On 11 June 2026, Sweden implemented one of the most significant reforms to its immigration framework for international students, doctoral students and researchers in recent years. The legislative amendments introduced stricter rules for residence permits granted for higher education studies while simultaneously improving conditions for researchers and doctoral candidates.

For higher education students, the reforms include a new 15-hour weekly work limit during academic semesters, stricter requirements for academic progress, tighter rules governing the transition from a student residence permit to a work permit, and new administrative obligations such as mandatory address notification.

Conversely, the reforms seek to make Sweden more attractive to international researchers and doctoral students by introducing more favourable residence permit rules, expanding opportunities to remain in Sweden after completing research or doctoral studies, and simplifying several procedural requirements.

This article provides a legal analysis of these reforms based on the legislative history, the amended Aliens Act, and the Swedish Migration Agency’s published guidance. It also discusses practical issues that are not expressly addressed in the legislation but are likely to arise in practice.

1. Introduction

International students, doctoral candidates and researchers play an important role in Sweden’s higher education sector, research environment and labour market. At the same time, the Swedish Government has expressed concerns that residence permits granted for studies have, in some cases, been used for purposes other than genuine academic study.

To address these concerns while maintaining Sweden’s attractiveness for highly qualified researchers, the Government introduced a comprehensive package of legislative reforms. The reforms pursue two principal objectives.

First, they strengthen immigration control by ensuring that residence permits for higher education are used primarily for their intended purpose, namely genuine studies.

Secondly, they improve Sweden’s competitiveness in attracting international researchers and doctoral candidates through more favourable immigration rules.

The legislative amendments entered into force on 11 June 2026 and apply primarily through amendments to the Aliens Act (2005:716) and related legislation.

2. Legislative Background

The reforms originate from the Government’s legislative proposal: Government Bill (Proposition) 2025/26:146 – Bättre migrationsrättsliga regler för forskare och doktorander samt åtgärder för att motverka missbruk av uppehållstillstånd för studier. The Bill was presented by the Government on 24 February 2026. The proposal was subsequently examined by the Social Insurance Committee, which issued Committee Report (Betänkande) 2025/26:SfU23.

The Committee recommended that Parliament adopt the Government’s proposals. The Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) subsequently approved the legislative amendments. The reforms entered into force on 11 June 2026.

The principal legislation affected includes the following:

• Aliens Act (2005:716) (Utlänningslagen)
• Aliens Ordinance (2006:97)
• Act (2008:290) concerning the approval of research principals to receive visiting researchers
• Related provisions concerning residence permits for studies, researchers and doctoral students.

The Government explained that the reforms seek to balance two important policy objectives. On the one hand, Sweden should remain an attractive destination for highly qualified researchers and doctoral candidates. On the other hand, residence permits granted for studies should not be used primarily as a route into the labour market without genuine academic participation.

3. Purpose of the Reform

According to the Government, several developments justified legislative intervention.

Among the concerns identified were:

• residence permits for studies being used primarily for employment rather than education;
• insufficient academic progression during the permit period;
• the ease with which some applicants could transition from studies to employment without completing their education;
• administrative shortcomings regarding students’ residence information.

Conversely, the Government recognised that Sweden competes internationally for highly qualified researchers. Accordingly, the reforms introduce stricter rules for ordinary higher education students while simultaneously creating more favourable immigration conditions for researchers and doctoral students. This dual approach reflects the Government’s objective of strengthening immigration control without reducing Sweden’s international competitiveness in research and innovation.

4. Scope of the Legislative Changes

The reforms affect several categories of foreign nationals. The principal groups include:

A. Higher Education Students

The amendments introduce the following:

• a 15-hour weekly work limit during semesters;
• stricter study progress requirements;
• new rules governing applications for residence permits after completed studies;
• stricter rules for changing from a student residence permit to a work permit;
• mandatory address notification requirements;
• broader possibilities for revocation where permit conditions are not fulfilled.

B. Doctoral Students

The legislation introduces several improvements for doctoral candidates, including:

• more favourable residence permit arrangements;
• simplified procedures in certain situations;
• improved opportunities to remain in Sweden following completion of doctoral studies.

C. Researchers

Researchers also benefit from:

• improved residence permit rules;
• longer opportunities to remain in Sweden after research activities;
• greater flexibility concerning applications from within Sweden;
• improved legal certainty regarding residence status.

5. New Rules for Higher Education Students

The most significant practical changes concern students enrolled in higher education institutions. These amendments affect both new applicants and, in some circumstances, students already studying in Sweden.

The principal changes concern: employment during studies; academic progression; switching to work permits; residence permits after completed studies; administrative obligations; compliance with permit conditions.

