Anyone eligible for a Sweden visa must be informed about the conditions and requirements before starting the application process. Applicants can apply for a Sweden visa online or through the Swedish embassy. The visa applications will not be taken into consideration if there are any irregularities during the application process.
Before applying for a Sweden visa, it is important to know a few things:
- You must apply before traveling to Sweden.
- Do not apply earlier than six months before your travel to Sweden.
- Submit your visa application early.
How to Apply for a Sweden Visa?
Here is a step-by-step procedure on how to apply for a Sweden visa.
- Book an appointment. Contact the Swedish embassy and book an appointment prior to showing up for your application. The embassy may not allow you to apply if you have not booked an appointment beforehand. If you cannot make it to your appointment on time, you can cancel and reschedule for another time.
- Fill in the application form. After booking an appointment, go to the embassy and fill in the application form in the right way. You need to provide the information that is required and sign the application form before submitting it. The visa application form is also available on the website of the Swedish Migration Agency, where you can download and print it for submission.
- Compile all documents. The next step after you fully complete your application form is compiling the required Sweden visa documents from the application checklist. You must submit the collected documents together with the visa application form. The embassy will also take your biometric data. This procedure is not required for applicants under the age of 12.
- Pay the visa fee. The last step in your application process is the payment of the Sweden visa fee. You will be required to pay a fee of €90 at the embassy for the application. The embassy will inform you if you need to pay for other administrative services. You will be required to pay different fees depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
- Submit the application and documents. After filling in the application and collecting all the required documents, you can proceed to submit your Sweden visa application at the Swedish embassy. The application must be submitted in person. In cases of minors, the parents need to fill in and submit the application in person on their behalf.
- Wait for an answer. The Swedish embassy will process your visa application and notify you whether the panel board approved or rejected your visa. If your visa is approved, the embassy will inform you how to proceed further. If your visa was rejected, you can reapply for a new visa or write a letter of appeal.
What if There Is No Swedish Embassy in My Country?
Sweden has diplomatic relations with almost all states in the world and has embassies and consulates in half of them (100 missions and 350 honorary consulates).
If Sweden does not have any diplomatic missions in your country, you should locate the nearest embassy or consulate-general in the nearest neighboring country you can travel to and apply there.
Check the list of Swedish embassies to help you find the nearest embassy or consulate-general you can apply for a Sweden visa.
Sweden Visa Online Application
Online application is one of the quickest and easiest ways to apply for a Sweden visa. Applicants who apply at one of the embassies mentioned below can submit their Sweden visa application online.
- Sweden’s embassy in Seoul, South Korea.
- Sweden’s embassy in Tokyo, Japan.
- Sweden’s embassy in Teheran, Iran.
How to Apply Online?
The online application process for a Sweden visa is performed via e-service. For online applications, follow the steps below:
- Enter the website of the Swedish Migration Agency and click on “Apply” to start your application process.
- Log in to your account. If you do not have an account, you can create a new one.
- Choose the visa type and the location of your embassy.
- Fill in all the required information.
- Submit your application.
- Wait for a response
The online application is not possible in the following cases:
- If you apply for a work permit in Sweden at the same time, you are applying for a Sweden visa.
- If you are exempt from paying the fee according to the Visa Facilitation Agreement.
Important: The online visa application is valid only for 72 hours and will be deleted after 14 days if you do not register at the Swedish Migration Agency.
Tips for Online Application
Online applications are the quickest way to apply for a Sweden visa. Here are some tips for a smooth and easy application process.
- Prepare the documents. Before proceeding with your Sweden visa online application, make sure you have all the required documents. In case there are any missing documents, your application will be rejected.
- Apply via the Swedish Migration Agency website. Visit the website of the Swedish Migration Agency and read the instructions on how to proceed with the application.
- Visit the embassy. Take a printed copy of your online application when you go to your embassy appointment. You must take the collected documents together with the application form. The embassy may require you to sign the application and answer some additional questions.
- Wait for the decision on your visa. The embassy usually decides on your visa within 15 days. Your passport will remain at the embassy during this time. After you get a response on your application, you can get your passport back.
How Long Does It Take to Process the Application?
The processing time for a Sweden visa application usually takes 15 days, whereas for individual cases can be extended to 45 days. However, embassies and consulates-general can take longer to process your visa application.
What If The Visa Application Is Rejected?
If you are not granted a visa, you can submit a letter of appeal no later than three weeks from the day you receive the visa decision.
Your appeal letter will serve as a helpful tool to help you change the decision and approve your visa. You can find instructions on how to write a letter of appeal in the visa decision.
If the Embassy Changes the Decision on Your Visa
If your appeal letter contains new information, the decision might change. If that happens, you will be notified, and the visa will be glued to your passport.
If the Embassy Does Not Change the Decision on Your Visa
If after submitting the letter of appeal, the authorities still feel like their decision is right and should not be changed, your case will be forwarded.
Your application, decision, and other submitted documents will be forwarded to the Migration Court in Gothenburg, which will make a new decision on your visa application.