There are three different types of visas to Sweden:
As Sweden belongs to the list of Schengen countries, you should apply for a Sweden Schengen visa to make your temporary trip. Reasons to apply for this type of visa can be tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, medical examination or treatment, short-term education, exchange programs, and many other non-permanent nuances.
If you want to study in Sweden for more than 90 days (such as bachelor's, master's, doctoral, etc.) or work permanently in an institution located here, you can also apply for a Sweden national visa if you have official invitations or letters of acceptance from those educational and business institutions.
The Schengen visa entitles the holder to visits of up to 90 days in every 6 months in the entire Schengen area.
The Schengen area is an area comprised of 26 European states that have abolished passport control at their shared borders and have adopted a common visa policy.
Austria |
Liechtenstein |
Belgium |
Lithuania |
Czech Republic |
Luxembourg |
Denmark |
Malta |
Estonia |
The Netherlands |
Finland |
Norway |
France |
Poland |
Germany |
Portugal |
Greece |
Slovakia |
Hungary |
Slovenia |
Iceland |
Spain |
Italy |
Sweden |
Latvia |
Switzerland |
If your citizenship country does not have a visa exemption agreement with Sweden and you want to come to Sweden for a short stay, for a business trip, holiday, family or friends visit, you will be required to apply for a Schengen visa beforehand. This short-stay visa is valid only for up to 90 days stay within a 180-day period in Sweden and all other Schengen area member states. The start date of the 180-day period is the day you enter Sweden or another Schengen country.
The main purposes of the visit for a Schengen visa are tourism, business, family visit, participating at cultural (scientific, sporting) events, study (up to 90 days), work (up to 90 days).
You can apply for short-term Schengen visas for realizing your temporary travel to Sweden. Reasons to apply for this type of visa can be tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, short-term education, exchange programs, short-term work, and many other non-permanent nuances. You can check all the required documents for each type of visa application, visa fees, processing time, and where to apply for a visa below.
If you intend to visit Sweden for the purpose of tourism for a period shorter than 90 days, depending on your nationality, you might be required to obtain a Sweden Tourist visa first.
The Sweden Tourist visa permits you to stay in Sweden and realize your tourist activities for a maximum period of 90 days at most per 180 days.
1. Application Form
2. Passport
3. Two Photos
4. ID Card Copy
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)
6. Photocopies
7. Travel Itinerary
8. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)
9. Proof of Financial Means
You should have money to support yourself and for the return trip home (Sweden also requires you to have 450 SEK for each day you stay in Sweden, which can also be paid for by the person who has invited you)
10. Overseas Medical Insurance
11. A cover Letter Stating the Purpose of Visit to Sweden and Itinerary
12. For Minors:
*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Sweden Tourist visa is 12-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.
Since 02 February 2020, the fee for Schengen visas has been 80 EUR, to be paid upon submission of the application. Additionally, you may also need to pay other Administrative fees such as the Visa Application center fee, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.
According to the agreement signed between The EU and Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine, visa fee reduced to 35 EUR for the citizens of these countries.
Visa fees are waived by all Schengen states for the following categories of persons, regardless of their nationality:
You will apply for a Sweden Tourist visa in Sweden visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
The Sweden Cultural/Scientific/Sports Visa enables you to enter Sweden for cultural, scientific, or sports purposes, such as attending cultural events.
1. Application Form
2. Passport
3. Two Photos
4. ID Card Copy
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)
6. Photocopies
7. Travel Itinerary
8. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)
9. Proof of Financial Means
10. Overseas Medical Insurance
11. Documents Reflecting the Nature/Purpose of the Journey and Stay of Artist/member of Cultural / Sports Association In Sweden: Artist/Athlete Member Of Cultural/Sports Association In Your Country Travels to A Cultural/Sports Event Organized In Cooperation With A Sweden Cultural/Sports Association
12. For Minors:
13. A Cover Letter Stating the Purpose of Visit to Sweden and Itinerary
*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Sweden Cultural visa is 12-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.
