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 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 or Schengen Visa Info 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: 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) 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 Schengen short-stay visas, 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.

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.