Visas for Sweden

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to visit, live or work in Sweden. EU citizens can stay in Sweden for up to three months without a visa, after which they will have to apply for a residence permit (uppehållstillstånd), which they can get free of charge.

Nationals of certain countries can visit Sweden without a visa for up to three months, while nationals of other countries must apply for a Schengen visa for a 90-day entry into Sweden. You can visit the Swedish Migration Agency website for a list of these countries.

The general requirements for a Schengen visa are as follows: 

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your visa expires
• Provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Sweden
• Provide proof of medical insurance for the duration of your stay
• Being able to detail the purpose of your visit

Useful links

• Swedish Migration Agency

Tourist visas for Sweden

If you don't qualify for visa-free entry, you must apply for a Schengen visa to visit Sweden. The visa can also be used to visit any other country that is part of the Schengen agreement. You can apply for your Schengen visa at a Swedish embassy or consulate. If you will be visiting more than one Schengen state, then you must apply for your visa in the country you will be staying the longest in. 

You can also apply for a Schengen visa to visit family and friends in Sweden. The only additional requirement for this type of visa will be an invitation letter form filled out by the person you will be visiting. 

Business visas for Sweden

If you are looking to conduct business in the country or attend a business conference, you should apply for a business visa for Sweden. 

This is done via a standard Schengen visa application form and the standard requirements such as proof of sufficient funds and onward travel. There are a few extra requirements when applying for a Swedish business visa, such as an employer's letters and invitation from the host company in Sweden.

Study visas for Sweden

Those who will be studying in Sweden, doing research or serving as a doctoral exchange student must apply for a study visa for Sweden. This process involves providing proof of invitation or acceptance from a Swedish university. 

If you are already registered at a university back home, you must also have a certificate from the institution. There may be additional requirements depending on your specific case, so we recommend applying for the visa as far in advance as possible to avoid delays. 

Medical visas for Sweden

Sweden is known for its excellent healthcare, and many expats requiring specialised care may choose to seek medical treatment in the country. You must provide a medical certificate from a Swedish provider that shows the details of the treatment you will be receiving and when you will be receiving the treatment. 

Additionally, Swedish authorities will require a medical certificate from your home country showing that the doctors there cannot provide the treatment you need. Finally, you must also provide proof of payment for the procedure and any follow-up care before you are issued a medical visa for Sweden. 

Residence permits for Sweden

A Swedish residence permit allows the holder to stay in the country for longer than the 90 days allowed by a Schengen visa. Non-EU citizens intending to stay longer than 90 days generally need to apply for a residence permit for Sweden before entering the country.

You can get a residence permit for Sweden on the basis of a permanent move to the country because of family ties, employment, a period of study at a Swedish institution, or self-employment.

Temporary residence permits do not give an individual the right to work in Sweden, you will need a work permit for this. Permanent residence permits do, however, give holders the right to live and work in Sweden indefinitely. Once you are granted a residence permit for Sweden, you must visit the Swedish Migration Agency to have your biometrics and photographs taken for your residence permit card. 

*Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.