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How to apply for a Swedish visa

Applying for a Swedish visa can feel complicated, but with the right information, the process becomes much smoother.

Whether you’re planning to visit, study, work, or join family in Sweden, knowing the steps in advance helps you apply with confidence and avoid any unnecessary stress.

The most important tip is to prepare early. Applications often take longer than expected, especially if translations or official stamps are required, so be prepared\!

> In this guide, you’ll learn:
> 
> * The main types of Swedish visas and permits
> 
> * How to apply, step by step
> 
> * Which documents you need
> 
> * Typical processing times and common pitfalls
> 
> * And where to find official, up-to-date information

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to apply for a Swedish visa and how to make the process as straightforward as possible.

## Choosing the right visa

Before applying, you’ll need to know which visa actually fits your situation. Sweden offers two main categories.

**Short-stay Schengen visas** are for visits up to **90 days within a 180-day period.** This typically includes tourism, business trips, and other temporary stays.

With this visa, you can also **travel freely across the Schengen area** (comprising 26 countries), but you **can’t work** **or settle** in Sweden on a long-term basis.

If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you’ll need a **long-stay national visa (residence permit)**. This allows you to:

* **Study** at a university or language school.

* **Work** with an approved employer, or as a researcher.

* **Join family members** living in Sweden.

These permits are typically tied to your purpose of stay. For example, a student permit doesn’t automatically let you work full-time.

If you’re unsure which category is right for you, Sweden’s [**Migration Agency website**](https://www.migrationsverket.se/en/you-want-to-apply.html) can help you determine the correct category based on your situation. 

## Step 1: Completing the application form

The first step in the application process is to locate and submit your visa application form. 

You can find this information either **online** (through the Swedish Migration Agency’s website) or **in person** at your local embassy or consulate. 

Some embassies or consulates still require printed forms, so check with the local Swedish mission first.

You’ll have to provide your:

* **Personal details**: name, date of birth, passport info.

* **Purpose of travel**: tourism, study, work, or family visit.

* **Accommodation details**: hotel bookings, rental contract, or invitation letter.

* **Financial details**: bank statements or sponsor letters to prove you can support yourself.

Remember to **avoid leaving sections blank or giving vague answers,** and always make sure you’re using an **up-to-date form** from an official source.

## Step 2: Preparing relevant documents

Once the form is filled out, the next step is to gather the supporting documents. A clear, complete file makes your application much stronger.

For both types of visa, you’ll need:

* **A valid passport,** with at least **2 blank pages,** for a minimum of 3 months after your intended departure.

* **Proof of accommodation**: hotel booking, lease, or invitation letter.

* **Your flight reservation**: showing entry and exit dates.

* **Proof of financial security**: recent bank statements, pay slips, or a sponsorship letter.

* [**Visa-compliant Swedish health insurance**](https://feather-insurance.com/en-se/health-insurance/expat): must cover at least €30,000 across all Schengen countries. The [European Commission’s Schengen insurance page](https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-family/index_en.htm) lists acceptable policies. 

Depending on your situation and the type of visa you’re applying for, you may also need:

* A detailed **cover lette**r explaining your travel purpose.

* **Employer letters** (for workers)

* **Enrollment confirmation** (for students).  

* **Proof of family relation** (for those joining family members in Sweden). 

## Step 3: Scheduling an appointment

Once your form and documents are ready, the next step is to secure an appointment at your local Swedish embassy or consulate. 

There are a few different **ways to book an appointment**, depending on where you’re applying from: 

* **Online booking portals**: Many embassies use online platforms where you choose a date and submit your details.

* **Direct consulate requests**: In smaller locations, you may need to contact the consulate directly via email or phone.

* **Outsourced centers**: Sweden often collaborates with third-party providers, such as [VFS Global](https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/index.html) or [TLS Contact](https://www.tlscontact.com/en/), to handle bookings.

However, please note that you must **submit your application from the country in which you are currently residing**. 

If there is no Swedish embassy in your country of residence, you may need to cross borders for an interview. 

The most important thing to remember is to **make an appointment as early as possible**. The earlier you book, the sooner you’ll have your visa in hand.

## Step 4: Attending the interview

The visa interview is your opportunity to demonstrate to the consular officer that your application is well-prepared and thorough. It’s usually short, but essential nonetheless\!