Each of these changes is examined separately below.

6. New Restrictions on Working During Studies

One of the most significant reforms introduced by the 2026 legislation is the restriction on employment during studies.

From 11 June 2026, students holding residence permits for first-cycle (Bachelor’s) and second-cycle (Master’s) higher education are generally permitted to work a maximum of 15 hours per week during academic semesters. This represents a major departure from the previous position, under which there was no statutory limit on working hours during studies. The reform aims to ensure that study remains the primary purpose of the residence permit and to reduce the misuse of study permits as an alternative route into the labour market.

Full-time work remains permitted in specific circumstances, including:

• during June, July and August;
• where the work forms part of the student’s education, such as compulsory internships;
• certain university-related activities, including research, teaching assistance, university administration and student representation.

7. Transitional Provisions

The reforms are not fully retrospective.

Students whose residence permits were granted before 11 June 2026 are generally not subject to:

• the 15-hour weekly work limitation;
• the stricter academic progress requirements; or
• the new obligation to notify the Swedish Migration Agency of their address,

for the duration of their current residence permit. These new rules generally become applicable when such students later apply for an extension of their student residence permit. However, the published guidance does not expressly explain how the new work restrictions apply during the period in which a timely extension application is pending. This remains a practical issue that may require clarification from the Swedish Migration Agency in individual cases.

8. Stricter Rules for Changing from a Student Permit to a Work Permit

The reforms also introduce stricter conditions for students wishing to change from a student residence permit to a work permit while remaining in Sweden.

A student may apply from within Sweden only if, among other requirements:

• the higher education programme corresponding to at least two semesters has been completed;
• the application is submitted before the current residence permit expires;
• all ordinary work permit requirements are satisfied, including salary, insurance and employment conditions.

This represents an important change.

Previously, practical discussions often focused primarily on the number of credits completed. Under the amended legislation, the emphasis is placed on completion of the higher education programme, rather than simply accumulating academic credits.

9. Residence Permit After Completed Studies

Students who successfully complete an eligible higher education programme may apply for a residence permit to seek employment, or explore opportunities to establish a business in Sweden.

Applicants must satisfy the statutory conditions governing such permits, including making the application before the expiry of their existing residence permit.

10. Stricter Academic Progress Requirements

The legislative amendments also tighten the assessment of academic progress. The Swedish Migration Agency must now assess more rigorously whether the student has demonstrated acceptable progress in studies when considering applications for extension.

This amendment reflects the Government’s view that residence permits should continue to be granted only where studies are progressing satisfactorily and remain the principal purpose of the person’s stay in Sweden.

11. New Address Notification Requirement

Another administrative obligation introduced by the reforms is the requirement for students to notify the Swedish Migration Agency of their residential address.

Students must notify the Agency within the prescribed period after arriving in Sweden, or changing address while residing in Sweden.

This obligation generally applies to permits granted under the new legislative framework from 11 June 2026.

12. Doctoral Students and Researchers

While the reforms introduce stricter requirements for ordinary higher education students, they simultaneously improve Sweden’s immigration framework for researchers and doctoral students.

The Government considered that Sweden should remain internationally competitive in attracting highly qualified researchers while addressing misuse of ordinary study permits. Accordingly, the legislation introduces several favourable changes.

The principal reforms include the following:

• doctoral students may now, in appropriate cases, be granted residence permits for research, rather than only residence permits for studies;
• researchers and doctoral students may qualify for permanent residence more quickly, subject to the statutory conditions;
• residence permits to seek employment after completed research or doctoral studies may be granted for up to 18 months, instead of the previous 12 months;
• expanded opportunities for researchers, doctoral students and certain accompanying family members to apply for residence permits from within Sweden.

The Government regarded these amendments as essential to improving Sweden’s attractiveness as a destination for international research and innovation while maintaining appropriate immigration control.

13. Revocation of a Student Residence Permit

The 2026 reforms also strengthen the Swedish Migration Agency’s ability to take action where the conditions of a residence permit are no longer fulfilled.

A residence permit may be affected where, for example:

• the student no longer genuinely pursues the approved course of study;
• the conditions attached to the residence permit are no longer satisfied;
• false or misleading information has been provided; or
• other statutory grounds for revocation exist under the Aliens Act.

The legislative intention is to ensure that residence permits granted for studies continue to serve their intended purpose throughout the permit period. These amendments complement the new work restrictions and stricter academic progress requirements by providing stronger enforcement mechanisms where permit conditions are breached. (Prop. 2025/26:146)

14. Practical Legal Issues

Although the legislation and the Swedish Migration Agency’s published guidance explain the principal reforms, several practical questions remain.

