On 11 June 2026, new legislation came into effect in Sweden, introducing changes to the conditions for residence permits for researchers, doctoral students, students in higher education, and individuals with temporary protection under the Mass Refugee Directive. The new rules were enacted by the Swedish parliament and are implemented by the Swedish Migration Agency.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
These regulatory changes may be relevant for global mobility programs involving academic staff, international students, and individuals relocated under temporary protection schemes. The new requirements may also have implications for Sweden as a destination for international talent, given the stricter work restrictions and academic progress thresholds. These changes may increase the administrative burden for employers, universities, and permit holders by requiring closer monitoring of students’ work hours, academic progress, and address-reporting obligations.
Key Highlights
Affected Groups
The new rules affect researchers, doctoral students, students in higher education, and individuals with temporary protection under the Mass Refugee Directive.
Student Employment and Academic Progress
- Students in higher education are now limited to a maximum of 15 working hours per week during academic terms. Unlimited work is permitted only during June, July, and August. Exceeding permitted work hours may result in revocation or non-extension of the residence permit.
- From 11 June 2026, students may demonstrate at least 37.5 credits in their first year and 45 credits per academic year thereafter to qualify for permit extension.
Address Reporting and Administrative Requirements
- All new permit holders may report their address to the Swedish Migration Agency within 30 days of receiving or changing their address unless they are registered in the population register.
- This requirement applies upon permit extension for those whose original permit was granted before 11 June 2026.
Permit Conversion and In-Country Filing Flexibility
- Students seeking to convert to a work permit from within Sweden may now have completed at least two semesters of higher education.
- More permit holders may apply for new residence permits for research or doctoral studies without leaving Sweden.
- Family members of permit holders may now independently apply for research or doctoral study permits from within Sweden.
Research and Post-Study Opportunities
- Doctoral students with a reception agreement may now apply for a research permit, granting them the same rights as researchers.
- The period for post-study or post-research job search permits is extended to between 12 and 18 months.
Permanent Residence Rules
- The required period for permanent residence is reduced to three consecutive years if holding qualifying permits for research, doctoral studies, or the EU Blue Card.
- Aggregation of time across different qualifying permits is allowed.
Transitional Rule
Permit holders who received their permits before 11 June 2026 are not subject to the new work, academic progress, or address reporting rules until their next extension.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the changes, organizations, entities, and individuals might consider the following:
- Organizations could update onboarding and compliance protocols to reflect revised work and study requirements for students and researchers.
- Employers and academic institutions may implement internal tracking processes for working hours and academic progress in relation to permit conditions.
- Mobile employees and students could review address-reporting obligations and seek guidance in relation to permit changes or extensions.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS immigration team with KPMG in Sweden (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Migrationsverket website, Government Offices of Sweden (in Swedish), “ Nya regler för forskare, doktorander, studerande och personer med tillfälligt skydd,” published on 11 June 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.
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