Sweden Visa Guide: Eligibility, Documents & Process for Indians

Getting a Sweden visa

Overview

Sweden is a Scandinavian Nordic country in northern Europe. It lies bordering Norway to the west, Finland to the east. It shares its maritime border with Denmark, Germany, Poland, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. It is the largest country in northern Europe. With a population of 10.2 million spread across the 173,860 sq mi.

Sweden’s climate is very mild, retaining warm continental summer thanks to the significant seafaring influence. The capital city, Stockholm, is the most populated part of the country.

Sweden maintains a social welfare system that provides universal health care and tertiary education for its citizens. It is the world’s eleventh highest per capita income and ranks highly in national performance, along with the quality of life, health, education, civil liberties, economic competitiveness, equality, prosperity and human development. Tourism is one of the biggest contributors to the economy of the nation. The scenic locations throughout the country attract countless visitors from all over the globe. However, Sweden also attracts students from across the world. The nation has numerous high-quality institutes including the prestigious Lund University.

Swedish krona (SEK) is the currency of the country. The official languages of Sweden are Swedish. Finnish, Sami and Romani are also spoken widely.

How to Travel to Sweden?

Sweden is listed as a member state of the Schengen Agreement and the European Union. The country permits the U.S. citizens to enter the country for 90 days, be it a tourist or business purpose without a visa. However, the passport should be valid three months beyond the period of stay. You also need 10,000 € or equivalent with you and a return air ticket.

The Schengen area consists of 26 European countries. They do not have any border controls between them. The countries are Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Finland, France, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Malta, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Hungary, Iceland, Estonia, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal and Latvia. They have a common short stay visa policy.

Why is a Sweden visa Needed?

To visit Sweden, just like most of the countries, a visa is required here. Some foreign nationals including the U.S. if the intended stay does not cross 90 days. Depending on the purpose one can apply for different types of visas.

The different types of visa are as follows. There are two types of Slovakia visas:

This type of visa allows you a stay of 90 days. Granting you freedom of tourism, business journey, family and study visit or any which does not require work or residence permit. A Schengen visa may be valid for one or multiple entries.

This type of visa is for one who exceeds 90 days stay. Be it for temporary or permanent residence.

• Schengen visa:
• National visa:

Types of Visa Required to Visit Sweden

As mentioned above, your visit to Sweden can be for multiple reasons, and the reason will decide the kind of visa you are given. The types of visa for each visit are:

Tourist Visa:

• A letter of invitation with the address and phone number of friends or family
• Bank statement of last 6 months
• Passport copies

Business purpose:

• An invitation from a Sweden company with their address and dates of your visit.
• A certificate stating the business travel from the employer
• Proof of earlier trades between the two companies
• Last 6 months’ business bank statement
• Memorandum and Article of Association in original certified copy, Trade License (oldest and latest), Partnership documents
• The total expenses of your stay must be stated on the invitation

For Medical:

• A medical report stating the situation of the applicant
• An attested medical report from the doctor in Sweden confirming the date and medical situation
• Receipt of medical fees paid

For Seafarers

• This visa application is applicable in case you are travelling to join the navy.

For culture, sports, film crews or religious purposes:

• An invitation stating the purpose of the visit and expense covered
• Name of the crew members
• Duration of stay
• Travel itinerary

For members of official delegations:

• The official invitation
• The identity of the member
• Purpose of visit
• Duration of stay
• Accommodation

For study-related purposes:

• An enrollment certificate
• Certificate of completion or courses attended
• Financial sustainability

For wife/husband of a Sweden citizen:

• Proof of Sweden citizenship
• Sweden marriage certificate
• Sweden family record book

For a transit visa:

• This visa or an alternate entry permit licensing you to enter the country before you change flights to reach your final stop
• Copy of valid visa to your final stop

For underage children:

• Proof of parent’s regular income
• Travel permission from consent parent

For National visa:

If you plan to stay for more than 3 months; you have to apply for a national visa to stay further. You need to apply for a national D-type visa. Period of validity of D-Visa cannot be more than 1 year

How to Check Status of Switzerland visa?

You can check the status of your Switzerland visa by going online and ‘tracking the application.’

Documents required for a Sweden Visa

• Download the application or fill it electronically and print out the hard copy
• 2 photos with a light background
• Your passport and copies of previous visas — valid for at least 3 months beyond your return date
• 2 blank pages minimum
• Copy of return ticket
• Take a travel visa insurance with a confirmation of minimum 30,000 € coverage within Sweden and the entire Schengen area
• Cover letter stating the specific reason of visit
• Flight itinerary reservation specifying entry and exit dates along with your flight numbers
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of civil status
• Proof of financial means for the period of stay

Some additional documents required as per the following status

Employed:

• Employment contract
• Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
• NOC from the employer
• Income Tax Return form

Self-employed:

• A copy of your business license
• Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
• Income Tax Return form

Student:

• Proof of enrollment
• Approval letter from the school
• Copy of the fee receipt

Retired:

• Pension statement of the latest 6 months but sometimes regular income generated by the property as proof of the previous 6 months is required

The documents mentioned above are mandatory, otherwise, the visa will not be issued, and your application will be rejected.

How to Apply for Sweden Visa?

You have to go in person while applying for any Sweden visa, as the biometric enrolment procedure is being conducted. More details of the enrolment are given below.

Step 1

Register and download the application form

Step 2

Submit your application either online or in person

Note: Walk-in applicants will also be handled without a prior appointment

Step 3

Get the printed form and all the mandatory documents, if this is the first time to a Schengen land

Step 4

Fingerprints are collected, and a digital photograph is taken

Step 5

The application fee must be paid in Indian rupees

Step 6

Track your application via the online portal

Step 7

Collect your visa from the Embassy of Sweden or opt for the courier service

Biometric Tests

When applying for the first time, all applicants will have to appear in person at the Embassy. Biometric data, along with the data provided in the Schengen visa application form, will be recorded. The applicant is not necessary to be present if this is not his/her first trip to a Schengen state.

Exceptions from the obligation of fingerprinting are provided for:

• Children under the age of 12
• A person who hands or fingers have been amputated or handicapped
• Heads of State or government and members of national Governments with accompanying spouses, and the members of their official delegation when they are invited by Member States’ governments or by international organisations for an official purpose

Fees Required for Sweden Visa Application

The cost differs from visa to visa, on the type of visa you require.

Sweden visa application centres

Time taken for document processing:

• The entire process takes around 12-15 working days. In exceptional cases, it can be prolonged up to 30 days, but when additional documents are needed, it may prolong up to 690 days.
• For national visa, it is 30 calendar days from the day the Embassy receives the application and the documents to move ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of commonly asked questions while applying for visa.