Visiting Sweden

Visas can be granted for such purposes as:

• Business visits
• Conference and Training course
• Participation in cultural or sporting events
• Visits to relatives and friends
• Medical treatment
• Tourism

You can submit your application at the earliest three months before your planned visit. Considering the high number of applications we recieve, we recommend that you apply  as far in advance as possible, minimum four weeks prior to departure. Usually, you get a decision within two weeks.

A visa can be granted for between 1 and 90 days. You have to make use of these days within a given time frame of six months at the most (period of validity).

How many days you are allowed to stay in the Schengen area, and for how long altogether, is stated on the permit sticker attached to your travel document.

If you need to travel to Sweden often, you can ask to be given several entries. Such visas are valid for five years at the most. If the visa is for more than six months, you can stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days per six-month period.

A visa does not automatically mean you can enter the Schengen area. Entry checks are always made at external border points. So it is a good idea to bring along copies of the documents you submitted when applying for a visa. Border controls may result in your being denied entry.

It is the embassy or consulate that decides whether you are to be granted a visa. In certain cases, the matter is referred to the Swedish Migration Agency for a decision.

Read more about visa applications in the menu on the left and on the Swedish Migration Agency website.

Visits longer than 90 days

If you will need to stay in Sweden for more than three months, you should apply for a residence permit for a visit.

An application for a residence permit for a visit is always sent to the Migration Agency in Sweden, where the decision is taken. If the application is granted, residence permits are usually issued for between three and twelve months.

If you have special grounds that are approved, you can obtain a national visa (D-visa) for longer than 90 days, special grounds may for instance be that you have a valid residence permit and need to travel to Sweden urgent.

If you are to be granted a residence permit, the purpose of the trip must be to visit Sweden, not to settle there. You must have the means to support yourself throughout your stay, and you must possess either a return ticket or enough money for your return journey. Medical travel insurance is not compulsory, but it is advisable, since medical costs can be high.

For more information about the requierments please visit the Swedish Migration Agency's website:

Visit Sweden for more than 90 days – apply for a visi­tor’s permit - Swedish Migration Agency (migrationsverket.se)