During the interview, you’ll be asked brief questions about:

* **The purpose of your visit**: Tourism, study, work, family, etc…

* **The length of your stay** should match your travel itinerary.

* **Your financial situation:** How do you plan to support yourself while in Sweden?

* **Ties to your home country:** Consular staff will want to know about your job, family, or property back home, to assure them that you don’t plan on staying forever\!

To ensure the interview runs smoothly, please keep your answers clear, concise, and consistent with the information provided in your submitted documents and application form. 

## Step 5: Providing biometric information

During your appointment, you’ll also need to provide **biometric data**. It’s a quick process and is required for almost everyone.

Your **fingerprints** (all ten fingers) will be scanned, and a **digital photo** will be taken on the spot. 

This biometric data is stored in the **Schengen Visa Information System (VIS)** for **a period of five years**. If you apply again within that period, you won’t need to resubmit fingerprints.

It’s worth noting that certain individuals are **exempt** from providing biometrics, including:

* Children under 12

* Some diplomats and state officials

## Step 6: Paying the application fee

Paying the fee is the last administrative step before your application gets processed.

For **short-stay Schengen visas**, prices depend mainly on age:

* **Adults**: €80

* **Children (6–11 years)**: €40

* **Children under 6**: free

Some students, researchers, and family members of EU/EEA citizens **may be exempt** from visa application fees. If this sounds like you, we recommend checking with your local Swedish embassy for confirmation.

Prices for **long-stay national visas (residence permits)** are typically higher and vary based on the type of visa, the purpose of your visit, and the country from which you’re applying.

For more specific details, please visit Sweden’s official [embassy website](https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/). 

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when it comes to visa fees: 

* **Fees are typically charged in the local currency** so the exact amount may vary slightly due to exchange rates.

* **Payment methods differ**: some embassies accept card payments, whilst others only accept cash. Check with your local or consulate or embassy ahead of time to avoid being caught off guard. 

* **Visa fees are non-refundable**, even if your visa is denied. 

## Step 7: Receiving your visa

After all these steps, the wait begins. Processing times vary, so it helps to set realistic expectations.

For **short-stay Schengen** visas: 

* **Standard cases** are often processed in around 15 calendar days.

* **Busy periods or complex files,** on the other hand, can take up to 45–60 days to process. That’s why applying early is crucial.

Processing times for **long-stay national visas** are typically longer and highly dependent on the type of visa and where you’re applying from. 

If you’re concerned or want to check on the progress of your application, you can always contact your local embassy or consulate. 

Once your application has been approved, you’ll **collect your passport** – with your shiny new visa – either by courier (if offered in your country) or by collection at the embassy.

Once you’ve got your visa in hand, it’s always a good idea to check:

* **Validity dates**: If your stay exceeds the granted duration, you risk overstaying.

* **Your personal details:** These should match your passport exactly.

If everything seems right, you’re all done\!

## What to do if your visa is refused

Rejections do occur, and can be understandably stressful.

If this happens to you, it’s important to remember that this isn’t the end of the line, and you do have options:

* You’ll receive a **written explanation** for the refusal. Examine these carefully and identify what went wrong. 

* If you believe the decision was unfair, you can file an **appeal** through the official process described in the decision letter.  

* Alternatively, if you’ve identified what went wrong and know how to fix it, you can always **reapply** with an amended application.

Rejections often occur due to missing documents or incomplete forms, so be sure to avoid these common mistakes the first time around.

## Conclusion

Applying for a visa can seem overwhelming and create unwanted stress during an exciting time. But it doesn’t have to be this way\!

The Swedish system is fairly straightforward, and if you follow the steps outlined here you’ll be on your way to Stockholm (or wherever else you might be visiting) in no time. 

The most important things to remember are to apply early, and organise your documents in advance. 

With that done, all that’s left to do is plan your trip\!

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[BP] how to apply for a Swedish visa

Sweden visa requirements: Explained

Whether you’re visiting for tourism, studying at a university, working, or joining family, knowing Sweden’s visa requirements in advance saves time, money, and stress.

The most important step is to plan ahead and ensure you have the correct documents ready. 

This makes sure you avoid any unwanted delays or unnecessary rejections, and helps the process run much more smoothly 

In this guide, you’ll learn:

* The main types of Swedish visas, and who needs them
* The core documents required by all visa applicants 
* Additional requirements and documentation, depending on visa type 
* Typical processing times and where to submit your application
* And our best tips for avoiding common mistakes and delays

By the end, you’ll know exactly which Swedish visa is right for you, what the requirements are, and have the confidence to prepare a complete application the first time around.

