Russia's invasion of Ukraine has meant that the deliveries of residence permit cards to the Embassy in Moscow are taking longer than usual as several courier companies have stopped deliveries to Russia.
The new procedure for checking passports in original in applications for residence and work permits will start on November 1st.
Starting from this November, it will be mandatory for applicants to present their passport in original before a decision is taken. It will affect all types of applications for work permit and resident permit, excluding family reunification cases and cases where an interview has already been requested by the Migration service of Sweden. Fingerprints may also be submitted during this procedure.
The new requirement to present a passport in original applies without transitional period. This means that also persons who have already applied for a permit will need to visit a Swedish embassy to have their passport checked before they can get a decision. Migration Agency will contact the applicant to schedule an appointment for passport and identity control.
The Visa Facilitation Agreement (VFA) between the EU and Russia is suspended as of September 12, 2022.
The 2007 Visa Facilitation Agreement between the EU and Russia has been completely suspended. This means that an application for a Schengen visa for Russian citizens is now examined according to the Visa Code, which applies to the vast majority of countries.
The changes mean that:
- The application fee for adults is changed to 80 EUR, children 6-12 years 40 EUR
- The processing time is changed to 15 days and can be extended to 45 days if additional documents are required
- More documents are required to justify the purpose of your trip
- The possibility to apply for an emergency visa for a higher fee disappears.
For business visas, this means no change as the visa simplifications for this category were already suspended in February, 2022.
For more information on which documents need to be attached to your application, read more by link below or contact VFS Global.
Starting from September 2, 2022, the Migration department of the Swedish Embassy will only accept payment of the consular fee in cash in rubles. Payment by bank cards is temporarily suspended.
03 Aug 2022
Attention!
Visa applications should be handed in at the nearest visa centre of VFS Global.
You can book an appointment on the VFS Global website. Number of slots for booking is limited.
The consideration period may take up to 15 calendar days (and in individual cases may be extended up to 45 calendar days) according to the Visa Code.
We also remind you that in the process of consideration of application the Embassy has the right to request any additional documents which may prolong the handling process.
VFS Global website:
If you have received a message from the Swedish Migration Agency to book an interview at the Embassy, you can now do it through the following link. The web-form can also be used if you are applying for a visitors permit.
If you suspect that a crime or irregularities have occurred in connection with Swedish Foreign Service activities, please report to MFA Head of Compliance.
