Sweden is a gorgeous Nordic country in Northern Europe known for its fabulous holiday destinations, delicious chocolates, fascinating culture, amazing history, and state-of-the-art attractions that continue to pull tourists and visitors from different corners of the world. Some of the top Swedish cities that have captured attention in the tourist world are Copenhagen, Malmo, and Gothenburg. As part of the Schengen member agreement since 1995, Sweden also comes under the Schengen region. Let us give you a detailed holistic view of the Sweden visa requirements and processes.

Different types of Sweden visa

Before we understand the various milestones involved in the Swedish visa requirements, let us know the various types of visas available for any applicant. Select the right visa category per the purpose and duration of your visit.

Transit visa

Applicants passing through Swedish borders en route to a third country must apply for a short-term transit visa if they move beyond the airport-transit-free zone.

Tourist or Schengen visa

Among the most applied visa categories and is usually provided if the applicants intend to travel to Sweden for tourism and leisure.

Business visa

Applicants who intend to participate in business engagement or activities can apply for this short-term visa.

Medical visa

Applicants who intend to undergo medical treatment or consultation from a Swedish doctor, hospital, or institution can apply for a medical visa.

Visa for cultural/religious/sports events and film crew members

Applicants who want to participate in or attend any cultural/sports/religious event or program along with film crew members can apply for this visa category.

Visa for official delegates

Applicants from an official delegation visiting Sweden can apply for this visa category.

Work visa

Applicants who wish to work and stay in Sweden for the entire duration can apply for a work visa. The local company usually sponsors the work visa.

Student visa

Applicants who have enrolled in a Swedish university or educational institute can apply for a student visa valid for the entire course duration.

Swedish visa entry requirements

As per the Schengen member agreement, EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa before entering Sweden. Suppose you are a non-EU/EEA national. In that case, you will need to apply for a Sweden visa before you arrive at the Swedish border control.

The following documents should be presented as supporting documents for the information shared in your Swedish visa application form.

• Completed and duly signed Swedish visa application form with no empty or illegible fields.
• Your original passport was issued in the last ten years and is valid beyond three months from the planned departure date from any Schengen region.
• Two passport-size photographs meet the visa photo specifications outlined by the Swedish immigration authorities.
• Copies of any previous visas, if applicable
• An authentic and authorized travel insurance agent issues your travel insurance valid during your stay and having a coverage of minimum 30,000 Euros.
• Present your confirmed round-trip flight itinerary, including your flight details, travel dates, passenger details, and destination details.
• Confirmed hotel reservation or place of accommodation in Sweden
• Authentication of sufficient financial funding for your daily expenses within the Swedish region. You can validate this through the last six months' bank statements.
• A cover letter mentioning the travel dates, purpose and duration of your visit, round-trip flight reservation details, hotel or accommodation details, places of interest, and other relevant details.
• Validate your civil status through your marriage certificate, your spouse's death certificate, and your children's birth certificate.

Additional visa requirements basis your occupational status

Employed professionals

• Employment contract with leave permission granted from the current employer
• Last six months' bank statement
• Income tax return documents

Self-employed professionals

• Business incorporation certificate and business license copy
• Last six months of the business bank statement
• Income tax return documents

Retired professionals

Validation of receiving a recurring pension for the last six months

Students

• Enrolment or acceptance letter from the university or school
• No-objection certificate from the current university or institute
• Internship agreement between the applicant and the local Swedish company

Additional visa requirements for minors

All minor applicants applying for a short-term Sweden visa must present additional documents to complete their Swedish visa process.

• Birth certificate
• Visa application form, minor consent form, and no-objection certificate countersigned by both parents/legal guardians.
• Passport/ID-Card copy of both parents
• Family court order in cases where one of the parents has full custody of the minor
• Original and valid passport copy of the accompanying adult with the minor
• Notarized parental authorization for traveling to Sweden that is acceptable and signed by both parents/guardians.

