Navigating Swedish VISA Portal and Policies with Travel Guidelines
Sweden, as a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area, has specific visa regulations for non-EU citizens wishing to visit, work, study, or reside in the country. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about Sweden’s visa policies, application procedures, and fee structures.
Important Note: Sweden follows the common visa policy of the Schengen Area. A visa issued by Sweden generally allows travel throughout the entire Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) is responsible for processing visa applications and residence permits for Sweden. Depending on your nationality, purpose of visit, and duration of stay, different regulations and requirements apply.
Types of Swedish Visas
Sweden offers several visa categories based on the purpose and duration of your visit:
Schengen Visa (Short-Stay)
For visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period:
- Tourist Visa: For leisure travel, sightseeing, and visiting friends or family
- Business Visa: For attending meetings, conferences, or business negotiations
- Visitor Visa: For visiting family members or friends residing in Sweden
- Cultural/Sports Events Visa: For participating in cultural or sports activities
- Official Visit Visa: For members of official delegations
- Medical Treatment Visa: For receiving medical care in Sweden
- Short-Term Study Visa: For courses or training programs under 3 months
National Visa (Long-Stay)
For stays longer than 90 days, requiring a residence permit:
- Work Visa: For employment in Sweden
- Study Visa: For higher education programs longer than 3 months
- Family Reunification Visa: For joining family members in Sweden
- Researcher Visa: For conducting research at Swedish institutions
- Au Pair Visa: For au pair placements
- Self-Employed Visa: For starting a business in Sweden
General Visa Requirements
While specific requirements vary by visa type, all applicants must generally provide:
Basic Documentation
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (35x45mm, light background)
- Valid passport (with at least two blank pages, valid for three months beyond intended stay)
- Copy of passport bio-data page
- Travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000
- Round-trip flight itinerary or reservation
- Proof of accommodation in Sweden
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the stay
Biometric Data Collection
- All applicants aged 12+ must provide fingerprints
- Biometric data stored in VIS database for 5 years
- Facial photograph also required
- Must be collected in person at application center
- Exemptions for persons with finger injuries
Additional Documents by Visa Type
- Tourist Visa: Detailed travel itinerary, bank statements
- Business Visa: Invitation letter from Swedish company, employer letter
- Study Visa: Letter of acceptance from Swedish educational institution, proof of tuition payment
- Work Visa: Employment contract, proof of qualifications
- Family Visit: Invitation letter, proof of family relationship, host’s residence status in Sweden
Attention: All documents must be in English or Swedish. Documents in other languages must be accompanied by certified translations. Providing false information or forged documents will result in application refusal and may lead to entry bans.
Application Tip: Submit your application at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date to account for processing times, especially during peak seasons (summer, holidays).
Visa Fee Structure
Sweden visa fees are set in accordance with EU regulations and are subject to periodic review. All fees are non-refundable, regardless of application outcome.
Schengen Visa Fees (in EUR)
| Visa Category | Standard Fee | Reduced Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Schengen Visa | €80 | – | Standard fee for most applicants |
| Child (6-11 years) | €40 | – | Applicants between 6 and 11 years of age |
| Child (under 6 years) | FREE | – | No fee for children under 6 years |
| Nationals with visa facilitation agreements | €35 | – | Applies to citizens of specific countries |
Long-Stay Visa / Residence Permit Fees (in SEK)
| Permit Category | Application Fee | Renewal Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Permit (adult) | 2,000 SEK | 1,500 SEK | For employment in Sweden |
| Work Permit (under 18) | 1,000 SEK | 750 SEK | For applicants under 18 years |
| Study Permit | 1,500 SEK | 1,500 SEK | For studies longer than 3 months |
| Researcher Permit | 2,000 SEK | 1,500 SEK | For researchers at approved institutions |
| Family Reunification | 1,500 SEK | 1,500 SEK | For joining family members in Sweden |
| Au Pair Permit | 2,000 SEK | 1,500 SEK | For au pair placements |
| Self-Employed Permit | 2,000 SEK | 1,500 SEK | For starting a business in Sweden |
Payment Information: Visa fees must be paid in the local currency equivalent at the current exchange rate. Payment methods vary by application center but typically include cash, credit/debit cards, or bank transfer. Some applicants may be exempt from fees based on specific categories (family members of EU/EEA citizens, students on exchange programs, etc.).
Processing Times
Visa processing times vary depending on the type of visa, application volume, and individual circumstances:
Schengen Visa Processing
- Standard processing: 15 calendar days from application date
- Complex cases: Up to 45 calendar days
- Peak season: May extend beyond standard processing times
Residence Permit Processing
- Work permits: 1-3 months (fast-track for certain occupations: 10 days)
- Study permits: 1-3 months
- Family reunification: 6-12 months or longer
- Researchers: 1-2 months
Expedited Processing: In exceptional circumstances, urgent processing may be available for Schengen visas. This requires proof of emergency and incurs additional fees. For residence permits, no expedited processing is generally available.
Travel Policies & Entry Requirements
COVID-19 Regulations
Current Status (2024):
- No COVID-19 vaccination certificate required
- No pre-departure testing required
- No quarantine requirements for travelers
- Normal entry procedures restored
- Check updates before travel
Customs Regulations
- Duty-free allowances for travelers from non-EU countries
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or equivalent
- Alcohol: 1L spirits or 4L wine/16L beer
- Cash over €10,000 must be declared
- Strict prohibitions on narcotics and weapons
Visa-Free Travel
Countries with visa-free access to Sweden:
- EU/EEA citizens: No visa required
- USA, Canada, Australia, UK: 90/180 days
- Japan, South Korea, Singapore: 90/180 days
- Check if you need ETIAS authorization (from 2025)
ETIAS Authorization (From 2025)
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will become mandatory for visa-exempt travelers entering Sweden and other Schengen countries. This pre-travel authorization costs €7 (free for under 18s and over 70s) and is valid for 3 years or until passport expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Sweden Visa FAQs
- Schengen Visa (Type C): Tourism, business, family visits (up to 90 days).
- Airport Transit Visa (Type A): Transit through Swedish airports.
- National Visa (Type D): Work, study, residence, family reunification.
- Book an appointment with the Swedish Embassy or VFS Global.
- Complete the Schengen visa application form.
- Prepare required supporting documents.
- Submit biometrics and application in person.
- Pay the visa fee and await decision.
- €80 for adults
- €40 for children aged 6–12
- Free for children under 6
- Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond stay)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Completed Schengen application form
- Flight reservation and accommodation proof
- Travel medical insurance (€30,000 coverage)
- Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
- Employment or business proof
Normal processing takes 15 calendar days, but may extend to:
- 30–45 days during peak seasons
- Longer for additional verification cases
Yes. Travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 valid across all Schengen countries is mandatory.
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen zone.
Extensions are granted only in exceptional cases such as medical emergencies or humanitarian reasons.
Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries usually require a visa, except Schengen-exempt nationalities such as:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
Yes. A valid Sweden Schengen visa allows travel to all Schengen member states, provided Sweden is your main destination.