If you study in Sweden on a residence permit, the rules changed on 11 June 2026. A study permit now caps how much you can work during term. It also sets how many credits you must pass to keep it, and makes it harder to switch to a work permit.
The new rules apply to permits decided on or after 11 June 2026. If you applied earlier but got your decision on or after that day, the new rules apply to you. An older permit keeps its old terms.
How many hours you can work
During the term you can work at most 15 hours a week. In June, July and August you can work as much as you want. Work that is part of your studies does not count against the limit.
Study-linked work is things like teaching, praktik (an internship that is part of your programme), research, student representation, or administration at your own school. That kind of work has no hour limit.
The credits you need to keep the permit
To extend a study permit you must show enough högskolepoäng (university credits, hp). You need 37.5 credits (hp) in your first study year. From the second year on you need 45 credits each study year.
You also have to register your address with Migrationsverket (the Swedish Migration Agency) within 30 days of getting the permit or moving. If you are folkbokförd (registered as resident with Skatteverket, the Swedish Tax Agency), you do not need to make this report.
If you are planning your route through study and work in Sweden, our guide for students and workers walks through the steps.
Switching to a work permit is harder
Before, many students could apply for a work permit from inside Sweden. Now you must first have finished a higher-education programme worth at least two terms. Only then can you apply for certain other permits without leaving the country.
The rules also touch your family. A family member's permit can be withdrawn if their tie to you ends, or if your own permit is withdrawn.
These rules are in force now. The exact papers your case needs, and how a rule applies to your own permit, are for Migrationsverket to decide. If your stay depends on it, read your decision letter and ask Migrationsverket before you change your hours or your job.
Sources
Official details can change. Always confirm what applies to your own case directly with the responsible authority.
