Sweden Visa – Sweden Schengen Visa Information

Sweden is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe and has an area of 450,295km2. It is officially known as the Kingdom of Sweden and has a population of about 10.2 million, 86% of whom live in cities.

Its capital Stockholm is the most populous city of the Nordic countries. It is also the only capital in the world with a national urban park. Alongside with Stockholm, among the biggest Swedish cities are Copenhagen, Gothenburg and Malmo as well.

Sweden is known for having been inhabited by the Vikings until the 11^th century. It is also famous for the number of elks freely wandering across the Swedish forests, which cover 2/3 country’s territory.

Sweden joined the European Union in January 1995, and became a part of the Schengen Area in 2001. Since then, world travelers can apply for a Schengen Visa to Sweden, and enter the country while holding one.

Sweden Entry Requirements

If you are an EU/EEA national, all you need to enter Sweden is an identification document or passport.

On the other hand, if you are a non-EU/EEA traveler wishing to visit Sweden, you will have to present several documents at the Swedish port of entry. These documents are:

• A valid passport or travel document. Valid for at least three more months beyond your planned date of exit from Schengen, and issued within the last 10 years.
• A visa – if you are subject to Swedish visa regime.

 

Aside of these documents, the Swedish border officer may ask you a few questions about your trip to Sweden like:

• What is your purpose of visiting Sweden?
• How long do you intend to stay in Sweden?
• Where are you going to stay in Sweden? Etc.

In addition, you may also be asked to present proof of residence in Sweden, a roundtrip flight ticket, or other documents related to your purpose of entry to Sweden. For more information in this regard, you are highly recommended to contact the Swedish representative authority in your country of residence.

After the border police checks your documents, he or she will give a final decision if you shall be permitted to enter Sweden or not. If the Swedish border officer concludes that you are no risk for the country, upon checking your documents, you will be permitted to enter Sweden and thus the Schengen territory.

Please, make sure that the Swedish border officer stamps your passport when you enter Sweden. Without a stamp, you could be fined or detained from Sweden.

Who Needs a Schengen Visa to Enter Sweden?

You will need a short-stay visa to enter Sweden and any other member country of the Schengen zone, if you belong to one of the following categories:

What Documents Are Required for a Sweden Schengen Visa Application?

The Swedish representative authorities in your country of residence in charge of visa processing, want you to submit several documents to prove you are eligible for a Sweden visa.

The statutory Sweden visa requirements are as follows:

• Swedish visa application form. Complete the form in your computer with correct information that complies with the information in the rest of the documents. Do not forget to sign the form after you print it!
• Two passport photos. The photos should be identical and comply with the photograph requirements for Swedish visa application.
• Your valid passport. Your passport must fulfill the following requirements:
  • It must have two blank pages in order to affix visa.
  • It must not be older than 10 years.
  • It must have a validity of at least three more months beyond the date you plan to leave Sweden and the whole territory of Schengen.
• Copies of your previous visas (if applicable).
• Sweden Travel Health Insurance. A confirmation that you have health insurance for Sweden and the whole Schengen territory, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Round-trip Flight Itinerary. A document that shows you have a booked flight, to enter and leave Sweden. This document should specify flight numbers, dates, and your details.
• Proof of accommodation. I.e. a hotel reservation in Sweden
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Sweden. A foreigner who seeks to enter the territory of Sweden must be able to attest possessing 450 SEK or €48.26 per each day that he or she plans to stay in Sweden.
• A cover letter. A personal letter in which you explain why you are applying to visit Sweden, how long you plan to stay, when will you leave, where you will be staying and other details.
• Proof of civil status. This could be a marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse, etc.

Additional Swedish Visa Requirements Based on Your Employment Status

The additional Sweden visa requirements depending on your employment status are as follows:

If employed:

• Employment contract
• Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Leave permission from the employer
• Income Tax Return (ITR) form

If self-employed:

• A copy of your business license
• Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Income Tax Return (ITR)

If a student:

• Proof of enrollment
• No-objection certificate from school or university
• Advertisements

If retired:

• Pension statement of the latest 6 months

If applicable:

• Proof of regular income generated by property, for the last 6 months

>>Getting a NOC letter from your employer or university.

 Additional Swedish Visa Requirements for Minors

Minors applying to get a short-stay visa to Sweden, or parents applying for their minor child to get a visa, will need to complete the following additional Swedish Visa Requirements in their application file:

• Birth certificate of the minor traveling to Sweden.
• Family court order. In cases where only one parent has full custody over the child.
• Visa application form signed by parents/legal guardian.
• Minor Consent Form duly signed by both parents / legal guardians.
• Passport Copy / PAN Card Copy or any other identity document, containing picture and signature of both the parents / legal guardians.
• If the minor will be travelling alone with another person:
  • An original and copy of the accompanying person’s passport page containing the holder’s data, and expiry date, a recent photograph and valid visa copy.
  • A notarized parental authorization to travel to Sweden, signed by both parents / guardians

*Note: When applying at the Swedish embassy/consulate in home country, the guardian or parent should accompany their under-age children.

