Tired of visa uncertainties? Unlock your Swedish aspirations. Here’s our detailed guide on Sweden visa types and requirements which will not just make your journey smoother, but empower you to make informed decisions.

Sweden offers a variety of visas for different purposes, catering to tourism, work, study, and family reunification. Each visa category comes with specific requirements and application procedures.

For short-term visits, such as tourism or business trips, you can apply for a Schengen visa, allowing you to travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days.

If you plan to work or study in Sweden, you will need to apply for a long-term visa or a residence permit. Additionally, family members of Swedish citizens can also apply for visas to join their loved ones in Sweden.

What are the Sweden Visa Types?

There are mainly 3 different Sweden visa types from India. The following is a more detailed description of these visa types and their document requirements

1. Sweden Short-Term Visas (Type C)

1A. Tourist Visas

This visa type allows you to visit Sweden and other Schengen member states for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is mainly Issued for tourism purposes, and thus it is non-extendable and non-convertible, no change of purpose is allowed. The Sweden tourist visa processing time from India is approximately 14 days and the Sweden tourist visa fees cost €80 for adults and €40 for children

Document Requirement for Sweden Tourist Visas

Following are the documents required for a Sweden tourist visa from India

• Complete, print, and sign the visa application form (available at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/).
• Provide two recent color passport-size photographs (2inch x 2inch) with a full frontal face against a white background to be pasted on the application form.
• Ensure your passport is current, with a minimum validity of 180 days and at least 2 blank pages.
• Include a copy of person bevis in English for Sweden residents and one local address proof in English for Latvia residents.
• Provide proof of payment with the applicant's full name, type of visa and application ID
• Submit return journey tickets within 90 days.

1B. Business Visa

A Sweden business visa is a type of short-stay visa that allows you to visit Sweden for business purposes such as meetings, conferences, or training. The validity is for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

Document Requirement for Business Visas

Following are the documents required for a Sweden business visa from India

• Valid passport with at least 3 months validity within the past 7 years.
• Two recent passport-size photographs.
• Completed and signed visa application form.
• Proof of sufficient funds in the bank until the return from Sweden.
• Travel insurance policy with minimum coverage.
• Employment certificate and cover letter from the company (for business travel).
• Permission letter and power of attorney from the employer for business travel.
• Proof of trade (e.g., MOA, deed, business registration certificate).
• Income Tax Return documents for the last three years and bank statements for the past six months.
• Letter from the employer in Sweden specifying the exact purpose of the business.

1C. Visitor Visa

The Sweden visitor visa or Sweden family visa is necessary for third-country citizens visiting family members, relatives, or friends in Sweden. The visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within a period of 180 days in the Schengen area. To support your application, a letter of invitation from the person you'll be visiting is essential.

Document Requirement for Visitor Visas

Following are the visitor visa or Sweden family visa requirements from India

• Visa application form duly filled and signed, with 2 passport-size photographs
• Valid passport with at least two blank pages and not older than ten years.
• Invitation letter by friend/family residing in Sweden attaching their passport copies. A copy of the residency permit is also mandatory.
• Details of the round-trip reservation along with tickets, flight details, bookings, and day-to-day itinerary.
• Travel insurance policy.
• Proof of financial subsistence during the stay in Sweden, which might include bank statements or a sponsorship letter mentioning the person willing to bear all expenses of the one visiting.
• Proof of the family relationship.
• Details of stay mentioning the address and the dates of stay - hostel, hotel, or rent.

1D. Cultural Visa

The Schengen visa can be obtained for short-term cultural visits, allowing holders to engage in cultural, sports, or religious events for stays not exceeding 90 days within 180 days. Processing time for the Schengen visa is approximately 15 days.

Document Requirement for Cultural Visas

Following are the documents required for a Sweden visitor visa from India

• Invitation letter from the authorities who have organized the event
• Detail of the event, crew members, and duration of stay
• Detailed travel itinerary.

1E. Medical Visa

The medical treatment visa allows third-country citizens to seek urgent healthcare in a medical center in Sweden. Your visa application may require an acknowledgment of the planned medical treatment and a doctor's report. With this visa, you can stay in Sweden for up to 90 days to receive medical treatment.

