swedish Embassy and you can show a payment receipt from Flywire or from a bank transfer if someone paid on your behalf from a Swedish bank account.
  3. Demonstrate your intention to study and your in depth knowledge of what you will be studying

    You must be able to demonstrate your study goals and explain your reasons for wanting to study the specific programme that you are admitted to study.
    • In the online application:
      Part of the the online application form for a residence permit includes space for you to give a detailed and clear motivation for why you want to study this programme. You will be expected to explain why this course or programme you will be studying is relevant to your personal and professional goals. You should also explain how your academic and/or work experience prepares you for this course or programme. It is important to be specific and you are encouraged to refer to the programme content.
    • In an interview at the nearest Swedish Embassy:
      If you are requested to go to an interview, you will be asked many questions about your reasons for wanting to study the course or programme to which you are admitted. You may be asked how this study option links to your previous academic and work experience and how it relates to your future career goals. You will be expected to talk in detail about what you will be studying at Dalarna University and show an understanding of the subject area that you will be studying.

      Vague and inconsistent reasons for wanting to study the programme to which you are admitted combined with limited awareness of what you will be studying are the most common reasons students are denied a residence permit so you should really be prepared to talk about the above points in writing and in an interview.
  4. Proof of Finances

    You must also demonstrate that you can support yourself (and any accompanying family members) financially during your studies by providing, for example, a verification of your bank account. The funds must be available to you and not controlled by another person or in assets other than cash.
  5. Proof of Insurance

    If you are studying for longer than 12 months you do not need to submit proof of insruance as you can join the Swedish population registry and get access to Swedish health care.
    If you are studying for less than one year, the Migration Agency requires that you have comprehensive health insurance that is valid in Sweden. The Migration Agency knows that Dalarna University provides this insurance; therefore, you do not need to present documentation of insurance when applying for a residence permit. 
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