## Who needs a Swedish visa?

Before selecting which type of Swedish visa is right for you, it’s worth taking the time to check if you really need one at all. 

If you’re an **EU/EEA citizen,** we’ve got good news\! You benefit from free movement rules, and **you won’t need a visa** to travel, live, or work in Sweden at all. 

Some other countries also benefit from visa-free travel in Sweden (and anywhere else in the Schengen zone), but only for shorter stays up to 90 days. 

The European Commission provides a [full list of these countries](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/infographics/eu-visa-agreements-with-non-eu-countries/) on their website.

For anyone else, however, you’ll have to move on to the next step. 

## Choosing a Swedish visa 

Sweden has two main types of visas. Which one you need depends on the purpose of your visit and how long you’re staying. 

**Schengen short-stay visas (C visas)**:
* For **temporary visits**, such as for tourism, business trips, or visiting family.  
* Valid for up to **90 days within 180 days**.
* Often allow **multiple entries**, so you can travel around the Schengen area freely.

**National visas (D visas),** on the other hand**,** are: 

* Designed for longer stays, usually over 90 days  
* Often tied to a specific purpose, like study or seasonal work.  
* Allow multiple entries (unlike Schengen visas), but are more limited than residence permits

**Residence permits** are for anyone planning to move to Sweden long-term, usually for a year or more. These are common for those looking to work, study, or join family members permanently.  

If you’re planning your trip, it’s always smart to double-check the [**Swedish Migration Agency**](https://www.migrationsverket.se/en.html) or [**Schengen Visa Info**](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy/applying-schengen-visa_en) for up-to-date details. Rules can shift, and those sites give the official word.

## Required documents for a Swedish visa

To get your visa, you’ll need to gather a precise set of documents, each meeting specific standards.

It’s important to make sure you have all of these documents ready to go, to avoid delays and rejections. 

Here’s a basic run down of all the core documents you’ll need:

* **A completed application form:** You can find this either online (through the Swedish Migration Agency’s website), or physically at your local embassy or consulate.  
* **Passport-style photos**: 35x45mm in size, taken against a plain light background with a neutral facial expression. These photos will need to be printed, as digital uploads alone won’t cut it.  
* **Passport**: This needs to be issued within the past 10 years, and must be valid for 6 months after your expected return date. If your passport expires soon, it’s worth renewing before applying.   
* **Proof of accommodation**: These can include hotel or Airbnb bookings, rental agreements, or an invitation letter from a host (including their address and a copy of their ID)  
* **Proof of financial means**: Authorities will ask for three to six months of recent bank statements, to make sure you can support yourself in Sweden. Cash or handwritten statements are not accepted.  
* [**Visa-compliant health insurance**](https://feather-insurance.com/en-se/health-insurance/expat): This must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses across the entire Schengen area, including emergency expatriation. 

## Additional Documents

Beyond the core paperwork, Sweden requires additional documents depending on the reason for your visit. These requirements can vary a lot, so it’s best to prepare early.

Here’s a list of applicants, with the additional documents you’ll need to provide:

* **Employees**: An official job offer letter and proof of contract terms. Your employer must also register the position with the Swedish Migration Agency.   
* **Self-Employed applicants**: Ongoing contracts with clients, evidence of a business relationship in Sweden (e.g., letters from Swedish partners), and a business plan.   
* **Students**: Proof of admission to a Swedish university, and financial documentation for the full year. If you’re an exchange student, an acceptance letter from a Swedish university will be enough.  
* **Researchers**: An invitation from a Swedish research institution ( rules are streamlined compared to standard work permits).  
* **Applicants joining family members**: Proof of family relation (e.g., marriage or birth certificates)

Some of these requirements only apply in specific circumstances, and necessary documents vary on a case-by-case basis, so it’s always a good idea to check beforehand with your local embassy or consulate. 

## Special requirements for minors

If you’re applying for a Swedish visa on behalf of a child, the rules are more detailed. Authorities want certainty that the trip is safe, authorized, and in the child’s best interest.

Sweden treats **anyone under 18 as a minor**, and the paperwork must clearly show who is responsible for the child during travel.

