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Swedish Visa: Types and How to Apply

Created: Sep 6, 2024 | Updated: Sep 6, 2024

Auroras, IKEA, and ABBA. These are three of the many reasons we love Sweden. The first is a miracle of nature, featuring dazzling displays of light across the sky. The second is the global brand that embodies sustainability, functionality and cost efficiency. And the third is the iconic singing group that released timeless classics like ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Mamma Mia’. 

Have we aroused your interest in Sweden yet? Would you like to visit it? Then you’ll need the right visa. In this article, we cover the essential information about the different Swedish types and how to apply for the one that suits your travel needs.

Table of Contents

Types of Swedish visas

Sweden offers two main categories of visas based on the duration of your stay: Schengen visas for short-term visits of less than 90 days and National visas for extended stays. Here's what you need to know about each type:

Schengen visas 

  1. Airport Transit Visa: For non-EU citizens who need to pass through the international area of an airport in Sweden or any other Schengen area for a layover or flight change.
     
  2. Tourist Visa: For people travelling to Sweden for leisure or sightseeing.
     
  3. Business Visa: For individuals engaged in work-related activities such as meetings, conferences, or short-term business engagements lasting less than 90 days. 
     
  4. Visitor Visa: For non-EU citizens who wish to visit their family members or friends in Sweden. You must get an invitation letter from your host to apply for this visa.
     
  5. Cultural Visa: For non-EU participants in cultural, sports, or religious events in Sweden.

National Visas

  1. Student Visa: For international, full-time students enrolled in a Swedish educational institution. You must obtain an acceptance letter from your school as part of your required documentation to apply for this visa.
     
  2. Work Visa: For non-EU employees with a valid job offer from a Swedish employer.  
     
  3. Job Seeker Visa: For recent graduates of a Swedish institution who are seeking employment in Sweden. This visa allows you to remain in the country while you search for a job.
     
  4. Family Reunion Visa: For immediate family members of Swedish residents or citizens who wish to join their relatives in Sweden.
     
  5. Researcher Visa: For scientists and researchers sponsored by a recognised Swedish research institution travelling to Sweden for research purposes. 
     
  6. Freelancer Visa: For self-employed foreign nationals and digital nomads who have demonstrated sufficient means to cover their expenses while in Sweden without getting a job from a Swedish employer. 
     
  7. Language Course Visa: For people enrolling in a Swedish language course that lasts longer than 90 days.

Sweden visa requirements

When applying for any Swedish visa, there are several common requirements that you need to fulfil regardless of the visa category:

  1. A fully completed and signed visa application form. You can download this form from the Swedish Embassy website in your country. 
     
  2. A valid passport with at least three months validity beyond your planned stay and two blank pages. 
     
  3. Two recent passport-size photographs that meet the Schengen visa photo requirements – plain white background, 35mm x 45mm in size, with your face occupying 70-80% of the photo.
     
  4. Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Sweden, such as your recent bank statement or a sponsorship letter.
  5. A valid travel insurance policy with a minimum coverage of €30,000. 
     
  6. A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit to Sweden and your itinerary.
     
  7. Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from your host in Sweden.
     
  8. Proof of a booked return journey or onward travel to demonstrate your intent to leave Sweden after your visit.

General steps for applying for a Swedish visa

General steps for applying for a Swedish visa

The process for applying for a Swedish visa – whether for a short-term visit or long-term stay – is largely the same. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare:

  1. Start by identifying the purpose of your visit to Sweden (tourism, business, study, work, etc) and select the appropriate visa type that matches your travel needs.
     
  2. Visit the official website of the Swedish Migration Agency or the nearest Swedish Embassy or Consulate’s website to check detailed eligibility criteria and specific document requirements for the visa type you need.
     
  3. Gather all required documents, such as a valid passport, photographs, proof of financial means, travel insurance, and any additional supporting documents for your visa type. If these are not issued in Swedish or English, you must get their certified translations in English.
     
  4. Download and fill out the visa application form accurately. Ensure all information is correct and corresponds with the information in your supporting documents.
     
  5. Schedule and attend your visa interview to submit your documents at the nearest Swedish Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Centre. 
     
  6. Pay the applicable visa fee specified during the application process (see the list below). Note that this fee is non-refundable, even if your application is ultimately denied.
     
  7. Once your visa application is approved, you may need to return to the Embassy or Visa Application Centre to collect your passport with the visa sticker inside it, or it may be sent to you by post.
     
  8. After receiving your visa, check all the details on the visa sticker to ensure they are correct and match your travel plans.

Swedish visa processing times and fees

  • A short-term Schengen visa processing time is typically 15 days but may extend to 30 days if further documentation or verification is required. 
     
  • A long-stay national visa is usually processed within one to two months, depending on the specifics of the application.

Swedish visa fees

Swedish visas are standardised for short-term visas but can vary for long-term visas based on the type or category:

  • Schengen Visa Fee:
    • Adults: €80
    • Children (6-12 years): €40
    • Children under 6 years: Free
    • Certain applicants, such as students, researchers, or participants in non-profit cultural or sports events may qualify for reduced fees or waivers.
       
  • National Visa Fee: Approximately €140. Nationals of countries with a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union, such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kosovo, and Ukraine, may qualify for fee reduction or exemptions.

Tips for a successful visa application

  1. Begin your application process at least 15 days before your travel date. This gives you time to gather all necessary documents and buffers any delays in processing. 
     
  2. Carefully read the specific requirements for your visa type. You can confirm the details on the Swedish Migration Agency website or contact the nearest Swedish embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
     
  3. If your visa type requires an interview, prepare thoroughly. Be ready to clearly explain your reasons for visiting, your plans during the stay, and your intentions to return to your home country afterwards.
     
  4. When budgeting for your visa, include translation costs and other potential expenses for mailing documents or attending interviews. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Schengen visa for Sweden?
It typically takes about 15 days after submitting your application to get a Schengen visa. However, this can vary based on additional requirements and the specific embassy’s workload.
Generally, Swedish Schengen visas cannot be extended except in exceptional circumstances or for humanitarian reasons. You must apply for an extension before your visa expires and provide substantial proof of the need for an extension.
No. You cannot convert a tourist visa into a work visa in Sweden. You must apply for a work visa from your home country or where you legally reside, following the appropriate application process which involves obtaining a job offer from a Swedish employer first.
To apply for permanent residence in Sweden, you must have legally lived in Sweden for a continuous period, typically at least five years, with a valid residence status. You must demonstrate integration into Swedish society, including language proficiency and financial self-sufficiency.

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