Start with the right application

The correct route depends on your passport, reason for travel, intended length of stay and personal circumstances. Sweden is part of the Schengen Area.

Eligible visitors may travel for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area. Depending on nationality, a short visit may require a Schengen visa. A visitor visa is not a work permit and is not intended for settling in Sweden. Longer visits and plans to work, study or join family generally require a relevant residence permit.

Explore the main visa and permit routes

Visitor visa: what to prepare

Use the official checklist for your nationality, application location and travel purpose. The exact requirements can vary, and the authority may request additional evidence.

• Valid passport meeting the relevant Schengen rules.
• Completed application form and proof of fee payment, where required.
• Recent photograph and biometrics, if applicable.
• Travel medical insurance that meets Schengen requirements, where required.
• Evidence of sufficient funds or an accepted sponsorship arrangement.
• Travel purpose evidence, such as itinerary, accommodation details, event information or an invitation.
• Evidence of employment, studies, family ties, residence status or other circumstances relevant to your application.
• Return or onward travel plans and any additional documents in the official checklist.

This is a general planning list, not a personal checklist or guarantee of approval. Follow the current instructions from the Swedish authorities and application centre.

How the application process usually works

1. Choose the correct route.
   Use the Swedish Migration Agency’s guidance to identify whether you need a Schengen visa or residence permit.
2. Check the local instructions.
   Confirm the documents, translations, financial evidence and application location for your circumstances.
3. Complete the application.
   Use the official application channel and pay any required fee through the instructed process.
4. Attend an appointment if required.
   Submit documents and passport details, and provide fingerprints or a photograph where requested.
5. Wait for the decision.
   Processing times vary by category and case. Avoid relying on non-refundable bookings before checking official advice.
6. Review the outcome.
   If approved, check validity dates, entry conditions and any restrictions before travelling or starting the planned activity.

Work and study: plan before travelling

Working in Sweden

Do not assume that a visitor visa permits work. Many applicants from outside the EU/EEA need the appropriate work permit and must meet requirements related to the job, employment conditions and employer. Do not pay unofficial agents who promise guaranteed jobs or permits.

Studying in Sweden

Confirm admission to the relevant programme and review the current rules on maintenance funds, insurance, permit validity and study progress. Work rights alongside studies may depend on current law and the terms applicable to your permit; check the latest official guidance.

Joining family

Family immigration is not automatic. The outcome may depend on the relationship, the sponsor’s status, maintenance requirements and evidence submitted. Some applicants must wait outside Sweden for a decision.

Fees and processing times

Fees and waiting times depend on the application type, applicant’s age, nationality, application location and the rules in force when you apply. Visa-centre service charges may be separate from government application fees.

Do not rely on a general estimate as a promise of when a decision will arrive. Check the Swedish Migration Agency’s current fee pages and processing-time statistics, and review the instructions from the mission or application centre serving your country of residence.

Check official application categories, fees and current guidance ↗

If applying from South Africa, check the Sweden Abroad instructions for South African residents and the designated visa application centre before booking an appointment.

Official resources

Use official government sources for final eligibility checks, forms, fee information and case-specific instructions.

• Swedish Migration Agency — choose an application type
• Migration Agency — visiting Sweden and Schengen visas
• Migration Agency — work permits
• Migration Agency — study permits
• Migration Agency — living with someone in Sweden
• Sweden Abroad — visiting Sweden from South Africa
• VFS Global — Sweden applications in South Africa (confirm current arrangements)

Frequently asked questions