01/09/2026
🇸🇪 New Work Restrictions for International Students in Sweden – Maximum 15 Hours Per Week
The rules regarding employment for international students pursuing higher education in Sweden have changed.
Under the new regulations, international students enrolled in Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes whose study residence permits were issued on or after 11 June 2026 will be allowed to work a maximum of 15 hours per week during the semester.
According to the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket), the new rules came into effect on 11 June 2026.
Importantly, if a student submitted their residence permit application before 11 June 2026, but the decision on that application was made on or after 11 June 2026, the new working-hour restrictions will also apply to that student.
Students whose current study residence permits were issued before 11 June 2026 are, for the time being, not subject to the new 15-hour-per-week limit. However, the new rules may become applicable when they apply for an extension of their residence permit.
☀️ Important Exception During Summer
There is an important exception for students.
During June, July and August, the 15-hour weekly restriction does not apply, meaning students may work more hours during these months.
Certain activities may also be exempt, including internships that form a compulsory part of the student’s education and some specific university-related activities.
⚠️ Violating the Rules Can Affect Your Residence Permit
Students should take these restrictions seriously.
According to the Swedish Migration Agency, working more than the permitted number of hours may have serious consequences. A student’s residence permit could potentially be revoked, and it may also negatively affect a future application for an extension of the study residence permit.
🎓 Academic Progress Is Also Important
Students applying for an extension of their study residence permit must also demonstrate satisfactory progress in their studies.
Students are generally required to complete at least:
62.5% of the required studies during the first academic year, and
75% of the required studies during subsequent academic years.
Therefore, international students should remember that maintaining their residence permit is not only about financial requirements — academic progress and compliance with permitted working hours are also important.
🇵🇰 Important for Pakistani & Other Non-EU/EEA Students
These changes are particularly important for international students from Pakistan and other non-EU/EEA countries, especially those who rely on part-time employment to help manage their living expenses while studying in Sweden.
Students affected by the new rules should carefully monitor their weekly working hours and ensure that their employment does not negatively affect either their studies or their residence permit status.
📌 Please check the conditions applicable to your own residence permit and do not assume that another student’s situation automatically applies to you.