Since 02 February 2020, the fee for Schengen visas has been 80 EUR, to be paid upon submission of the application. Additionally, you may also need to pay other Administrative fees such as the Visa Application center fee, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.
According to the agreement signed between The EU and Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine, visa fee reduced to 35 EUR for the citizens of these countries.
Visa fees are waived by all Schengen states for the following categories of persons, regardless of their nationality:
You will apply for a Sweden Cultural visa in Sweden visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
A short stay family/friend visit visa allows you to travel to Sweden to visit family or friends for up to a maximum of 90 days within 180 days.
1. Application Form
2. Passport
3. Two Photos
4. ID Card Copy
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)
6. Photocopies
7. Travel Itinerary
8. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)
9. Proof of Financial Means
10. Overseas Medical Insurance
11. Proof of Visit / Accommodation:
If visiting: close relatives - spouse, children, parents (including guardians), grandparents:
12. For Minors:
13. A Cover Letter Stating the Purpose of Visit to Sweden and Itinerary
*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Sweden Family Visit visa is 12-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.
Since 02 February 2020, the fee for Schengen visas has been 80 EUR, to be paid upon submission of the application. Additionally, you may also need to pay other Administrative fees such as the Visa Application center fee, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.
According to the agreement signed between The EU and Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine, visa fee reduced to 35 EUR for the citizens of these countries.
Visa fees are waived by all Schengen states for the following categories of persons, regardless of their nationality:
You will apply for a Sweden Family Visit visa in Sweden visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
Sweden Study (Up to 90 days) visa is granted to you to undertake trips to Sweden for study or educational training, which requires staying in Sweden up to 90 days per half a year.
1. Application Form
2. Passport
3. Two Photos
4. ID Card Copy
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)
6. Photocopies
7. Travel Itinerary
8. Proof of Visit
9. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation), if any
10. Proof of Financial Means
In case of scholarship:
In case of self-funding:
In case of sponsorship:
11. Overseas Medical Insurance
12. A Cover Letter Stating the Purpose of Visit To Sweden and Itinerary
*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Sweden Schengen (Study up to 90 days) visa is 12-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.
Since 02 February 2020, the fee for Schengen visas has been 80 EUR, to be paid upon submission of the application. Additionally, you may also need to pay other Administrative fees such as the Visa Application center fee, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.
According to the agreement signed between The EU and Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine, visa fee reduced to 35 EUR for the citizens of these countries.
Visa fees are waived by all Schengen states for the following categories of persons, regardless of their nationality:
You will apply to Sweden Schengen (Study up to 90 days) visa in Sweden visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
Sweden Work (Up to 90 days) visa is granted to you to undertake trips to Sweden for short-term work activities, which requires staying in Sweden up to 90 days per half a year.
1. Application Form
2. Passport
3. Two Photos
4. ID Card Copy
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)
6. Photocopies
7. Travel Itinerary
8. Proof of Visit
9. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation), if any
10. Proof of financial means
In case of self-funding:
In case of sponsorship:
11. Overseas Medical Insurance
12. A Cover Letter Stating the Purpose of Visit to Sweden and Itinerary
*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Sweden Schengen (Work up to 90 days) visa is 12-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.
Since 02 February 2020, the fee for Schengen visas has been 80 EUR, to be paid upon submission of the application. Additionally, you may also need to pay other Administrative fees such as the Visa Application center fee, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.
According to the agreement signed between The EU and Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine, visa fee reduced to 35 EUR for the citizens of these countries.
Visa fees are waived by all Schengen states for the following categories of persons, regardless of their nationality:
You will apply for Sweden Schengen (Work up to 90 days) visa in Sweden visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
An airport transit visa allows you to change planes at a Swedish airport for onward travel to a destination outside the Schengen Area. The visa (also referred to as an 'A' visa) does not allow you to enter Sweden or another Schengen country. This means you cannot leave the airport, nor the international zone of the airport.
