Are you an international student wanting to settle in Sweden? Are you asking yourself- Can I get PR in Sweden after Masters? Then, you are on the right page! This blog covers everything you need to know about Sweden PR. You will learn how to switch from a student visa to a PR in Sweden. You will understand the PR eligibility criteria, requirements, and application process. Moreover, you will learn about long-term residence permits and citizenship in the country. Keep reading to learn more.
This Blog Includes:
- Can I get PR in Sweden after Masters? An Overview
- How to Get PR in Sweden After Masters?
- Who is Eligible for PR in Sweden?
- How Many Years to Get PR in Sweden?
- Sweden PR Requirements for International Students
- How to Apply for Permanent Residency in Sweden?
- How Much Does a Swedish PR Cost?
- How Long Does It Take to Get a PR in Sweden?
- What are the Benefits of PR in Sweden?
- What is a Long-Term Residence Permit in Sweden?
- How to Become a Long-Term Resident in Sweden?
- How Long Does It Take to Gain Citizenship in Sweden?
- FAQs
Can I get PR in Sweden after Masters? An Overview
Yes. International students can get PR after completing a master’s degree. However, you will not directly get a PR. You will have to apply for a student visa, get a temporary residence permit, and shift to a post-study work permit. Thereafter, you can apply for a work permit, or a self-employment permit, and then apply for a PR. You can obtain the PR after spending two to four years in the country.
How to Get PR in Sweden After Masters?
Can I get PR in Sweden after masters? Yes. You can get a PR after you complete your studies in Sweden. Here is how you can stay in the county to meet the duration required for PR.
Complete Your Education
Enrol yourself in a top educational institution in Sweden. Thereafter, you can get a Student Visa to travel to the country. To stay in Sweden, you must get a residence permit for studies, The time you spend studying is not counted for PR.
Apply for a Doctoral Degree Program (optional)
If you are enrolling in a PhD/doctoral program that can lead to a a licentiate degree in design, a licentiate degree, a doctoral degree, or a doctoral degree in design you can get a PR easily. The reason? The time you spend studying in the country as a doctoral student is counted for PR.
Get a Post Study Work Permit
Before your current permit expires you can apply for a post-study work permit. This permit is issued for a year. During this period you can seek employment in the country. You can also choose to learn how to set up a business. However, you are not permitted to work.
Get a Work Permit (optional)
After you get a job offer you must apply for a work permit. Your employer is responsible for applying for a work permit on your behalf. However, you must provide the necessary documents. A work permit will legally allow you to work. It is issued for 2 years. Moreover, it is extendable.
Get a Residence Permit for Self Employed (optional)
Can I get PR in Sweden after masters?. Yes. Let’s say you can be an entrepreneur. Then it is easier for you to get a PR. You can apply for a Residence permit for people who have their business. You can stay on this permit for 2 years.
Stay in the Country for 2-4 Years.
Generally, you are required to stay in the country for 4 years. However, if you are choosing the pathway of a self-employed person must spend 2 years in the country. After you have met the duration an application for a PR can be sent. However, you must meet the additional PR requirements.
Learn How Can Indians Apply for a Sweden Work Permit
Who is Eligible for PR in Sweden?
Can I get PR in Sweden after masters? Yes. You can. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria. The basic eligibility criteria is that you must hold a PR for a specified period. Moreover, you must come under any of the following categories:
- Have a work permit as an employee
- Have a residence permit as self-employed
- Be a doctoral student
- Be a former asylum seeker (or a family member of the asylum seeker)
- Moved to Sweden with a family member
Note-As an international student, you must have either a work permit or a residence permit as a self-employed person. Otherwise, you must be a doctoral student. Therefore, we will only be discussing about the same in this blog.
How Many Years to Get PR in Sweden?
Can I get PR in Sweden after masters? Yes. You can. To get a PR, you are required to stay in the county for a specified period. The time you must spend in the country for a PR can vary between 2 to 4 years.
Category | Duration of Stay Required to Get a PR |
Have a work permit as an employee | 4 years |
Have a residence permit as self-employed | 2 years |
A doctoral student | 4 years |
Sweden PR Requirements for International Students
Can I get PR in Sweden after masters? Yes. You can get a PR. To get a PR you must meet the requirements. The exact requirements vary depending on the type of permit you hold. The general requirements are provided below:
Sweden PR Requirements for International Students | Description |
Hold a valid permit | You must hold a valid work permit or a residence permit |
Meet the requirements of the current permit | Continue to meet the requirements of the current permit |
Duration | Must have stayed in Sweden for 4 years (2 years if you are a self-employed person) |
Financially support yourself | Income of at least SEK 6,186 per month. Entrepreneurs must hold at least half of the company and be able to make decisions in operations. The income must be sustainable |
Live an orderly life | Follow the rules of Sweden, and do not have any criminal record |
Intention (depending on category) | You must intend to live in Sweden |
Note: The income requirement provided above is for 2025. It can change the next year.