Additional requirements defined based on the purpose of your visit

You must present the additional requirements below depending on your chosen visa category.

Transit visa

Visa to the third country destination along with valid flight tickets

Business visa

• An invitation letter on the Swedish company's letterhead mentioning the applicant's name, company address, travel dates, and the purpose of the visit.
• Letter from your current employer that defines your purpose of travel.
• Last six months' business bank statement
• Proof of financial means to cover the applicant's daily expenses

Student visa

• Acceptance or enrolment letter from a Swedish university or institute
• No-objection letter from your current university or institute
• Student cards of the university or school who have enrolled into
• Valid internship agreement between a local Sweden company and the applicant.
• A cover letter from the inviting company with details of the student's name, duration, and purpose of visit.

Medical visa

• A medical report attested by a doctor/hospital in the residing country of the applicant confirming their medical status and the need for treatment or consultation in Sweden.
• A medical attestation or confirmation by a Swedish doctor or hospital confirming the appointment date and your medical situation detailing the medical treatment you will be undergoing.
• Proof of the financial arrangements done for funding the medical treatment or consultation.

Visa for cultural/sports/religious events or film crew members

• Invitation letter or entry ticket from the organizing body or institution in Sweden, along with the nature of activities or events that will be subsequently held in Sweden.

Conditions laid down for enrolment

Program details of the event or program hosted in Sweden

Validation of previous performances or events the applicant has participated in or attended.

The crew members would need a list of complete members traveling together.

Visa for a Sweden national's spouse

• Authentication of the spouse's Swedish citizenship
• Sweden marriage certificate
• Swedish family book

Visa for official delegates team or members

• Official invitation letter from the inviting body or government
• Evidence about the purpose and rationale of the visit
• No-objection certificate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Swedish processing milestones

Your Sweden visa process milestones can vary depending on the visa category you have opted for. In general, most of the Sweden visas follow the below milestones.

• Determine the visa category you want to opt for depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. Each visa category has a pre-defined purpose and a slightly different process.
• Check for your applicability for a Swedish visa
• Complete and visa application form, print it and sign the same. Ensure you do not have any blank or empty fields in the visa application form.
• Submit all the additional documentation required
• Schedule a visa interview.
• Attend the interview confidently, either offline or online (allowed in some countries)
• Wait for your visa to be processed

Visa processing timeline

Swedish short-term visas are usually processed in 15 working days. However, considering the number of applicants, peak season, and other unforeseen delays, we recommend you apply in advance to accommodate any delay in the overall visa processing timeline.

Visa fees

The visa fees for a short-term Sweden visa are 80 Euros per adult, 40 Euros per child below the age of 12, and no fee for children under six years. Your visa fees can significantly vary depending on various parameters, such as your nationality, purpose, and duration of your visit.

Extension of your visa

All short-term visas can be extended subject to the discretion of the Swedish officials under genuine circumstances only, such as humanitarian, force majeure, or other unavoidable circumstances. Overstaying your visa beyond your visa expiry is illegal and leads to complications for future visa acceptance.

Revoking your visa

The Swedish authorities can decide to revoke your visa if you no longer comply with the standards and guidelines set by Swedish officials. If you are already present in Sweden, you will be notified of an exit date beyond which you will be deemed an illegal immigrant.

Conclusion

Sweden is among the oldest sovereign countries with a thousand-year history and heritage. The fascinating culture with fundamental elements formed from the eight-oldest kingdom on earth, founded by Eric the Victorious in 970 AD, is a treat for any holiday. In addition, the gorgeous and scenic lakes, vibrant pop music culture, amazing design aspects, and one of the standing pillars of recycling concepts makes Sweden part of every global traveler's bucket list. Get complete control and clarity about the Sweden short-term visa process and guidelines so you can make the most of the time venturing into the fabulous aspects of Swedish culture and heritage. Get your Swedish visa today!