Sweden’s post-study job-seeker permit

Purpose of the permit

Finishing your studies in Sweden doesn’t have to mean leaving immediately. If you have completed a higher education programme here, you can apply for a temporary residence permit to stay and look for work or explore starting a business.

This permit bridges the transition between student life and professional life in Sweden, allowing you to remain in the country to search for employment or develop your own company.

It is intended for non-EU/EEA graduates who have completed at least two semesters at a recognised Swedish university or higher education institution.

Your student residence permit must still be valid when you apply. The permit cannot be extended — once it expires, you must leave Sweden or apply for another permit type such as a work or self-employment permit.

Who can apply

You may qualify if all of the following apply:

You hold a valid passport that covers the entire intended stay.
You have completed a higher education programme in Sweden of at least two semesters.
You plan to seek employment or prepare to start a business in Sweden.
You can support yourself financially for the full duration of your stay.
You have comprehensive health insurance if your total time with residence permits in Sweden is under one year.
You apply before your student residence permit expires.

Migrationsverket will assess each of these conditions based on your submitted documents.

Maintenance requirement 2025

You must show that you have enough funds to cover your living costs during your stay. For 2025, the monthly maintenance amounts are as follows:

For a single applicant: 10,584 SEK per month
Add for a spouse or cohabiting partner: 4,410 SEK per month
Add for each child: 2,646 SEK per month

If you receive free accommodation or meals, you may deduct:

4,704 SEK per month for housing
2,940 SEK per month for food

Your funds must be freely available in your own bank account. Bank statements should show your name, balance, currency, and date, and must cover the entire period you are applying for.

Example
If you apply for six months as a single applicant, you need at least 10,584 × 6 = 63,504 SEK.
If applying as a couple for twelve months, you need (10,584 + 4,410) × 12 = about 180,000 SEK.

Having a small buffer above the minimum is recommended, as the agency may verify balances and transaction history.

Duration and extensions

The permit can be granted for up to 12 months, depending on your passport validity and planned stay.

It cannot be renewed or extended. Once you find employment or start a company, you must apply for a new work or self-employment permit before your current one expires.

Applying while still in Sweden helps you maintain continuous legal residence.

Fees and processing time

The application fee in 2025 is 1,500 SEK for adults and 750 SEK for children under 18.
Payment is made within the online application.

Processing times vary, but current estimates suggest around four to five months.
You may remain in Sweden legally while waiting for a decision, as long as your application was submitted before your student permit expired.

Health insurance and registration

If your total time with residence permits in Sweden is under one year, you must hold valid comprehensive health insurance for your entire stay.

If your total permitted stay reaches at least one year, you may be eligible to register in the Swedish Population Register (folkbokföring). Registration gives access to national healthcare, Försäkringskassan, and the ability to obtain a Swedish ID card and BankID.

Ensure your insurance clearly shows coverage in Sweden or the EU, the duration, and maximum medical costs covered.

Family members

Your spouse, registered or cohabiting partner, and children under 18 can apply to join you.
Their applications should be submitted at the same time as yours or while your case is in process.

Each dependent increases your total maintenance requirement. Partners and older children (over 16) are normally allowed to work if their permits are granted.

Provide supporting documents such as marriage or birth certificates, along with passports and proof of funds.

Required documents

Prepare and attach complete, clear copies of the following:

Passport showing personal details, validity, and any stamps or visas.
Degree certificate or transcript proving your studies are completed in Sweden.
Proof of funds for the full stay.
Proof of valid health insurance if required.
Relationship documents for family members, such as marriage or birth certificates.
Certified translations if documents are not in Swedish or English.

Ensure all names, dates, and document details match exactly. Even small inconsistencies can delay the decision.

How to apply

Prepare your documents early. Collect degree certificates, updated bank statements, and proof of insurance before your student permit expires.
Apply online through Migrationsverket’s e-service “After your studies”. You can include family members in the same submission.
Pay the fee during the online process.
Save your case number and control number to track updates.
Respond promptly if Migrationsverket asks for more information or documents.

Once your application is submitted, you can legally stay in Sweden until a decision is made.

While waiting for a decision

You can stay in Sweden while your case is being processed. However, if you plan to travel abroad, note that returning may be difficult until your new residence card is issued.

If travel is necessary, contact Migrationsverket before leaving Sweden. Many delays occur when applicants leave the country before biometrics are recorded or a decision is made.

Common mistakes that cause delays or refusals

Applying after your student residence permit has expired.
Submitting bank statements that lack your name or currency.
Showing insufficient funds for the full duration.
Forgetting health insurance when total stay is less than one year.
Attempting to extend this permit instead of switching to a work permit.
Confusing this graduate permit with the separate nine-month “look for work or start a business” permit for applicants outside Sweden.

Careful preparation and complete documents prevent most rejections.

Understanding the two "look for work" routes

There are two permits with similar names, but they apply to different groups:

Graduate job-seeker permit
• Apply inside Sweden
• For students who completed higher education here
• Valid for up to 12 months

Nine-month job-seeker permit
• Apply from outside Sweden
• For highly qualified professionals educated abroad
• Valid for up to 9 months

The graduate permit applies only to those who already hold a Swedish student residence permit.

Key takeaway

The post-study job-seeker permit allows international graduates to remain in Sweden for up to a year to look for employment or explore starting a business.

To succeed:

Apply before your student permit expires.
Ensure your financial proof, passport, and insurance cover the full period.
Keep your documentation clear, consistent, and complete.

Once you secure a job, apply for a work permit promptly to continue your stay without interruption.