If you are traveling to another Schengen country via Sweden, you will need a short-stay Schengen visa. Airport transit visas are not valid for this purpose.
If you are transiting through two different Schengen airports for onward travel to a country outside Schengen and the first transit airport is in Sweden, you need to apply for a short-stay Schengen visa. Airport transit visas are not valid for this purpose.
Regardless of whether or not you need an airport transit visa, it is the airline that decides to allow you onto the flight or not. Even if you have the necessary documents for your journey.
Under certain circumstances, you do not require an airport transit visa. For example, if you:
1. Application Form
2. Passport
3. Two Photos
4. Residence Permit/Visa (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)
5. Photocopies
6. Travel Itinerary
7. Letter from Local Employer/Sponsor (Proof of Occupation)
8. Overseas Medical Insurance
9. For Minors:
*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Sweden Transit visa is 12-20 working days. It depends on your visa application country.
Sweden Transit (A) visa fee is 60 EUR for foreign nationals.
You will apply for a Sweden Transit visa in Sweden visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
Even if your country is exempt from visa requirements if you intend to stay longer than 90 days you will need to apply for a long-stay visa from your home country before coming to Sweden.
The national visa grants entry to Sweden on the basis that you will be applying for a residence permit. It enables you to enter Sweden as a potential resident and stay while you apply for residency. You will need to convert your visa into a residence permit within three months of arriving in Sweden.
This visa is designed for applicants wishing to take up employment in Sweden, as well as for high skilled persons who are candidates for a Blue Card of the European Union.
The EU Blue Card allows third-country nationals with a university degree to take up employment in Sweden commensurate with their qualifications. Please note that potential Blue-Card holders need to earn a gross salary of 52.000 € or MINT profession (Mathematics / Informatics / Natural Sciences / Technology) require at least 40.560€ and shall have found a position in their field of study.
In general, applicants who are planning to travel to Sweden for long-term employment applies for a residence permit instead of a visa.
1. Application Form
2. Passport
3. Two Photos
4. ID Card Copy
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)
6. Photocopies
7. Original Employment Letter from the Applicant's Employer in Sweden
8. Proof of Registration of the Employing Company
9. Employment Confirmation Issued by Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs Department in Sweden
10. Work Permit Letter issued by the Swedish Authorities
In Case of International Transfer of the Employee:
11. Proof of Qualification
a) General Employment:
b) EU Blue-Card Candidate:
12. Curriculum Vitae (CV) of Professional Career, Specifying the Certificates, Diplomas, and Qualifications You Have Obtained
13. Work Experience Certificate
14. Applicant's Covering Letter
15. Proof of Accommodation
16. Police Record
17. Medical Certificate
*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Sweden Employment (National) visa is 10-60 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.
The Swedish Employment (National) Visa (residence permit) fee is 2000 SEK (it may vary depending on your country of application) for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
Application for a work permit for employees |
|
Work permit, EU Blue Card, ICT permit, seasonal work |
SEK 2,000 |
Extension of work permit |
SEK 2,000 |
Special fees for certain occupations |
|
Self-employed |
SEK 2,000 |
Performer |
SEK 1,500 |
Au pair |
SEK 1,500 |
Athlete or coach |
SEK 1,500 |
Working holiday visa for young people |
SEK 1,500 |
Researcher |
SEK 1,500 |
Trainee (through an international exchange program or agreement) |
SEK 1,500 |
Volunteer |
SEK 1,500 |
Seek employment after completed research |
SEK 1,500 |
You will apply for a Sweden Employment (National) visa in Sweden visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
This visa is intended to permit foreign nationals to obtain a long-term visa, allowing them to stay in Sweden for a longer period. This visa applies to those who are admitted to the state college or state university in Sweden. In general, applicants who are planning to travel to Sweden for long-term study apply for a residence permit instead of a visa. You can find detailed information about the application for a residence permit (here, national visa) below.
