Below comes a brief explanation of the process of applying for a residence permit. For more detailed information and a list of the required documents, please follow the link to the website of the Swedish Migration Agency.

Studying and researching in Sweden - Swedish Migration Agency (migrationsverket.se)

Applying online  

1. Prepare the documentation
2. Apply

Follow the Swedish Migration Agency’s instructions. You attach documents electronically and pay the application fee using a VISA card or a MasterCard. Family members use the same online application if they apply at the same time as you. The online application goes directly to the Swedish Migration Agency for processing followed by a decision.

Online application on the Swedish Migration Agency website

3. Wait for the decision

When the Swedish Migration Agency has reached its decision, you will be informed of this by email. You get the actual decision by visiting the embassy or later at the Migration Agency in Sweden. Bring your passport when collecting the decision.

4. Arrange for a residence permit card

 In order to travel to Sweden you need to have a residence permit card. To arrange for the residence permit card you need to be photographed and fingerprinted for the card at the Embassy. To make an appointment to do so you contact the Embassy via e-mail or by phone. See the contact information.

Applying with a paper application at the embassy

An applicant unable to apply online follow the same steps as above with the following exception.

Instead of step 2. Above, filling in the application form online, you contact the embassy and request an appointment. The Embassy will usually give you an appointment within a week or two.

After getting an appointment from the Embassy, you need to deposit the appropriate application fees by visiting the Standard Chartered Bank (North Gulshan Branch) and then visit the Embassy at the given appointment date.

Bring your prepared documents, payment receipt and your passport in original. The Embassy will register your application and forward it to the Migration Agency in Sweden. The rest of the process is the same as above.

Read more under ‘Fees’.