Apply for Swedish visa

If you plan to visit Sweden and are from a country outside the EU, you generally need to apply for a Swedish visa before your trip. The visa grants you the right to stay in Sweden for a certain period and for a specific purpose, such as for tourism, business trips, studies, or visiting family and friends.

A Swedish visa is a document or a stamp in your passport that shows you have permission to enter Sweden and stay here for a specified time. The visa also states the purpose of your stay and how long you’re allowed to stay in the country. The visa is usually valid for a period of up to 90 days, depending on the type of visa you’re applying for.

Different types of visas

There are different types of Swedish visas depending on the purpose of your trip:

  • Schengen visa (short-term visa)
    This is the most common visa and is valid for shorter stays in Sweden and the rest of the countries within Schengen. This visa is valid for up to 90 days.
  • Residence permit (long-term visa)
    If you plan to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days, for example, to study or work, you need to apply for a residence permit. There are different types of residence permits you can apply for depending on the reason you wish to stay in Sweden.

How to apply for a Swedish visa

To apply for a Swedish visa, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Prepare your application
    Gather all the information and documents necessary for your visa application. This includes a passport, a completed application form, a photograph, travel insurance and other documents that support the purpose of your trip. For example, you can submit an invitation if you wish to travel to Sweden to attend an event, or provide a certificate from your employer if it concerns a job you’ve applied for.
  2. Submit your application
    Submit your visa application to the Swedish embassy or consulate in your home country. It’s important to apply well in advance of your trip, since processing times can sometimes be long.
  3. Wait for the decision
    After you’ve submitted your application, the authorities will process it and make a decision. You’ll then be informed whether your visa is granted or denied. If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision.

Our assistance with visa applications

Consultation
We offer legal advice to help you understand the Swedish visa process and ensure that your application is correctly completed and comprehensive. We help you gather and review the documents that are important to increase your chances of getting your visa approved.

Handling appeals
If your visa application is denied, we help you appeal the decision. We ensure that your rights are protected and that your appeal is treated fairly.

Representation and support
We represent you in contacts with Swedish authorities and provide support throughout the entire process, from application to decision. Our goal is to ensure that you feel safe and informed throughout the visa process.

Do you need help with matters concerning Swedish visa? You can always get in contact with our lawyers within just 24 hours when you need quick answers to your questions. Or you can email or call us whenever you need to hire a lawyer for legal assistance.

FAQ about Swedish visa

How long does it take to get a Swedish visa?
Processing times for visas can vary, but it’s usually best to apply at least 15 days before your planned trip. In some cases, it may take longer, so apply well in advance.

Can I extend my visa?
In some cases, you can apply to extend your visa if you have valid reasons for staying longer in Sweden. However, you must apply for an extension before your current visa expires.

What happens if my visa application is denied?
If your Swedish visa application is denied, you can appeal the decision. We help you appeal and present new arguments or documents that may support your application.

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