Document Requirement for Medical Visas

Following are the documents required for a Sweden medical visa from India

• Provide a medical report issued by a doctor, clinic, or hospital in your home country, stating that you require medical treatment in Sweden.
• Obtain a medical attestation from a hospital or doctor in Sweden, confirming the date of your appointment and your medical condition. The attestation should also state that the hospital can provide the necessary medical treatment and that you are accepted for the appointment.
• Present proof of your financial arrangements for the medical treatment.
• Obtain official confirmation of the treatment or appointment from the receiving medical institution (hospital or clinic) in Sweden.

2. Sweden Transit Visa (Type A)

The airport transit visa allows passengers to have stopovers at airports in Sweden to change flights. However, the visa only permits entry into the international zone of the airport and does not allow the holder to visit the country. At the airport, you may be asked to provide a copy of your visa for your next destination, if applicable.

Document Requirement for Transit Visas

Following are the documents required for a Sweden transit visa from India

• Ensure you fill out and sign the application form completely.
• Make sure your passport is valid, not older than ten years, and has at least two blank pages for the visa sticker.
• Provide one passport-sized photo adhering to Schengen photo guidelines.
• Present a printed receipt as evidence of paying the required transit visa fee.
• If needed, provide the visa for your final destination.
• Submit a detailed flight route with your personal information.

3. Sweden Long-Term Visas (Type D, National)

3A. Sweden Work Visa

Non-EU and EEA residents must obtain a job offer and a valid work permit before entering Sweden. Without a working visa, they cannot reside or work in the country. The Sweden work visa processing time from India is 1-3 months.

Worried about how to get a job in Sweden from India? Here is a detailed blog on the same.

Document Requirement for Work Visas

For Sweden's work permit visa requirements employees and companies must fulfill specific conditions, such as the following:

• Valid passport
• Job offer with terms comparable to Swedish collective bargaining agreements or industry norms
• Monthly income of at least 13,000 SEK (108,805 INR) before taxes or a commensurate compensation
• Health insurance, life insurance, and social security coverage included in the job offer
• Proof of accommodation
• Provision to leave the country once the job contract expires

3B. Sweden Student Visa

The Sweden student visa processing time is approximately around 90 days if applied through online application. A paper-based application can take longer than 90 days. The Sweden student visa fees cost around SEK 1500.

Document Requirement for Student Visas

Here is a list of the Sweden student visa requirements, which can be handy when applying for this type of visa.

• Passport with necessary pages showing personal data, signature, and validity for other countries
• Filled out and signed the student visa application form
• Passport-sized identity photos are attached to the application
• Certified copies of previous study transcripts or degree certificates
• Acceptance letter from a Swedish higher educational institution for a full-time study program
• Valid health insurance policy for Sweden or proof of application
• Bank statements or documents showing sufficient funds for living expenses
• Payment of the application fee.

What is the Application Process for a Sweden Visa from India?

You can apply for the Sweden visa type by following the step-by-step instructions listed below:

1. Step 1: Prepare your visa application: Determine the type and duration of your Sweden visa and select the purpose of your visit. Accordingly, find the Swedish Embassy/Consulate or visa-application center in your location to submit your application.
2. Step 2: Fill out your visa application: Access the official online visa portal or submit the basic application form based on your application destination.
3. Step 3: Gather your documents: Collect all required and supplemental documents based on your specific Sweden visa type.
4. Step 4: Pay your visa fee: Make the payment online or during your visa interview, as per the visa type.
5. Step 5: Schedule your visa interview appointment: Arrange your visa interview either online or through direct contact with the application destination.
6. Step 6: Attend your visa interview: Submit biometric information, undergo the interview, and meet other visa requirements during the appointment. Await the visa decision after the interview.

Unlock Your Dream Journey to Sweden with GetGIS

In conclusion, securing your visa to Sweden can be a complex and daunting process, but with the right guidance and support, it becomes a smooth and seamless journey.

GetGIS, as a trusted immigration consultant, is here to assist you every step of the way. Whether you are looking for permanent residency, a job seeker visa, or any other visa type, our team of experts will provide personalized services tailored to your needs.

We offer a wide range of services, including post-landing assistance, LinkedIn optimization, resume writing, and more, to ensure your successful integration into the Swedish society and job market.

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Useful links

1. 7 Golden Benefits of Working in Sweden
2. 14 Best Cities To Work In Sweden For a Promising Career
3. Healthcare System in Sweden: How it Prioritizes Affordability & Satisfaction?
4. 10 Important Things to Know Before Moving to Sweden