The Swedish government has approved a bill proposing changes to migration law intended to improve conditions for researchers, doctoral candidates, and students, while also introducing measures to counter abuse of residence permits for studies. The proposed legislative amendments are scheduled to enter into force on 11 June 2026.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The proposed changes are significant for global mobility programs, employers, and internationally mobile individuals considering Sweden as a destination for work or study. The bill aims to enhance Sweden’s attractiveness to global talent by facilitating residence permits for researchers, doctoral students, and their families, and by enabling extended stay for work-seeking purposes after the completion of studies or research.
At the same time, the bill introduces stricter controls to maintain the integrity of the migration system, including tighter requirements for academic progress and greater scrutiny of those switching permit categories.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Changes
Enhanced permit pathways
Researchers, doctoral candidates, and their family members will have improved opportunities to apply for residence permits. Doctoral students will become eligible for residence permits specifically for research purposes.
Expedited and extended permits
Researchers and doctoral students may be granted expedited permanent residence permits. Extended permits will be available to seek employment after completing research or studies.
Stricter controls and compliance
New restrictions will limit the work rights of those holding study-based residence permits to 15 hours of work per week aside from the summer period. Stricter requirements will be imposed on acceptable academic progress and switching from study to work permits. Additional grounds for withdrawal of family member residence permits are introduced.
Provisions for Ukrainian refugees
The bill includes a new act with specific measures for granting residence permits due to the mass refugee status granted to Ukrainian citizens.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the potential changes, organisations and individuals might wish to consider the following:
- Organisations could review their talent mobility policies and communication materials to help align them with the new requirements.
- Employers and academic institutions could prepare for potential adjustments to administrative processes, such as monitoring academic progress and handling permit transitions.
- Mobile employees and prospective applicants could seek guidance on eligibility criteria, particularly regarding post‑study employment options and permits for accompanying family members.
If employers, organisations, or individuals have questions regarding the updated immigration regulations and require further advice and assistance regarding next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration counsel, or they can contact a member of the Immigration team with KPMG in Sweden (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Government Offices of Sweden, Ministry of Justice, “Government proposes improved conditions for foreign doctoral students and researchers, and measures to counter abuse of residence permits for studies,” published on 25 February 2026.
RELATED RESOURCE
See article (in Swedish), “Förändringar i migrationsreglerna för forskning, studier och arbetsmarknad,” in TaxNews, a publication of the KPMG International member firm in Sweden, published on 3 February 2026.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Sweden.
GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.
© 2026 KPMG AB, a Swedish Aktiebolag and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.