Sweden Visa
Traveling to Sweden
The biggest country in Scandinavia, Sweden is the epicenter of Nordic culture. Stockholm is sophisticated and beautiful and home to numerous art and cultural museums, as well as an innovative Nordic culinary scene.
You may need a visa to travel to Sweden, depending on where you are from (nationality), the length of your trip (duration of stay), and your reason for travel (type of visa needed).
There are numerous types of visas for Sweden, which are valid for travel for specific purposes and times. Different Sweden visas have different Sweden visa requirements and validity periods.
In general, Sweden visas can be divided into two main categories: short stay visas and long stay visas (a long stay visa for Sweden is required for those looking to spend more than 90 days in the country).
Another main distinction relates to allowed entries: a single entry will allow you just one entry into the country; a multiple entry visa for Sweden will let you enter and exit as many times as needed.
Sweden visa types
Transit Visa (Type A)
Sweden transit visa
Short Term Visas (Type C)
Schengen Visas
- Business
- Cultural
- Medical
- Official Visit
- Sports
- Study
- Tourism (Sweden Tourist visa)
- Visiting Family or Friends
- Other
Long Term Visas (Type D, National)
In order to receive a long stay visa for Sweden you must receive a residence permit. Residence permits are available for the following visas and purposes:
- Business or conference visits
- Medical treatment
- Religious purposes
- Studies or research (Sweden Student visa for exchange doctoral)
- Visiting a relative, friend, or partner
- Visiting as a tourist
- Volunteer, Trainee, European Solidarity Corps
- Extraordinary event
Sweden visa requirements
The following documents are typically required for all visas to Sweden:
Passport
Official, government-issued document, not older than 10 years, with the correct validity length (a minimum three months past the intended day of exit from Sweden)
Visa fee
Your Sweden visa fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, and possibly other factors, such as your age. Schengen visa fees for most applicants are 80 EUR; the basic national visa fee is 60 EUR
Personal photos
Two recently taken photos of the applicant. Photos should be passport style (and have passport dimensions).
Additional documents:
You will almost certainly have to submit additional documents on your Sweden visa application. Requested documents are typically those which help visa authorities confirm your identity, determine the truthfulness of your stated purpose of travel, and assess your financial state. The type of Sweden visa you apply for will determine your supplemental documents, which may include the following:
Biographical documents
Identity documents, such as your birth certificate
Financial materials
Documents showing your finances, such as your bank balance
Accommodation
Information about where you will stay in Sweden
Educational materials
Proof of university education, etc.
Proof of medical insurance
Please note that all documents may likely be written in Swedish or English (or accompanied by official translations into either).
Sweden visa application
Applicants for Sweden visas should follow these general steps, which may vary slightly depending on numerous factors, including visa type and application destination.
- Prepare your visa application
Choose your visa duration
Determine how long you intend to be in Sweden—i.e. what type of Sweden visa you need: long, short, or airport. This will determine how you proceed with the subsequent application steps.
Select your Sweden visa purpose
Determine what type of Sweden visa you need. This will determine how you proceed with the subsequent application steps.
Select your entry category
Your selection of the single-entry visa for Sweden or the multiple entry visa for Sweden will determine whether or not you may travel in and out of the country/Schengen area throughout your visa period. Consider that holders of the single-entry visa for Sweden cannot return to the country after exiting.
Determine where to apply
Find your physical application destination (place where you will submit your visa application). This is typically the Swedish Embassy/Consulate or associated visa-application center where you live. For more information, see “where to apply.” - Fill out your visa application
Access your main application form
Most applicants should apply for their Sweden visa online, through the official visa portal system. If you are unable to access the online form due to your application destination, you will likely apply directly by submitting the basic Schengen visa application form (or form relating to your specific national visa type through your application destination. Regardless of how you apply (online or in person) you will typically need to officially submit your application through your application destination. in order fulfill various in-person requirements.
Gather the rest of your documents
Gather your required documents as well as the supplemental ones required for your specific Sweden visa type. - Pay your Sweden visa fee
Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may be able to pay for your visa at this stage of the application (online). Alternatively, you will be asked to submit payment at step 4 (your visa interview).
- Schedule your visa interview appointment
Almost all Sweden visa applicants, even those who apply online, must attend a visa appointment at their application destination. Scheduling a Sweden visa interview can take days, weeks, or even months if you apply through the Sweden visa portal, you should be able to schedule your interview online. Alternatively, you may need to reach out to your application destination directly (via email/phone) to make an appointment.
- Attend your visa interview
This is where you will submit your biometric information, be interviewed, and meet other requirements pertaining to your visa type. This is typically the final stage of the Sweden visa application process; you will either be granted a visa upon the conclusion of your appointment, receive a rejection, or leave to await a decision.
Please note that certain visas may require subsequent steps (for example, if you are applying for a long-term Sweden Business visa or Sweden Working visa you may need to apply for Sweden Work Permit—other long term visas may require you to apply for a residence permit for Sweden. For more information about whether your Sweden Working visa application or Sweden Business visa application will subsequently require you to seek a Sweden Work Permit or a residence permit for Sweden, make sure to research the specific visa requirements for your specific visa type.
Where to apply for Sweden visa
Sweden visa application processing occurs at Sweden embassies and consulates (and their associated visa application centers) around the world. You will likely be able to apply for your Sweden visa online. However, even online applicants must fulfill the in-person Sweden visa requirements, which can only be fulfilled at physical Sweden embassies/consulates and visa application centers. If you are outside of Sweden and are applying for a Sweden visa, you will apply through the Sweden embassy/consulate or visa application center where you live.
When to apply for a Sweden Visa
Applicants for short-stay visas to Sweden are advised to submit their application a minimum of fourteen days before their intended trip. And while applying well in advance is recommended, applying too early (i.e. over six months before departure) is discouraged.
Sweden visa processing time
The Sweden visa application processing time varies. Factors which determine how long it will take to get your visa include the following:
- Sweden visa type
- Application destination
- Your nationality
- The completeness of application
Depending on all these factors, you could expect to receive a visa in days, weeks, or even months after you apply.
Sweden visa FAQ
Depending on where you are from, you may need a visa to enter the country, regardless of how long you intend to stay. Some nationalities do not need a visa to travel to Sweden. Regardless of your nationality, however, you will need a visa if you intend to stay in the country longer than 90 days and you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Get a travel document for Sweden (visa) by submitting an application to your local Sweden embassy/consulate/visa application center, meeting the visa requirements, and paying your visa fee.
The amount of money you need depends on the Schengen country you are visiting. You will likely need to show several months proof of salary/bank statements in order to meet the Schengen proof of funds requirement.
Choose from among the various types of Sweden visa you need to apply for by considering your reason for travel and how long you want to stay in the country. These factors will determine the type of visa you need. In addition to visa type, you should also determine how many entries you need—i.e. whether you need a multiple entry visa for Sweden or a single-entry visa for Sweden.
Rejected Schengen visa applicants can appeal the decision, reapply, or apply for another travel document for Sweden (different Sweden visa, such as a Sweden Student visa).
