New migration regulations for researchers and doctoral students
The Swedish government is introducing new migration rules for doctoral students and researchers. The rules will take effect on 11 June 2026.
The regulatory framework for doctoral students and researchers is improved in several respects:
- Doctoral students can now be granted a residence permit for research as an alternative to a permit for doctoral studies.
- A permanent residence permit may be granted after three years of continuous permits (previously four years), provided that the maintenance requirement is met. This applies to permits for research, doctoral studies, and the EU Blue Card.
- The period of residence permits to seek employment after completing research or doctoral studies is extended from 12 to 18 months.
- Family members are given greater opportunities to change permit type without leaving Sweden.
- A new D visa is introduced, facilitating travel abroad while an extension application is being processed.
Visiting doctoral students are also covered by improvements, as they can be granted a residence permit for research instead of only a visitor’s permit. In addition, individuals from Ukraine are given the opportunity to switch from protection under the Temporary Protection Directive to other types of permits without leaving Sweden.
As of 1 June 2026, a new option was introduced allowing individuals to switch from a residence permit to seek employment after completing studies or research to a residence permit for research or doctoral studies without leaving Sweden.
The Swedish Migration Agency’s service commitment of a 30-day processing time will continue to apply to all applications for residence permits for doctoral studies or research, as well as for work permits for highly skilled workers.
More information on New rules for researchers and doctoral students – Swedish Migration Agency