Additional Requirements Based on the Purpose of Entry to Sweden

According to the reason why you wish to travel to Sweden, you will need to provide some additional documents for a visa. Following find the additional Sweden visa requirements based on your purpose of entry.

Sweden Airport Transit Visa Requirements

If you are traveling to a non-Schengen country, but you need to land at an airport in Sweden to change flights, you may need to apply for a Sweden Airport Transit Visa.

Check the list of the countries the nationals of which need to obtain a Sweden Airport Transit Visa, to find out if you need one.

Required Documents for an Airport Transit Schengen Visa to Sweden

When applying to obtain a Sweden Airport Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• A valid visa (if needed) for the final country you are travelling to.
• The flight ticket for the final country you are travelling to.

Sweden Transit Visa Requirements

If you are a seafarer who needs to stop at one of the Swedish harbors, in order to take another ship to your non-EU/EEA country, then you may have to apply for a Sweden Transit Visa.

Required Documents for an Transit Schengen Visa to Sweden

When applying to obtain a Sweden Transit visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• A valid visa (if needed) for the final country you are travelling to.
• The ticket for the final country you are travelling to.
• Invitation from the shipping company/ maritime agency of Sweden.
• Copy of the seafarer’s working contracts/appointment letter in order to board the ship.
• Seaman’s book.

Sweden Business Visa Requirements

If you are need to attend a business related activity as i.e. a conference, a contract signing, a business meeting etc., you will need to apply for a Sweden Business Visa before you travel to Sweden.

Required Documents for a Business Schengen Visa to Sweden

When applying to obtain a Swedish Business visa, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Invitation letter from the Swedish company you will be visiting and their detailed address accompanied with the dates of your visit.
• A letter from your employer. In this letter should be stated why you will be traveling to Sweden.
• Business bank statement. Preferably for the last 6 months.
• Guarantee for expenses. Regarding the applicant’s expenses during their stay in Sweden, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.
• Business correspondence or orders proving the existence of a business relationship between your company and the inviting company.

Sweden Study Visa Requirements

When traveling to Sweden in order to attend a study course, training or other similar activities related to education set to last less than 90 days, you will need to hold for a Sweden study visa.

Required Documents for a Student Schengen Visa to Sweden

When applying to get a Swedish Student visa, you must provide the following additional documents that apply to your situation:

• No objection letter from the educational institution where you are currently enrolled.
• Student cards or certificates of the establishment at which you are enrolled.
• Internship agreement. Signed between the company in Sweden, the establishment of origin and the trainee.
• Certificate of admission or registration at an educational establishment for the purpose of attending academic or vocational courses
• Cover letter from the inviting company.

Sweden Medical Visa Requirements

When traveling to Sweden under the purpose of receiving medical treatment, or as the companion of a patient set to receive medical care in Sweden, you will need to apply for a Swedish Medical Visa.

Required Documents for a Medical Schengen Visa to Sweden

When applying to get a visa to receive medical care in Sweden, you must provide the following additional documents:

• A local medical report. Issued from a doctor / clinic / hospital in your home country, confirming that you need medical treatment in Sweden.
• A medical attestation from the hospital or doctor in Sweden, confirming the date of your appointment as well as your medical situation. It should also confirm that the hospital can perform the specific medical treatment and that you will be accepted accordingly.
• Proof of financial arrangement made.
• Official confirmation of the treatment/appointment by the receiving medical institution (hospital/clinic) in

Sweden Cultural/Sports/Religious Events Visa Requirements

If you are planning to travel to Sweden in order to attend a cultural, sports or religious event or as a part of a film crew you will have to apply for a Sweden Cultural/Sports/Religious Events Visa before taking the trip.

Required Documents for a Schengen Visa to Sweden for Cultural, Sports, Film Crew or Religious Purposes

When applying to get a Swedish visa under the purpose of attending a Cultural / Sports / Religious Event in Sweden you must provide the following additional documents:

Journeys undertaken to attend cultural, sports or religious events:

• Invitation from Organizer in Sweden with details upon the nature of events or activities that are to be held in Sweden.
• Entry tickets to event.
• Enrolment conditions.
• Detailed program of the event in Sweden.
• Proof of previous performances. Participation in previous festivals and ceremonies (cultural, religious), sports competitions, winners certificates, proof of world/international ranking (sports).

Journeys undertaken for Film Crew:

• Letter from Film Company – specifying title, synopsis and shooting locations of film.
• Complete list of names of travelling crew members along with their roles.
• Letter from agency in Sweden confirming arrangements for film permits.
• Certificate of registration with Association of Motion Pictures.

Sweden Visa for Spouse of Swedish National Requirements

If you are married to a Swedish passport holder, and you want to enter Sweden for a short-stay visit, you will need to apply for a Sweden Visa for Spouse of Swedish National.

