NOTE: This guide was last updated in January 2025. Please check the authenticity and validity of the information on this website before proceeding with your visa application. Use Timatic and the official sources we provided on this page for the most up-to-date information.

Sweden Visa Guide

Sweden, the country of aurora borealis, fjords, and Vikings, is a must-see for thrill-seeking travellers. Its extensive history and gorgeous nature make this country a must-visit for those who are in search of tranquillity and uniqueness. If you’re looking to explore the visa process of Sweden, this comprehensive guide is just for you!

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Sweden?

Sweden is an EU member state since 1995. It takes part in the Schengen area, in which states have jointly agreed their visa requirements towards third country nationals. Therefore, third-country citizens who wish to travel to the Schengen area shall apply for a suitable Schengen visa.

Did you book a flight to Sweden?

If you are planning to travel to Sweden, it is advisable to show your plane ticket when applying for a visa. This can help your visa to be approved more easily. Although flight and hotel reservations are not mandatory, it is important to show that you will make a planned trip. By booking your flight ticket to Sweden in advance, you can benefit from early booking advantages and make your visa process easier. Our frequent flights to Stockholm and Gothenburg provide travellers with the perfect access to the country’s most beautiful parts.

You may also be interested in these articles:

Sweden Travel Guide

Stocholm Travel Guide

Sweden Visa Types

Visas for visits to Sweden can be broadly categorised depending on the applicant’s term of stay. Depending on their purpose of visit, a visitor can be granted a short-term or a long-term visa.

What is Schengen Visa?

Schengen visa allows its holder to move freely within the Schengen area for a short period.  The Schengen area comprises of 26 European countries, namely the Schengen States, among which border controls are abolished. Therefore, passengers who wish to travel in the Schengen area for touristic visits or short business trips are obliged to obtain Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days. The complete list of Schengen States include:

• Austria,
• Belgium,
• Bulgaria,
• Croatia,
• Czechia,
• Denmark,
• Estonia,
• Finland,
• France,
• Germany,
• Greece,
• Hungary,
• Iceland,
• Italy,
• Latvia,
• Liechtenstein,
• Lithuania,
• Luxembourg,
• Malta,
• The Netherlands,
• Norway,
• Poland,
• Portugal,
• Romania,
• Slovakia,
• Slovenia,
• Spain,
• Sweden,
•  

Sweden Schengen Visa (Category C visa- For Short Stay Visits)

Short-stay Schengen visa to Sweden is issued for a variety of purposes, such as tourism, family visitation, participation in cultural activities, medical tours, or business trips.

Travellers with a Schengen visa cannot engage in any form of gainful activities in Sweden. If they wish or need to work during their stay, they must apply for a work permit. Only in certain circumstances visitors can work in Sweden without a permit.

Sweden Category D visa- For Long Stay Visits

Sweden Category D Visa is a long-stay visa that allows its holders to stay in Sweden for longer than 90 days. This visa type is often granted to university and language course students, employees, job seekers, researchers, freelancers, and interns. Those who have a family member or partner in Sweden may also apply for this visa.

General Requirements to Apply for Sweden Visa

Please find below the tourist visa requirements and specific application procedures to visit Sweden. Applicants must submit their applications, comprising of the requested documents, to the Diplomatic Mission or authorised visa application centres in due time.

NOTE: All the information here is from the official website of the Swedish government. Please check the official page and Timatic to verify everything as sudden changes to visa procedures may occur.

Sweden Visa Applications

1. A passport with at minimum two blank pages and is valid for at least 90 days after the end of travel. Copy of the first page including personal data and previous Schengen visas if obtained,
2. Completed and signed visa application form along with two biometric photos that are not older than 6 months,
3. A travel itinerary demonstrating the purpose of your visit,
4. Evidence of occupation in the form of certified documents through employer letter, student certificate, document of registration or demonstration of pension funds,
5. Bank account details or documentation of sufficient means of subsistence proving that the passenger can sufficiently fund his/her travel – you must have 450 SEK for each day you stay in Sweden, which can also be paid for by the person who has invited you.
6. Documentation of travel health insurance that will cover up to 30.000 euros throughout the period of travel and is valid within the entire Schengen area,
7. Documents demonstrating the applicant’s social and professional status,
8. Additionally, any document that your embassy might request.

You can find below additional documents required for different purposes of visit.

Medical Treatment

• A medical certificate from Sweden that shows when you will receive your treatment and what it entails,
• A medical certificate from the country you are living in that shows that you are not able to receive the treatment there,
• Proof that you have deposited money in Sweden for the planned treatment and any medical care that might follow from it,
• Questionnaire for visa because of medical treatment.

Religious Purposes

• An invitation from a religious organization/assembly

Studies, Research, Doctoral Exchange

• An invitation or proof of acceptance from a university in Sweden,
• A certificate from your university abroad if you are already registered at a university.

Volunteer Work

• An invitation from the internship/volunteer organisation.

Business Trip or Conference

• An invitation from the company or the person that is arranging the conference.

Visit Friends and Family

• An invitation from the person you want to visit.

What is Visa Sponsorship for Sweden?

Students or unemployed/retired people who are not in a position to cover their own travel expenses will need to provide the proof of a sponsorship. The sponsor is entitled to certain requirements and is asked to submit the necessary information to support the applicant’s visa request. Sponsorship can be granted by a close family member of the applicant or a host institution who will be responsible throughout the traveller’s stay. You can check our website for further details. Sweden Visa Rules

• It is required from the travellers to have 450 SEK per day throughout their stay in Sweden, which can also be demonstrated by the sponsor.
• In some countries, even if there is a Swedish embassy or consulate, another Schengen country takes on the responsibility of issuing Schengen visa. In this case, the applicants can check the listof Swedish Schengen representations.
• Applicants are asked to personally submit their visa applications in due time, with all the necessary documents, at the Swedish Embassy or authorised visa processing centres in their place of residence.

Sweden Visa Requirements

In addition to the above mentioned application documents, general requirements include:

Sweden Visa requirements for Non-Europeans

The general requirements for non-Europeans wishing to enter the EU conform to above mentioned procedures. In case of an invitation to support the documentation process, contact details of the host organisation or private host, including the name, address, relation to the guest, purpose and length of visit, shall be enclosed in the application.

Sweden visa for European Countries

Citizens of the EU and EEA countries can benefit from visa-free travel opportunities within the Schengen area, which includes Sweden.

Sweden Visa requirement for US, UK, and Canadian Citizens

Citizens of the USA, the UK, and Canada can travel to Sweden without a visa for 90 days.

Sweden Visa Fees

Please find below the fixed visa fees for various categories according to changes made by the authorities as of March 2020. The visa fees includes consultation, submission and processing of your application.

Your application fee will not be refunded if your application is refused.