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Sweden Visa for Indian Passport Holders

Summary: Sweden Visa for Indian Citizens

 

Visa Requirement: Indian citizens need a visa to enter Sweden.

 

Types:

  • Schengen Visa (Short-Stay, Type C): For tourism, business, visiting family/friends, cultural/sports events, transit, etc. (valid for up to 90 days within 180 days).
  • National Visa (Long-Stay, Type D): For work, study, family reunification, business, residence, or research (valid for over 90 days).

 

Key Requirements:

  • Valid passport
  • Completed visa application form
  • Recent passport-size photos
  • Travel insurance
  • Proof of financial means and accommodation

 

Application Process:

  • Submit in person at the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi or through VFS Global centers (for Schengen Visas).
  • Processing time: Typically 15 days for Schengen visas; up to 90 days for National visas.

 

Fees:

  • Schengen Visa: €80 (approximately INR 7,200)
  • National Visa: €100-€200 (varies by type, INR 8,500 - INR 17,000)

 

Table of Contents

 

  1. Introduction to Sweden Visas
  2. Types of Sweden Visas for Indians
  3. Step-by-Step Application Process
  4. Required Documents (Detailed)
  5. Visa Fees and Payment Methods
  6. Processing Times and Tracking
  7. Common Reasons for Rejection and Tips for Approval
  8. Additional Requirements and Considerations
  9. Resources and Contacts
  10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Introduction to Sweden Visas

Sweden, a Schengen Area member, requires Indian citizens to obtain a visa for travel, study, work, or residency. Whether you plan to visit for tourism, business, studies, or employment, understanding the application process will help ensure a smooth experience.

2. Types of Sweden Visas for Indians

Purpose

Visa Type

Duration

Tourism/Sightseeing

Schengen Visa

Up to 90 days

Business Meetings/Conferences

Schengen Visa

Up to 90 days

Studying

National Visa

Over 90 days

Employment

National Visa

Over 90 days

Family Reunification

National Visa

Over 90 days

Cultural/Sports Events

Schengen Visa

Up to 90 days

Transit

Schengen Visa

Up to 90 days

Other (Specify)

Check with the Swedish Embassy/Consulate

Varies

3. Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is the main purpose of my trip to Sweden? (Tourism, Business, Study, Employment, etc.)
  • Will my stay be short-term (up to 90 days) or long-term (over 90 days)?

Refer to the visa types in Section 2 to determine which visa suits your purpose.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Common Documents for All Visa Types:

  • Valid Indian Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay)
  • Completed and signed visa application form
  • Recent passport-sized photos (35x45mm, white background)
  • Travel health insurance (covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses, valid for the entire Schengen Area)
  • Proof of financial means (bank statement, income certificate, sponsorship letter)
  • Flight itinerary or travel plans

Additional Documents by Visa Type:

  • Tourism/Business: Proof of accommodation, invitation letter (if applicable)
  • Study: Admission letter, proof of language proficiency, tuition payment proof
  • Work: Work permit, job contract, employer letter
  • Family Reunification: Proof of family relationship, residence permit of family member

Step 3: Fill Out the Visa Application Form

  • Download from the Swedish Embassy/Consulate website or VFS Global
  • Fill it electronically or by hand in capital letters
  • Sign in the designated area
  • Attach a recent photo

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Options:

  1. In Person at the Swedish Embassy/Consulate:
    • Embassy of Sweden, New Delhi: Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
    • Consulate locations: Check the official website
  2. Through VFS Global:
    • Website: www.vfsglobal.com/sweden/india
    • Centers available across India
    • Appointment booking recommended

Step 5: Provide Biometric Data

  • Required for first-time applicants or if previous biometric data is older than 59 months
  • Biometric collection includes fingerprints and a digital photo

Step 6: Pay the Visa Application Fee

Visa Type

Fee (in Euros)

Fee (in INR, Approx.)

