🛂

Visa Types

Overview of the different types of visas available for entering Sweden, including tourist, student, and business visas.

Sections

1. Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa)

The Schengen Visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens to stay in Sweden (and other Schengen countries) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, business, or family visits.

Key Details:

  • Who needs it? Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries that do not have a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area.
  • Duration: Maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Purpose: Tourism, business meetings, family visits, cultural or sports events, short-term studies, etc.

Application Process:

  1. Determine your eligibility: Check if your country requires a Schengen Visa to enter Sweden.
  2. Prepare documents:
    • Completed visa application form.
    • Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure).
    • Passport-sized photos (as per Schengen guidelines).
    • Proof of travel insurance (minimum coverage of €30,000).
    • Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, sponsorship letter).
    • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, invitation letter, etc.).
    • Travel itinerary (flight reservations, etc.).
  3. Submit your application: Apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country or through a visa application center.
  4. Pay the fee: The standard fee is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6-12. Children under 6 are exempt from fees.
  5. Attend an interview (if required): Some applicants may need to attend an in-person interview.
  6. Wait for processing: Processing time is typically 15 calendar days, but it can take longer during peak seasons.

Unique Considerations:

  • Sweden is part of the Schengen Area, so this visa allows travel to all 27 Schengen countries.
  • Overstaying a Schengen Visa can result in fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering the Schengen Area.

2. National Visa (D Visa)

A National Visa (D Visa) is for non-EU/EEA citizens who need to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days but less than one year. It is often used for specific purposes such as work, studies, or family reunification.

Key Details:

  • Who needs it? Non-EU/EEA citizens staying in Sweden for more than 90 days but less than one year.
  • Duration: Up to 1 year.
  • Purpose: Long-term studies, work, or other specific reasons.

Application Process:

  1. Determine your eligibility: Check if your purpose qualifies for a D Visa.
  2. Prepare documents: Similar to the Schengen Visa, but additional documents may be required depending on the purpose (e.g., work contract, university admission letter).
  3. Submit your application: Apply at the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country.
  4. Pay the fee: Fees vary depending on the purpose of the visa.
  5. Wait for processing: Processing times vary but can take several weeks.

Unique Considerations:

  • A D Visa is often a stepping stone to applying for a residence permit if you plan to stay longer.

3. Residence Permits

Residence permits are required for non-EU/EEA citizens who plan to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days. There are several types of residence permits based on the purpose of your stay.

Types of Residence Permits:

  1. Work Permit:

    • For individuals with a job offer in Sweden.
    • Requires a valid job offer that meets Swedish labor market standards (e.g., minimum salary of SEK 13,000/month before taxes).
    • Application fee: SEK 2,000.
    • Processing time: Typically 1-3 months.

  2. Student Permit:

    • For individuals admitted to a Swedish university or educational institution.
    • Requires proof of admission, financial means (at least SEK 9,450/month for living expenses), and health insurance.
    • Application fee: SEK 1,500.
    • Processing time: Typically 1-3 months.

  3. Family Reunification Permit:

    • For family members of Swedish citizens or residents.
    • Requires proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
    • Application fee: SEK 2,000 for adults, SEK 1,000 for children under 18.
    • Processing time: Can take 9-12 months.

  4. EU Blue Card:

    • For highly skilled workers with a job offer in Sweden.
    • Requires a higher salary threshold (at least SEK 55,200/month in 2023).
    • Application fee: SEK 2,000.
    • Processing time: Typically 1-3 months.

Application Process:

  1. Determine your eligibility: Check the specific requirements for your permit type.
  2. Prepare documents: Gather all required documents, including proof of purpose, financial means, and health insurance.
  3. Submit your application: Apply online through the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) or at a Swedish embassy/consulate.
  4. Pay the fee: Fees vary depending on the permit type.
  5. Wait for processing: Processing times vary widely depending on the permit type and workload of the Migration Agency.

Unique Considerations:

  • Residence permits must be approved before entering Sweden.
  • If you are already in Sweden on a short-term visa, you cannot apply for a residence permit from within the country.

4. Asylum and Refugee Status

Sweden offers protection to individuals seeking asylum due to persecution, war, or other humanitarian reasons.

Key Details:

  • Who qualifies? Individuals who cannot return to their home country due to fear of persecution or serious harm.
  • Application process: Applications must be submitted in person at the Swedish Migration Agency upon arrival in Sweden.
  • Costs: No application fee.
  • Processing time: Varies depending on the complexity of the case.

Unique Considerations:

  • Asylum seekers are provided with temporary accommodation and financial support during the application process.
  • If granted asylum, individuals receive a residence permit and access to integration programs.

5. Visa Exemptions

Citizens of certain countries (e.g., the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan) do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) in Sweden. However, they must comply with the 90/180 rule and may need to apply for a residence permit for longer stays.

General Tips for All Visa Applications:

  • Start early: Begin your application process well in advance of your planned travel date.
  • Check requirements: Requirements can vary depending on your nationality and purpose of stay.
  • Use official resources: Always refer to the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Track your application: Most applications can be tracked online through the Migration Agency’s portal.

By understanding the different visa types and their requirements, you can better plan your visit or move to Sweden. If you have specific questions about your situation, feel free to ask!