As a DIS student studying abroad in Sweden, you are required to apply for and obtain a Swedish Visitor’s Permit to reside in Sweden legally.
The guidelines outlined on this page are relevant to students from Entry Visa-Required countries, including China, India, Turkey, Thailand, and Vietnam. If your passport nationality is on this list, you are considered ‘Entry Visa-Required’.
Your Legal Residence Process depends on the passport you enter Sweden with. It is therefore very important to pay attention to your specific process, as it may differ from that of your peers.
Read the information here closely and look out for communications from DIS. We will send you individualized instructions on how to apply for your Swedish Visitor’s Permit. As an entry visa-required student, you are required to obtain your Swedish Visitor’s Permit prior to departure.
Timeline for Your Legal Residence Process as an Entry Visa-Required Student
Your Legal Residence Process consists of the following steps:
Step 1: Submit required documents in DIS Registration
In order to submit your application on your behalf, DIS will require you to upload three documents: 1) a copy of your signed (and valid) passport, 2) a bank statement showing you have at least $3000 in your account, and 3) a copy of a power of Attorney form giving DIS the ability to apply and monitor your application on your behalf.
Note: This Power of Attorney form is only valid for your Residence Permit application and has no bearing on medical or financial situations while abroad.
You will upload these via your DIS Registration.
Step 2: Receive an email from DIS with next steps and a guide to completing the application
About four months before arrival, you will receive detailed instructions from DIS on how to apply for your Swedish Visitor’s Permit. You must submit your application and required supporting documents by the deadline indicated in this email.
It can take at least two months for the Swedish government to approve an application once submitted. If you turn in the paperwork late, your application may not be approved until after you are due to depart for Sweden– in which case you may have to arrive late to the program. It might also impact how soon you will be invited to visit the Swedish Embassy to complete your biometrics.
Step 3: DIS Submits your Swedish Visitor’s Permit application on your behalf
DIS will compile the necessary documents you submitted in addition to a few other documents, then submit the completed online application via the E-Service so the Embassy can start their review and processing. For this reason, we only want you to follow the process outlined by DIS.
Step 4: Visit the Swedish Embassy in Washington D.C. to complete your in-person Biometrics Appointment
You will receive an invitation to book your biometrics appointment from the Swedish Embassy via email after your application has been submitted online and before final approval. You will then choose a date and time that works for you to complete this step.
Step 5: Receiving approval and your Residence Permit
Once your permit is approved, you’ll receive your Swedish Residence Permit card in the mail. It takes 2-3 weeks for you to receive the card after you receive your approval letter. You will need the Residence Permit cardit to enter Sweden.
Important: You must submit your application to DIS by the deadline indicated in the email. The entire application process can take up to two months to complete. Contact DIS by calling 800-247-3477 or email DIS@DISabroad.org if you have questions.