Schengen Visa (Adult)

€80

INR 7,000

Schengen Visa (Child 6-12 years)

€40

INR 3,500

National Visa (Work/Study)

Varies

Check Embassy

Children under 6 years, Family of EU/EEA citizens

Free

Free

Payment Methods:

  • Cash (at VFS centers or embassies, if accepted)
  • Debit/Credit Cards (varies by location)
  • Bank drafts (check beforehand)

Step 7: Wait for the Visa Decision

Processing Time:

  • Schengen Visa: Usually 15 calendar days, may take up to 30-60 days in some cases
  • National Visa: Varies depending on the case

Check Status:

  • Online via VFS Global
  • Contact the Swedish Embassy/Consulate

Step 8: Collect Your Passport

Collection Methods:

  • In person at the Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global
  • Courier service (if available)

Check the visa details carefully before leaving.

4. Required Documents (Detailed)

Common Documents for All Visa Types:

  • Valid Indian Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay)
  • Completed and signed visa application form
  • Recent passport-sized photos (35x45mm, white background)
  • Travel health insurance (covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses, valid for the entire Schengen Area)
  • Proof of financial means (bank statement, income certificate, sponsorship letter)
  • Flight itinerary or travel plans

Additional Documents by Visa Type:

  • Tourism/Business: Proof of accommodation, invitation letter (if applicable)
  • Study: Admission letter, proof of language proficiency, tuition payment proof
  • Work: Work permit, job contract, employer letter
  • Family Reunification: Proof of family relationship, residence permit of family member

5. Visa Fees and Payment Methods

Visa Type

Fee (in Euros)

Fee (in INR, Approx.)

Schengen Visa (Adult)

€80

INR 7,000

Schengen Visa (Child 6-12 years)

€40

INR 3,500

National Visa (Work/Study)

Varies

Check Embassy

Children under 6 years, Family of EU/EEA citizens

Free

Free

6. Processing Times and Tracking

Processing Time:

  • Schengen Visa: Usually 15 calendar days, may take up to 30-60 days in some cases
  • National Visa: Varies depending on the case

Check Status:

  • Online via VFS Global
  • Contact the Swedish Embassy/Consulate

7. Common Reasons for Rejection and Tips for Approval

Common Rejection Reasons:

  • Insufficient financial proof
  • Incomplete application or missing documents
  • Suspicious travel itinerary
  • Weak ties to India (risk of overstaying)
  • Invalid or expired travel insurance

Tips for Approval:

  • Provide accurate and complete information
  • Ensure your documents meet all requirements
  • Show strong financial standing
  • Demonstrate strong ties to India (job, family, assets, etc.)
  • Purchase valid travel insurance

8. Additional Requirements and Considerations

  • Visa Extension: Extensions are rarely granted, apply for the correct visa duration initially
  • Residence Permits: For stays over 90 days, a residence permit may be required
  • Work Authorization: National visas for work require an employer’s sponsorship

9. Resources and Contacts

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I extend my Sweden Visa?

To extend your Swedish visa, you must apply for an extension at the respective authority in Sweden before the date of expiry of your current permit. However, note that the short term categories cannot be extended under normal circumstances. They may be granted only in cases of extreme conditions such as a Force Majeure or other humanitarian reasons. If you are unable to extend, you must leave Sweden immediately.

What is the medical test for the Sweden Visa?

There are no mandatory medical test requirements for the Swedish short term permits. However, the Swedish National visa and residence permits may require certain tests depending on the individual type. Either way, it is advised that you get a medical checkup done before travelling to a foreign country.

How Much Bank Balance required to get Sweden Visa?

As per the regulations, there is no exact amount of funds you must possess in order to get a Swedish permit. As per the requirements, you must show that you have a steady and stable bank account and that you have enough money to cover your expenses in the country. Depending on the applied stay duration, you must have enough funds for the entire duration. These include basic expenses such as food, accommodation, travel, etc. 

How many days before the trip should I apply for a Sweden Visa?

The normal processing time for the Swedish visa is around 15 working days excluding the transit time taken for the applications to reach the Embassy. As a result, it is suggested that you apply well in advance. You must at least apply before 15 days of the travel date. However, the Swedish embassy strictly will not accept applications that are more than 3 months before the expected day of travel.

 

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