Sweden & Russia

How to apply

Most people applying for a residence permit to study at a university or college in Sweden can use the online application on the Swedish Migration Agency website.

If you are applying online, are granted a residence permit and do not need a visa to enter Sweden, you do not normally have to visit the embassy. Regardless of how you apply, your residence permit must have been granted before you leave for Sweden.

Applying online 

How to proceed (for applications on paper forms, see further down):

1. Prepare the documentation Check which documents and personal data you need to provide. The Swedish Migration Agency gives priority to applications that are completed in full, and you get a decision sooner.

2. Applying Follow the Swedish Migration Agency’s instructions. You attach documents electronically and pay the application fee using a VISA card or a MasterCard. Family members use the same online application if they apply at the same time as you. The online application goes directly to the Swedish Migration Agency for processing followed by a decision.

Make an online application

3. Wait for the decision When the Swedish Migration Agency has reached its decision, you will be informed of this by email. You get the actual decision by visiting the Embassy. Bring your passport when collecting the decision.

4. Arrange for a residence permit card If you are granted a residence permit for more than three months, you will be issued with a residence permit card.

If you need a visa to enter Sweden. Visit the embassy to be photographed and fingerprinted for the residence permit card. Bring the passport that you used when applying for a residence permit.

It is possible to pick up the card at the Embassy of Sweden in Moscow. You must bring your passport with you.

If you do not need a visa to enter Sweden If you have been granted a residence permit and do not require a visa, you travel to Sweden and arrange for the card there. Contact the Swedish Migration Agency for photographing and fingerprinting.

Applying on a paper form

If you cannot or do not want to apply online, you can fill in a paper form that you submit in person to the Embassy.

Embassy of Sweden in Moscow is accepting applications for a residence permit from the citizens of:


• Russian Federation
• Armenia and Belarus
• other countries who are permanently and legally residing in the territory of the Russian Federation.

How to proceed:

1. Prepare the documentation Check which documents and personal data you need. The Swedish Migration Agency gives priority to applications that are completed in full, and you get a decision sooner.

2. Pay the application fee The application fee is to be paid in cash, in rubles, at the time of submitting your application.

Read more under ‘Fees’ .

3. Present the application at the embassy Bring the completed application form with you, together with all the required documents.

If you want to submit your application in person you can visit The Migration Office at the Embassy of Sweden during our opening hours. No prior appointment is required.

The Embassy will forward your documents to the Migration Agency in Sweden.

4. Wait for the decision The Swedish Migration Agency informs the Embassy of its decision. 

5. Arrange for a residence permit card If you are granted a permit for more than three months, you will receive a residence permit card. You arrange for the card in the same way as described above under ‘Applying online’.