The Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) has introduced a so-called promise of service (servicelöfte) to the effect that, from 1 October 2025 onwards, decisions on residence permits for doctoral education will normally be issued within 30 days. This applies to both new applications and renewals, and also applies to applications as a family member of a person in doctoral education.
The promise of service is just that: a promise, not an enforceable right. However, it is an indication that resources within the Migration Agency are being prioritised for this category of applications. The background to this is a government instruction to the Migration Agency expressing that Sweden must become a more attractive country for skilled workers.
The 30-day target refers to the application’s handling within the Migration Agency, and does not cover any delays due to consultation with external agencies. One known issue is that applications can be delayed by several months when the Security Service (Säpo) is involved.
Read more at Universitetsläraren (in Swedish): https://universitetslararen.se/2025/10/02/migrationsverket-lovar-snabbare-handlaggning-av-doktoranders-uppehallstillstand/
Update: Universitetsläraren now also has a report on this in English: https://universitetslararen.se/2025/10/09/migration-agency-aims-for-fast-tracked-handling-of-residence-permits/