1. Application Form
2. Passport
3. Two Photos
4. ID Card Copy
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)
6. Photocopies
7. Details from Your University in Sweden:
a) Confirmed University Admission
b) Confirmed Language Course with Conditional University Admission
8. Documents Attesting Previous Education (originals should be presented at the counter):
In Case of Student Exchange:
9. Knowledge Of Language, for Cases of Confirmed University Admission and Confirmed Admission to A Preparation Course for University
10. Proof of Accommodation in Sweden
11. Proof of Economic Solvency
12. Documents Confirming the Sufficient Financial Resources (of Applicant or Sponsor)
13. Medical Insurance
14. Applicant's Covering Letter
*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Sweden Study (National) visa is 10-60 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.
When you submit your application for a Sweden Study (National) Visa, you will also need to pay a certain fee. The fee is required in order to cover the expenses for the processing of your application. The Swedish National (long-term) Visa fee is 80 EUR (it may vary depending on your country of application) for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
You will apply for Sweden Study (National) visa in Sweden visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
This visa is intended to permit foreign nationals to obtain a long-term visa, allowing them to stay in Sweden for a longer period. This visa applies to family members of Sweden nationals and wishing to obtain a permit for long-term residence in Sweden. In general, applicants who are planning to travel to Sweden for a long-term period applies for a residence permit instead of a visa.
Your family has the possibility of applying for residence permits to join you in Sweden if you:
1. Application Form
2. Passport
3. Two Photos
4. ID Card Copy
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)
6. Photocopies
7. Details of Spouse
8. Marriage Certificate
a) Sweden Marriage Certificate:
b) Foreign Marriage Certificate:
9. Letter from the Department of Citizenship and Expatriate Affairs in Sweden
10. Divorce Decree of Previous Marriages or Death Certificate of Former Spouse (if the applicant has been previously married)
11. Proof of Accommodation in Sweden
12. Proof of Sufficient Means of Substance
In case of self-funding:
In case of sponsorship:
13. Health Insurance will Only Be Requested Where Applicable
Requirements:
*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Sweden Family Reunion National visa is 10-60 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.
When you submit your application for a Sweden Family Reunion National Visa, you will also need to pay a certain fee. The fee is required in order to cover the expenses for the processing of your application. The Swedish National (long-term) Visa fee is 2000 SEK (it may vary depending on your country of application) for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission. Spouses and children of Swedish and EU/EFTA nationals; CERN and UN personnel (official trips only); students who study in Sweden are free of charge.
You will apply for a Sweden Family Reunion visa in Sweden visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
Sweden Self-employment (Entrepreneurial) visa can be granted to third-country nationals investing in the national economy of Sweden, whose who are or intend to become stockholders or shareholders, with management or administration powers in companies that are Sweden legal entities. In general, applicants who are planning to travel to Sweden for long-term employment application for a residence permit instead of a visa.
1. Application Form
2. Passport
3. Two Photos
4. ID Card Copy
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)
6. Photocopies
7. Company Profile
a) Head Office
b) New Office
8. Business Plan
9. Concept
10. Capital Budget
11. A Certificate of Criminal Record
12. Personal details
13. Medical Insurance
*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Sweden Entrepreneur visa is 10-60 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.
When you submit your application for a Sweden Entrepreneur Visa, you will also need to pay a certain fee. The fee is required in order to cover the expenses for the processing of your application. The Swedish National (long-term) Visa fee is 2000 SEK (it may vary depending on your country of application) for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
Application for a work permit for employees |
|
Work permit, EU Blue Card, ICT permit, seasonal work |
SEK 2,000 |
Extension of work permit |
SEK 2,000 |
Special fees for certain occupations |
|
Self-employed |
SEK 2,000 |
Performer |
SEK 1,500 |
Au pair |
SEK 1,500 |
Athlete or coach |
SEK 1,500 |
Working holiday visa for young people |
SEK 1,500 |
Researcher |
SEK 1,500 |
Trainee (through an international exchange program or agreement) |
SEK 1,500 |
You will apply for a Sweden National Entrepreneur visa in Sweden visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
This visa is intended to allow foreign nationals to obtain a long-term visa, allowing them to stay in Sweden for a longer period. This visa applies to young people welcomed temporarily into a family, where he/she is lodged and fed in return for light everyday family tasks, to perfect his linguistic knowledge and increase his general culture through an improved familiarity with the country while participating in the life of the host family.
