New rules for study permits

Overview 

Effective 11th June 2026, new legislation affecting residence permits for studies in higher education for third-country nationals has entered into force. The regulation impacts employers who have or plan to hire third-country nationals who hold such permits in Sweden.
 

Important changes that will affect employers in Sweden

• Limitations on work alongside studies
  Under previous regulations, third-country nationals with student residence permits were allowed to work in Sweden without restrictions throughout their permit validity. Under the new regulations, this right has been significantly limited. Students may now work a maximum of 15 hours per week. Non-compliance can result in the permit being revoked or denied when applying for an extension. The restriction does not apply to the summer months (June to August).
  
  It is important to note that a residence permit for studies granted before 11 June 2026 cannot be revoked on the grounds that the foreigner has exceeded the working hours limit. However, if the permit is extended, it will be possible to revoke the permit on this ground. 
• Higher requirements for study results when switching to a work permit: 
  The standard requirement is to apply for a residence permit from abroad. However, third-country nationals holding study permits were previously exempted and permitted to switch to a work permit while remaining in Sweden upon completion of 30 credits. This requirement has now increased to finalized higher education equivalent to at least 60 credits (i.e. two semesters of full-time studies or two semesters in doctoral studies). 
   

Deloitte’s comment 

Due to the new rules, employers are now recommended to continuously ensure that their affected employees keep track of their working hours to adhere to the working hours limitations. Failure to track these hours may jeopardize the employees’ permit status, causing compliance issues for the employer. 

The Migration Agency has stated that follow-ups will be made in cases where students earn more than what is standard for part-time working within the field, and that permits may be revoked as a result of non-compliance with the new regulations. The regulations lack flexibility regarding weekly working hour requirements, which could disadvantage both employers and students requiring variable hours (e.g., 30 hours one week, 0 hours the next).
 

If you have questions, you are welcome to contact us:

Martina Ogenhammar Conti
Partner, Head of Immigration - Global Employer Services
mogenhammar@deloitte.se  
+46 70 080 21 60

Kaltrina Abazi
Senior Manager - Global Employer Services
kabazi@deloitte.se 
+46 70 080 32 62

Hanna Blüme
Assistant Manager - Global Employer Services
hblume@deloitte.se 
+46 70 080 24 33

Ellen Reidal
Consultant - Global Employer Services
ereidal@deloitte.se 
+46 70 080 29 75

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