Understand the Cost of Living in Sweden
How to Apply for Permanent Residency in Sweden?
Can I get PR in Sweden after masters? Yes. You can get a PR in Sweden. To get a PR, you must apply for the same. The general PR application process is as follows. The exact application process varies depending on the type of permit.
- Visit the official website– You need to visit the official website of the Swedish Migration Agency and log in to your account.
- Submit documents– Submit the required documents. If you are applying a permit extension and a PR at the same time all documents must be submitted together.
- Processing time- Your application is processed
- Show passport- You might be called to show your passport (or other documents) for verification purposes.
- Issuance of PR- Your PR is issued. You will receive an email of the same. The actual PR is delivered to your address.
Note- If you hold a work permit your employer will start the application process. You need to continue it by logging in to your account by following the steps above. You can also make the PR application offline.
To learn more about the Sweden PR-its requirements, and benefits, watch this video:
How Much Does a Swedish PR Cost?
Can I get PR in Sweden after masters? Yes. You can get a PR in Sweden. To get the PR you need to pay the PR application fees. The application fees are as follows-
Category | Sweden PR Cost (approx) |
Have a work permit as an employee | SEK 2,200 |
Have a residence permit as self-employed | SEK 2,200 |
A doctoral student | SEK 2,200 |
Student Life in Sweden: Everything You Need to Know
How Long Does It Take to Get a PR in Sweden?
Generally, you are required to stay in Sweden for 4 years to get a PR. However, if you are a self-employed person you only need to stay in the country for 2 years for PR. Once, you have submitted the application the processing takes place. The average processing time is provided below:
Category | Sweden PR Processing Time (approx) |
Have a work permit as an employee | 1-12 months depending on the type of work |
Have a residence permit as self-employed | 6 months to a year |
A doctoral student | 6 months to a year |
What are the Benefits of PR in Sweden?
Can I get PR in Sweden after masters? Yes. You can get PR in Sweden after your Masters. That is if you stay in the country for at least 4 years. There are several benefits of getting a PR. They are-
- You can live in Sweden for an indefinite period
- You will no longer need a work permit tio work
- Access education and healthcare benefits in Sweden
- You can also benefit from the social welfare benefits provided by the Swedish government. For example, unemployment benefits, child allowance, etc.
- You can travel to any country in the Schengen area without a visa for up to 90 days.
- You can also get financial aid for studying in the county
- It is a pathway to citizenship in Sweden
What is a Long-Term Residence Permit in Sweden?
Can I get PR in Sweden after masters? Yes. You can get a PR after staying in Sweden for 5 years. Do you know you can also get a long-term resident status? A long-term residence is not a PR. This status is given to those who have stayed in the country for 5 years. Such people receive a special EC/EU residence permit. Getting the EC/EU residence permit means that you will have similar rights to a Swedish citizen.
How to Become a Long-Term Resident in Sweden?
To become a long-term resident in Sweden you must meet the basic requirements. The basic requirements are as follows-
- You must have a residence permit to stay in Sweden
- You must have stayed in Sweden for at least 5 years
- Are able to financially support yourself and your family
- Must be able to provide your identity
- Must have continuously stayed in Sweden for 5 years
How Long Does It Take to Gain Citizenship in Sweden?
Can I get PR in Sweden after masters? Yes. You can get PR in Sweden after 5 years of stay. Moreover, PR is the pathway to citizenship. To apply for a PR you must have stayed in the country for 5 years. The PR holders can count the time from the day they came to Sweden. Apart from staying in the country for 5 years, you must meet additional requirements. For example,
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Be able to prove your identity
- Must be a habitual resident of Sweden
- Must have a permanent residence permit
The PR application is processed within 7 to 30 months.
FAQs
No. It is moderately easy to get a PR in Sweden. For example, if you are a doctoral student and working your duration of studies is counted for PR. This means 3 years of studies plus 1 year of work, and you get a PR. For other students, they can choose a work permit pathway. They need to work for only 4 years to get a PR. You must be able to financially support yourself, and meet the duration of stay to get a PR.
Yes. You can stay in Sweden after your aster’s. You can apply for a post-study work permit. It is valid for a year. During this time you can search for employment or learn to set up a business.
It can be competitive to find a job in Sweden. However, if you know the Swedish language it will improve your chances of getting a job. Networking can also help. You can easily get a job if you are qualified and want to work in the Technology and research and development sectors.
We hope you now have the answer to your question- Can I get PR in Sweden after masters? Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or visit our visa page for more such articles. You can also connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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