Required Documents for a Swedish Schengen Visa for the Wife/Husband of a Swedish Citizen

When applying to get a Swedish visa as the spouse of a Swedish national/citizen, you must provide the following additional documents:

• Proof of Swedish citizenship (ID card or consular card or certification of Swedish nationality or naturalization order).
• Swedish marriage certificate.
• Swedish family record book.

Sweden Visa for Official Visit Requirements

When traveling to Sweden as a part of a delegation, representing your government or another institution or organization, you will need to hold a Sweden Visa for Official Visit.

Swedish Schengen Visa for Members of Official Delegations

When applying to get a Swedish visa as a member of an official delegation, you must provide the following additional documents:

• The official invitation copy.
• Evidence about the purpose of journey (negotiations, meetings, event by intergovernmental organizations, consultations).
• Original Note Verbal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How to Apply for a Swedish Short-Stay Visa?

The application process for a short-stay visa to Sweden, requires from your to follow the steps listed below in the given order, and according to their instructions:

1. Find out what kind of Swedish visa you need. As explained above, your purpose of entry sets the visa type you need to apply for.  
2. Check where you need to apply for a Sweden visa.
3. Complete the application form for a Swedish short-stay visa. Try not to make any mistakes and avoid typos, since the embassy/consulate tolerates none.
4. Collect the Sweden visa requirements.
5. Schedule a visa interview.  In some countries you can do that online, while in some others you have to schedule the interview in person.
6. Attend the interview at the appropriate Swedish Embassy/Consulate/VAC.

After completing all the steps listed above, you will need to wait for the processing of your visa.

Where to Apply for a Swedish Short-Stay Visa?

The Swedish authorities in your country of residence, responsible for visa admission may be one (or more) of the following:

• The Swedish Embassy
• A Swedish consulate
• A Visa Application Center to which Sweden has outsourced visa submission
• The Embassy / Consulate of another Schengen country to which Sweden has outsourced visa submission

Who Can Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Swedish Embassy / Consulate / VAC?

In order to be eligible to submit your short-stay visa application at a Swedish Embassy / Consulate / VAC, one of the following statements must correspond to your situation:

• Aside of Sweden, you will not visit any other Schengen country.
• You will visit more Schengen states, but Sweden is your main destination, which means:
  • You will be spending more days in Sweden, than in the other countries.
  • You will be spending an equal amount of days in each country, but you will enter the Schengen Zone through Sweden.

Please note that you cannot apply for a short-stay Swedish visa from a country in which you are currently on a visa. Therefore, you must be a citizen or a permanent/temporary resident in the corny from where you are applying.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Swedish Visa?

The processing time for a Sweden short-stay visa may take up to 15 days. Still, according to your specific situation this period may be extended up to 30 days. Exceptional cases may take up to 60 days, since the Swedish embassies may have to consult with other Schengen consulates.

To avoid any delay in the issuance of your Swedish short-stay visa, you should submit your application as soon as possible, though no earlier than three months before you travel to Sweden.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for a Swedish Visa?

The Swedish Schengen Visa fees are as follows:

• Adult travelers will need to pay a fee of €80 for a Sweden short-stay visa
• Children under the age of 12 will need to pay a fee of €40 for a Sweden short-stay visa
• Children under the age of 6 are exempt from paying the visa fee for a Sweden short-stay visa

Note that are some categories of applicants exempt from paying the fee, and others that need to pay a lower amount as well.

Check the list of the Swedish Schengen Visa fees, to see if you belong to any of these categories!

How Long Can We Stay in Sweden Without a Visa?

If you are the national of a country that has not yet signed a visa-free agreement with the Schengen countries, you will be unable to enter Sweden, or any other country (aside of for transiting).

Whereas, if you are the national of a visa-exempt country, then you will be able to enter and remain in Sweden and the other Schengen states for a maximum of 90 days, within a 6-month period.

IMPORTANT: Whether you are overstaying a Schengen Tourist Visa or another Schengen Visa is equally unimportant. Do not exceed the 90 days(which make up a 3 month period) within a 180 days. There are appropriate sanctions for every circumstance, and you risk the consequences if you break the rules.

Can I Extend My Schengen Visa in Sweden?

Yes, you can extend your Swedish Schengen visa at the Swedish Migration Board, the Unit for Coordination of Foreign Issues. But this is only allowed in exceptional cases where new facts and special reasons arise after entry in Sweden, as i.e. humanitarian reasons or force majeure.

Please read How to Extend a Schengen Visa in Sweden to understand in what circumstances and under what conditions you can extend your Swedish Schengen Visa.

Can My Swedish Schengen Visa Be Revoked?

Yes, your Sweden visa can be revoked, in case the competent Swedish authorities conclude that the conditions for issuing the visa are no longer met.

Please note that failure of the visa holder to provide the border officer, with the entry requirements, may also lead to a decision to annul or revoke the visa, though not automatically.

Related information