International staff
Karolinska Institutet extends a warm welcome to international scholars and provides comprehensive support to researchers and doctoral students from abroad. On our website, you’ll find all the essential information required to navigate your stay in Sweden and at our university.
Moving to Sweden step-by-step guide
Living in Stockholm
Working at KI
Moving from Sweden
Accommodation
It is vital to start looking for somewhere to live as soon as you can!
Residence permits and visas
Check if you need an entry visa, a residence permit or work permit.
Learn Swedish
There is a wide range of Swedish language courses available. Doctoral students and postdocs are offered a complimentary course.
Your family
Swedish society is very family-friendly
Private sublets for KI coworkers
Page for postings for landlords renting and renters looking for roommates (shared housing)
Introductory meetings for International staff
Here you can find information about upcoming meetings for international staff at KI.
Passport requirement: more pop-up controls coming this spring
People who apply for a residence permit or work permit to travel to Sweden will have to show their passport in person at a Swedish embassy or consulate-general before a decision on a residence permit can be made.
New assessment of maintenance requirement when applying for a permanent residence permit
The Swedish Migration Agency has now removed the requirement of at least 18 months of subsistence to obtain a permanent residence permit. It emphasizes the importance of individual assessment if the applicant for a permanent residence permit does not have permanent employment.
New work permit salary threshold from November 2023
The minimum salary threshold for a work permit has been doubled to 27,360 kronor a month for labour migrants from outside the EU. Researchers and doctoral students will not be affected as they have residence permits for researchers and doctoral studies respectively.
The Embassy of Sweden in Pakistan closed for visitors
The Embassy of Sweden in Islamabad is currently unable to receive external visitors. Applications for residence permit due to family ties, study or work are referred to the Swedish Embassy in Ethiopia
New government investigation into labour migration to come into force by June 1st 2025.
Investigation proposes new stricter rules for labor immigration, but also measures to promote immigration of highly qualified workforce.
Plans to introduce tests on Swedish language and society for permanent residency from 2027
A new government inquiry has proposed that adults seeking permanent residency from 2027 will have to pass two tests, one on the Swedish language and the other on Swedish society. The proposal states that applicants would be expected to have a level of Swedish equivalent to A2 on the CEFR, equivalent to SFI level C.
The Swedish Migration Agency has changed its practice regarding studies abroad as of March 2023
The change means that it will now be easier for doctoral students incl sandwich doctoral students to conduct studies abroad without affecting their ability to obtain or retain their residence permit in Sweden.
Babies born in Sweden to foreign researchers must go abroad to apply for residency
According to the Aliens Act, a researcher’s family member must have applied for a residence permit before entering Sweden, which is stated in Chapter 5b, Section 20. Foreign researchers with permits to live and work in Sweden are told that they must travel abroad to be able to apply for a residence permit for their newborn children.
New in Sweden - the population register and basic tax information
For you who is planning to move to Sweden to study or to work at a Swedish university. Skatteverket will provide you with information that you need to know when you move to Sweden, live in Sweden and if you choose to move from Sweden. Skatteverket will also give you a basic introduction to Swedish tax.
Stockholm Dual Career Network
The Stockholm Dual Career Network (SDCN) is a non-profit network for partners and spouses of international talent in Stockholm. SDCN supports expat partners with professional events, career-related advice and by building a social network in their new hometown.
Stockholm is a State of Minds – the SDCN Podcast
The only podcast you need to become Swed...ish - conversations exploring key topics commonly discussed over coffee breaks and meals as well as pivotal events that have shaped Swedish society for generations
A Beginner's Guide to Swedish Academia
Young Academy of Sweden has developed a guide for international researchers, to help navigate Swedish academia and remove time-consuming obstacles.
EURAXESS
EURAXESS - Researchers in Motion is a unique pan-European initiative delivering information and support services to professional researchers.
Information for people coming to Sweden from Ukraine
Calendar international staff
KI-News
Contact International Staff Services
Contact information at the Central KI Administration and KI departments.
Postdoc at KI
Rules and general information on postdoctoral training for postdocs, PIs and administrative staff.
Learn more about Stockholm
Visit Stockholm - the official guide
Working in Sweden
The Swedish Institute: Your guide to working or running a business in Sweden
Discover Sweden
The Swedish Institute: Facts and stories about Sweden
The Newbie Guide to Sweden
New in Sweden?