Moving to Malmö

As a citizen of a country within the EU/EEA, you have the right to reside and study in Sweden without a residence permit. 

Swiss citizens

Students from Switzerland who are staying for longer than three months have to apply for a residence permit.

Residence permit Swiss citizens

International and exchange students from outside the EU/EEA who are admitted for studies longer than three months must apply for a residence permit. For studies shorter than three months, an entry visa is required for citizens from certain countries.

For studies longer than three months, students must apply for and have been granted a residence permit before they enter Sweden. In order to get a residence permit in time for the start of the semester, it is essential that you apply no later than 2–3 months before departure.

To be granted a residence permit you must:

• be admitted to full-time studies requiring full-time attendance (distance courses do not fulfil the requirements);
• have paid your tuition fee in due time (not applicable if you are an exchange student);
• have a valid passport; and
• prove that you are able to financially support yourself throughout the planned study period.

Apply for a residence permit on the Migration Agency's website or at the nearest Swedish embassy or consulate.

Swedish Migration Agency's website

Applications for residence permits are processed by the Swedish Migration Agency, not the University. The application for a residence permit is your personal responsibility. For questions and more information regarding individual applications contact the Swedish Migration Agency. 

Extension of residence permit

Make sure to extend your residence permit before the existing permit expires. Please be aware that the waiting time when applying for an extension of a residence permit might be long. You are entitled to stay in Sweden while the permit is being processed. However, if you leave Sweden during this process, you must return before your current residence permit expires or be prepared to wait for your decision outside of Sweden. Please pay attention to this when you are planning your travels.

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country and would like to stay in Sweden and work after your studies, you can apply to extend your residence permit for up to 12 months to look for a job or explore the possibilities of starting your own business. You must apply for this residence permit while you are still in Sweden.

Work permit

Admitted students with a residence permit for studies are allowed to work in Sweden during their period of study. No additional work permit is needed. However, be aware that it is difficult to find a part-time job, especially if you do not speak Swedish. We also remind you that studies are full-time and therefore can be difficult to combine with work.

The European Health Insurance Card is a free card that gives you the right to immediate medical treatment equal to Swedish citizens. If you do not bring this card, you risk having to cover all eventual costs. The card is provided by your national health insurance provider, make sure to get your card in due time before your stay in Sweden.

Starting autumn semester 2020 all non-EU/EEA citizens who are tuition fee-paying students will be insured through The Swedish State’s Insurance for Fee-Paying Students (Kammarkollegiet FAS) during the entire study period, no matter the length of the study programme.

The insurance is defined as a Comprehensive Health Insurance and meets the requirements from the Swedish Migration Agency to get a residence permit in Sweden.

The FAS-insurance covers immediate medical and dental care during your stay, during your travels to Sweden, as well as two weeks before and after the study period.

You normally pay the expenses yourself and get reimbursed after filing a claim.

Read more about the terms and conditions and access the claim form

Regarding non-EU/EEA citizens only

If you have a residence permit valid for at least one year

If you are a bachelor’s student or a two-year master’s student, you are entitled to the same health benefits as Swedish citizens. You must, however, be registered in the population register and have a personal identification number to get access to health services. Most health services require a patient fee that is non-refundable. Please note that dental care is expensive in Sweden, even if you have a personal identification number.

If you have a residence permit valid for less than one year

Fee-paying students on one-year master’s programmes or courses who hold residence permits for less than 12 months are covered by The Swedish State’s Insurance for Fee-Paying Students (FAS).

Read more about the terms and conditions and access the claim form

All incoming exchange students are covered for accidents, liability and legal expenses through the Swedish State’s Insurance for Foreign Students in Sweden (Student IN Insurance).

EU/EEA citizens are covered for emergency medical and dental care through their European Health Insurance Card. Make sure you bring your card with you when you come to Sweden.

Read more about the terms and conditions and access the claim form

Tuition fee-paying students are guaranteed housing from Malmö University during their studies. Exchange students will be offered accommodation according to availability.

More information for fee-paying and exchange students

There are a number of options when it comes to student housing, most student apartments are available through the regional housing agency Boplats Syd. Many students choose to share a place with other students or sublet.

Advice and tips on finding student housing in Malmö