Sweden Business Visa - Definitive Guide

Also known as the Sweden Schengen business visa, this is issued for people entering Sweden for the purpose of engaging in business-related activities. The permit is issued for a maximum stay duration of 90 days in a 180-day period. The stay duration and validity depends on the decision of the consular officer processing your application. The business permit can be issued as single-entry, double-entry, or even multiple-entries. 

The Embassy of Sweden has outsourced the application for the business permit to the Sweden VACs (Visa Application Center) situated across India. As a result, you must make your application through them. The application, however, is done offline. Before starting the application, ensure that you are eligible for the business category. After this, you may proceed with the application as follows - 

1. Acquire all the documents as per the document checklist for the business visa. 
2. Visit the website of the VAC, or the Embassy of Sweden and download the Schengen application form. 
3. Fill in the application form correctly with all the details and then print it. Be sure to mention your purpose of travel as ‘business’.
4. Proceed to book your appointment at the VAC or Embassy. However, note that the embassy has only limited slots, and will take longer. As a result, it is highly advised to apply through one of the VACs. 
5. Visit the respective VAC or Embassy with the exact documents, completed application form, and the fees. You will also have to submit your biometrics here. 

Keep in mind that if you have submitted your biometrics for a Schengen permit in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. In this case, you may send your application through a third person, provided that they carry a letter of authorization signed by you. 

Also, note that you must only submit genuine documents and correct information. Providing fake documents or false information can lead to visa rejection. 

To be able to apply for the business permit, you must be eligible for it. You should check if you meet the following - 

• You must be living in the country you are lodging the application. If you are residing in a residence permit in any foreign nation, you may apply it to the corresponding authority in that country.
• You must possess a valid passport meeting all the regulations.
• The sole purpose of your visit must be to take part in business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, trade fairs, etc in Sweden.
• You must possess sufficient funds to cover all your expenses during the entire stay period in Sweden.
• You must have been invited by a Swedish company/organisation, or you must possess entry tickets to any trade fairs/exhibitions, etc.
• You must apply for the permit only if Sweden is-

• 1. Your only destination, or
  2. One of your multiple Schengen destinations, in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or, 
  3. Your port of entry into the Schengen region.

Based on the requirements by the embassy, the following are the list of documents you will need to apply for a business visa for Sweden.

• A valid passport- 
  1. It must contain at least 2 blank pages.
  2. It should not be older than 10 years.
  3. It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
  4. Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
• Invitation letter from the Swedish organisation/company stating complete details of the visit.
• A covering letter from the sending Indian company - 
  1. This should include the visitor’s basic details and source of funds. 
  2. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  3. It must be on the company letterhead and must contain the seal. 
  4. It should be addressed to the Embassy of Sweden.
• Proof of accommodation -  hotel bookings/invitation to stay/residence bookings, etc 
• Round flight trip bookings
• Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
• Proof of occupation - 
  

Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc.

• Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
• Headgears - only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The processing time for the Swedish business permit can depend on the validity, the number of entries, the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as your travel history. Normally, you can expect a processing time of about 15 working days. However, it is possible that it can take up 30 days to 60 days in extreme cases. As a result, it is suggested that you apply well in advance. 

The application fees for the Swedish business visa can depend on the foreign exchange rates, as well as the embassy decision. The embassy has the right to update the fees without prior notice. Apart from the visa application fee, there are biometric charges, delivery charges for the passport, as well as any service charges levied by the VAC. As a result, you must check the exact amount before starting the application. 

Once you have submitted the business visa application for Sweden at one of the VACs, it is then forwarded to the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi for processing. Note that even if you have made the application at one of the VACs, the processing is done by the Embassy alone. The VAC has no influence on the processing. Also, you cannot make the applications at any of the consulates of Sweden as they do not handle visa applications. 

If your visa has been approved, you can collect the passport directly from the VAC in person, or have it delivered to you for an additional charge

You can check the status of your application by clicking here and entering your reference number and date of birth. You may also check your application status by contacting your travel agency and have them track it for you.

Once you have been issued with the business permit, you must keep in mind the following key points to ensure that you have a hassle-free journey - 

• Check the expiry date, the duration of stay, as well as the number of entries mentioned on the Schengen visa sticker. You must strictly follow these during your travel.
• Ensure that you carry all your travel documents while travelling. You will be denied entry into Sweden without this. 
• Ensure that you travel to Sweden within 6 months of the visa issue date, or as mentioned in the Schengen sticker. After this date, your permit will become invalid and you will not be able to enter the country. 
• While you are travelling within the country, ensure that you always carry a copy of your travel documents with you. 
• While you are under the business category, you cannot take part in paid work on the payroll of a Swedish company or establishment. You may, however, be allowed to take part in unpaid voluntary work.  
• You will not be able to extend the business visa under any normal conditions.
• You can move freely within the Schengen zone with the business permit.