These questions have already arisen in practice and may require individual assessment by the Swedish Migration Agency until further guidance or case law becomes available.

A. 120 ECTS Programme but Degree Awarded After 60 ECTS

One issue concerns students admitted to a 120 ECTS Master’s programme, where the university’s regulations provide that a recognised Master of Science (60 ECTS) degree may be awarded after successful completion of the first academic year. The legislation states that the student must have completed a higher education programme corresponding to at least two semesters.

Where a university officially awards a recognised Master’s degree after 60 ECTS completed over two semesters, this may support the argument that the programme has been completed for immigration purposes. However, this cannot be regarded as automatic where the original residence permit was granted for a 120 ECTS programme.

The Swedish Migration Agency may also consider the conditions under which the original residence permit was granted. Accordingly, applicants should not assume that the university’s academic rules alone determine their immigration status.

B. University Regulations and Immigration Law Are Different

A distinction should always be made between the university’s academic regulations governing the award of qualifications, and the Swedish Migration Agency’s assessment under the Aliens Act.

A university may lawfully award a recognised Master’s degree after 60 ECTS.

However, whether this satisfies the immigration requirements for a subsequent residence permit is a separate legal assessment to be made by the Swedish Migration Agency under immigration legislation.

C. Early Completion of Studies

Another practical issue concerns students who complete their studies earlier than anticipated.

For example, a student may complete all academic requirements after one year, even though the residence permit was originally granted for a longer programme. The legislation and published guidance do not expressly explain every consequence of such circumstances.

Questions may arise regarding the student’s immigration status following completion; the timing of any subsequent application; eligibility to apply from within Sweden; and the legal basis upon which the person may remain in Sweden.

Applicants should therefore ensure that any subsequent application is submitted under the correct legal basis and within the applicable time limits.

D. Pending Extension Applications

Another issue concerns students who apply for an extension of their residence permit before the existing permit expires. The general principle under Swedish immigration law is that a person who submits a timely application may remain in Sweden while awaiting a decision.

However, the published guidance relating to the 2026 reforms does not expressly explain how the new 15-hour work limitation applies during the pending period following a timely extension application. Until further clarification becomes available, this issue should be assessed cautiously.

15. Practical Advice for Students

Students affected by the 2026 reforms should carefully consider the following practical points:

• Ensure that studies remain the primary purpose of the residence permit.
• Do not exceed the permitted working hours where the 15-hour limitation applies.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout the permit period.
• Notify the Swedish Migration Agency of any required change of address.
• If planning to change from a student residence permit to a work permit, ensure that the relevant higher education programme has been completed and that all work permit requirements are satisfied.
• Where uncertainty exists regarding programme completion, early graduation, or eligibility to apply from within Sweden, obtain clarification directly from the Swedish Migration Agency before submitting an application.

16. Conclusion

The reforms introduced on 11 June 2026 represent the most comprehensive changes to Sweden’s student residence permit system in recent years. The amendments establish a clearer distinction between residence permits intended primarily for studies and residence permits intended for employment, while simultaneously improving Sweden’s legal framework for researchers and doctoral students.

For higher education students, the reforms introduce a statutory limit on employment during studies; stricter academic progress requirements; tighter rules for changing from a student residence permit to a work permit; additional administrative obligations; and stronger compliance measures.

Conversely, doctoral students and researchers benefit from more favourable immigration rules intended to strengthen Sweden’s position as an international destination for research and innovation.

Although the principal legislative framework is now clear, several practical issues remain unresolved. In particular, questions concerning programme completion, early graduation, 120 ECTS programmes that award a recognised 60 ECTS Master’s degree, and the interaction between university regulations and immigration law are likely to require further clarification through future guidance or case law.

Until such clarification is available, applicants should exercise caution and seek confirmation from the Swedish Migration Agency where uncertainty exists.

References

• Government Bill (Prop. 2025/26:146), Bättre migrationsrättsliga regler för forskare och doktorander samt åtgärder för att motverka missbruk av uppehållstillstånd för studier.
• Social Insurance Committee Report (Bet. 2025/26:SfU23).
• Decision of the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) approving the legislative amendments, effective 11 June 2026.
• Aliens Act (2005:716) (Utlänningslagen), as amended by the 2026 reforms.
• Swedish Migration Agency, New rules for residence permits for studies in higher education, effective 11 June 2026.
• Swedish Migration Agency, New rules for researchers and doctoral students, effective 11 June 2026.

Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice. Every immigration case is different, and the outcome depends on the individual facts, evidence and the law applicable at the time the decision is made.