In general, applicants who are planning to travel to Sweden for a long-term stay apply for a residence permit instead of a visa.
1. Application Form
2. Passport
3. Photos
4. ID Card Copy
5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)
6. Photocopies
7. Invitation Letter from Host Family Clarifying the Following:
8. Agreement with the Host Family
9. Au Pair / Host Family Questionnaire
10. Motivation Letter (why do you wish to go to Sweden?) in Swedish or English
11. Documents Reflecting Your Previous Education and Skills
12. A Certificate of Criminal Record
13. Medical Insurance
*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.
The average processing time for a Sweden Au Pair visa is 10-60 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.
When you submit your application for a Sweden Au Pair Visa, you will also need to pay a certain fee. The fee is required in order to cover the expenses for the processing of your application. The Swedish National (long-term) Visa fee is 1500 SEK (it may vary depending on your country of application) for foreign nationals. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.
Special fees for certain occupations |
|
Self-employed |
SEK 2,000 |
Performer |
SEK 1,500 |
Au pair |
SEK 1,500 |
Athlete or coach |
SEK 1,500 |
Working holiday visa for young people |
SEK 1,500 |
Researcher |
SEK 1,500 |
You will apply for a Sweden National Au Pair visa in Sweden visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.
Yes. Once you have entered the Schengen territory, single entry visa allows the holder to circulate within the Schengen territory multiple number of times. However, if the holder of this visa leaves the Schengen territory, he/she cannot re-enter again without a new valid visa.
You must meet certain requirements to enter Sweden, even if are not required a visa:
This visa gives permission to its holder to enter the Schengen Area (all 26 member States) as many times as they wish, within a period of 1, 3, 5 years. However, even in this case, the visa holder is limited to remaining in the Schengen Area no longer than 90 days within a 180-day period.
Schengen visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days (within 180 days) from your arrival date. The Schengen visa is not valid before the arrival date you provide on your visa application.
An airport transit visa is valid for the period it takes you to transfer between flights in a Sweden airport.
National visas are usually issued for three months but can be valid up to 12 months, depending on your reason for requesting a visa. The national visa will cover you while your residence permit application is processed.
If your Sweden visa application is rejected, you will be notified by your mission that your application has been unsuccessful. You will be informed of the grounds on which it was rejected and have one month to appeal the decision by writing to the Swedish mission. Then, your application will be reconsidered. You can also apply for a visa again if your circumstances have changed.
All applicants must appear in person in the Embassy/Consulate or Visa Application Center for the submission of the documents since the identity needs to be verified and biometric data must be collected. Please contact local Sweden representatives for more precise information.
All fees are non-refundable and will not be refunded if your visa application is not successful.
Yes, you can study in Sweden with a Schengen Visa, if your education program is less than 90 days, you do not need a national visa.
No, you generally cannot work in Sweden with a Schengen Visa. If you come to Sweden as a temporary foreign worker, you need to apply for a national visa in advance.
It is possible to extend the validity of visas only in exceptional cases, such as a natural disaster. This must be done at the Foreigners’ Office covering your area of residence.
Yes, an effective and valid travel insurance policy is a must according to Schengen visa regulations. It should be valid for the entirety of your stay in the Schengen Region and should provide a cover of minimum EUR 30,000, or more.
Yes, you are required for making a specific appointment when you wish to submit the Schengen visa application form at the Consulate, or any Swedish Visa Application Centre. Ensure that you visit the Embassy or Swedish Visa Application Centre within business hours.