Sweden Visa - Definitive Guide

The Swedish visa lets you enter Sweden and stay there for a specific period as permitted. Based on your purpose of visit, there are various types of permits to suit your needs. Being a Schengen country, the permit issued by the Swedish embassy will also let you visit other Schengen nations. 

The Embassy Sweden has partially outsourced the application for the Schengen Sweden visa from India to the Sweden VACs (Visa Application Center) situated across India. As a result, you must make your Sweden visa application through them. The application, however, is done offline as there is no online visa application for Sweden from India. Before starting the application, ensure that you check if you are eligible for the particular category you are applying for. After that, you may proceed with the application as follows - 

1. Obtain all the documents as per the document checklist for your visa type. 
2. Visit the website of the VAC, or the Embassy of Sweden and download the application form. 
3. Fill in the application form with all the relevant details and then print it.
4. Proceed to book your Sweden visa appointment at the VAC or Embassy as per your convenience. Note that the embassy has only limited slots, and will not have the same fast pace as a VAC. As a result, it is highly recommended to apply through one of the VACs. 
5. Visit the respective VAC or Embassy with the documents, completed application form, and the fees. You will also have to submit your biometrics here. 

Note that the applications for the long term National Sweden visa must be done directly to the Embassy. The VAC is not allowed to accept applications for these.

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

Also, note that you must submit only original and genuine documents. Providing fake documents or incorrect information can lead to a Schengen visa rejection.

Based on your purpose of visit, and the permitted stay duration, the Swedish permits can be classified into the following types - 

• Sweden Schengen visa - Also known as the short term Schengen C category, it is issued for a maximum stay duration of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Based on the purpose of visit, these can further be divided into - 
• Tourist - These are issued to people who are visiting Sweden for the purpose of taking part in tourism-related activities 
• Business - This type of permit is issued for businessmen who are travelling to Sweden for engaging in business activities such as meetings, conferences, trade fairs, etc.
• Visitor - This category is for people entering the Kingdom of Sweden for the purpose of visiting their family members or friends residing in the country.
• Cultural/Religious/Events - This category lets people enter the country and take part in cultural, religious, or sporting event in Sweden. 
• Study - These are issued for individuals entering Sweden for taking part in short term studies that last fewer than 90 days. 
• Sweden national visa - Also known as the long term D category, these permits are required when your stay duration is for more than 90 days. Based on the purpose of the visit, these can be divided into the following types.
• Study - This type is issued for individuals taking part in studies in Sweden that last longer than 90 days. 
• Work - This is issued for people taking part in work and other employment activities in Sweden.
• Family reunification - This is issued for people who are visiting Sweden to reunite with their family members in the country and live with them. 

The following are the list of general documents you will require for a Swedish permit. However, there are additional documents as per the individual category. 

• 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.
• A covering letter - 
  1. This must include the applicant's details.
  2. It should clearly mention the source of funds.
  3. It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
  4. It should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden.
• Flight reservation for round trip
• Proof of accommodation - hotel bookings/invitation to stay/residence bookings, etc 
• 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

• Financial documents -

Financial documents such as bank statements of the past 3 months, Passbook copy, ITR, 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 permit is dependent on the exact type of the permit, the validity of the visa, the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as your previous travel history. In normal conditions, it takes around 15 working days from the date of the application to process the application. However, this can even take 30 days or even 60 days in certain extreme cases. As a result, it is strongly recommended that you must apply for it well in advance. 

The Sweden Schengen visa fees for Indian citizens depends on several factors such as the exact type of the visa, the embassy decision, as well as the foreign currency exchange rates. Apart from the application fees, you will also have to pay the biometric charges, service charges by the VAC, as well as any delivery charges. As a result, you must check the exact amount before starting the application. 

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

The application for the Swedish permit can be made at one of the VACs located across the major cities in India, or at the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi. Note that the Swedish consulates do not process visa applications. Also, the applications for the Swedish National visa has to be made only at the Embassy directly.