Required documents include

* **Written parental consent:** Usually from both parents or legal guardians. In some cases, this letter must be officially notarized.  
* **The child’s birth certificate**: This must often be legalised and officially notarized. If not in Swedish or English, it will also need to be translated.   
* **Legal proof of guardianship**   
* **Copies of both parents’ passports or IDs**

If one parent is deceased, authorities may also ask for a **death certificate**. 

Alternatively, if custody disputes are ongoing, a **recent court order** is often necessary.  

Because rules vary slightly between embassies, the safest approach is to consult the **official guidance of the Swedish embassy or consulate** where you’ll apply.

## Biometric data

For both Schengen and long-stay visas, you’ll be asked to provide some basic biometric data as part of your application.

This includes **a digital photo and a scan of all ten fingerprints**. Both of these are usually done on-site at your local embassy or consulate, and only take a few minutes.

Once scanned, your fingerprints will be kept in the [**Schengen Visa Information System (VIS)**](https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-information-system_en) for five years. If you apply again within that period, you won’t need to resubmit fingerprints.

Some applicants, such as children under 6 years old and certain government officials, are not required to provide fingerprints. 

## Visa fees

No matter which visa you’re applying for, everyone has to pay an application fee. These differ depending on your age and the type of visa you’re applying for. 

**Schengen visas** are standard, and the cost depends on age. Adults pay **€80** and children from 6-12 pay **€40**.

Children under 6 years old, researchers under EU-funded programs, and some students on official study trips are exempt and can receive a Schengen visa free of charge. 

**Long-stay visas** are more expensive and vary heavily depending on the type of visa.

For details tailored to your specific situation, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your local embassy or consulate. 

## Processing times

Processing times vary significantly, depending on the type of visa, where you’re applying from, and the time of year you apply. 

For S**chengen short-stay visa**s, you can expect processing to take approximately **15 calendar days**, although it may take longer during peak seasons. 

Processing times for **long-stay visas and residence permits** depend on the reason for travel, but usually take much longer, roughly between **2 to 9 months** 

Due to fluctuating timelines, the Swedish Migration Agency offers an **[online processing time calculator](https://www.migrationsverket.se/4.2d998ffc151ac3871595cd4/10.2d998ffc151ac3871595cdf.js?history=q0:1)**. 

It’s updated regularly and can give you a clearer picture of current wait times for your specific case. 

Checking it before you apply can help you plan your travel or move with fewer surprises.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I apply for a Swedish visa fully online?

You can do part of the process online, but some requirements must be met in-person

Forms, document uploads, and payments are handled through the **Swedish Migration Agency portal**. But biometrics must always be submitted **in person** at a VFS Global center or Swedish consulate.

Compared to some other Schengen states, Sweden is fairly digital, though a few countries let you complete more offline or online depending on their setup.

### What language should my visa application documents be in?

Documents must be in **English or Swedish**. If they’re in another language, you’ll need a **certified translation**. 

Common examples include marriage certificates, birth certificates, and financial records. 

Be aware that some embassies also require translations into the **local language of application**. Always double-check your embassy’s checklist so you don’t waste time on the wrong format.

### Do bank statements require a bank stamp?

In most cases, no. **Digitally generated statements** that display the account holder's name and transaction history are sufficient. 

However, some embassies still ask for stamped or signed originals, especially in countries where online banking is less standardized. 

To avoid surprises, check your **specific embassy’s guidance** before submitting your application.

### What if my passport expires within the next 6 months?

Schengen rules require your passport to be **valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date** and issued within the last 10 years. 

However, in practice, many Swedish embassies prefer passports with at least **6 months of validity**. 

If your passport is close to expiring, the safest move is to **renew it before applying**. That way, you avoid delays or avoidable rejections.

### Can I extend a Schengen visa while in Sweden?

As a general rule, you can’t extend a Schengen visa during your stay. Applications must usually be submitted from your country of residence. 

Extensions are possible, but only in **exceptional circumstances**. 

The law allows it for cases like:

* **Force majeure** (for example, cancelled flights due to natural disasters).
* **Humanitarian reasons** (serious illness requiring extended stay).
* **Strong personal grounds** (like unexpected family emergencies).

Extensions for tourism or general convenience are **almost never approved**. 

If you think you qualify, you’ll need to apply through the **Swedish Migration Agency’s extension process** while still in Sweden.

Sweden's visa requirements explained