Sweden Visa – 2025 Complete Indian Citizen’s Guide

Sweden’s breathtaking Nordic scenery, diverse culture, and high living standards make it a top choice for tourists, students, and professionals. Indian passport holders wishing to visit Stockholm for its lively city experiences, revel in the enchanting Northern Lights in Lapland, or professionally develop in Sweden, will require a visa.
This guide thoroughly explains the Sweden visa application process for Indians and offers insights on the different types of visas, application requirements, processing fees, eligibility, and approval tips.

1. Are Indians Visa Exempted for Traveling to Sweden?

No, Indian passport holders cannot travel without a visa. Visits for tourism, employment, education, or business all require application for a Sweden visa.
As a Schengen member, Sweden issues short-stay visas which can be used for inter-Schengen travel for a period of 90 days in a span of 180 days. It is expected that the primary destination or first port of entry is Sweden.

2. Indian Citizens Visa Categories for Sweden

The specific type of visa needed is to be determined on the India citizen’s purpose of visit and duration of stay in Sweden.

1. Sweden Tourist Visa (Schengen Visa – Type C)
   Purpose: Sightseeing, leisure travel, and visiting family and friends.
   Duration of Stay: Up to 90 days within 180 days
   Work Rights: Not permitted
2. Sweden Business Visa
   Purpose: Participation in business meetings, conferences, and trade fairs.
   Duration of Stay: Up to 90 days
   Work Rights: Not permitted unless explicitly granted.
3. Sweden Work Visa (National Visa – Type D)
   Purpose: Engaging in long-term employment in Sweden.
   Duration of Stay: More than 90 days and can be renewed with a residence permit.
   Prerequisites: Must have a job offer and work permit.
4. Sweden Job Seeker Visa
   Purpose: Search for employment or establish a business in Sweden.
   Duration of Stay: 3 to 9 months.
   Special Note: This visa permits job searching but not immediate employment. A work permit can be obtained post job offer.
5. Sweden Student Visa
   Purpose: Enrollment in universities or training programs in Sweden.
   Duration of Stay: Aligned with course duration.
   Prerequisites: Need to have a confirmed admission from a Swedish institution.
6. Sweden Family Reunion Visa
   Purpose: Joining immediate family members already legally residing in Sweden.
   Duration of Stay: Long-term (Type D)
7. Sweden Visa Requirements for Indians

The documents required differ based on visa category but commonly consist of the following:

• Passport: Must have a minimum of 3 months validity beyond the intended date of travel, and 2 blank pages.
• Visa Application Form: Completed in full and signed
• Passport photos: 35x45mm with a white background
• Travel itinerary: Flight bookings and accommodation proof or invitation letter
• Proof of means: Statement of account reflecting at least €50 – €70 for every day of stay
• Insurance: €30,000 minimum for all Schengen countries
• Cover letter: Purpose for visit along with a general itinerary and duration of stay
• Proof of employment/study: Employment letter, payslips, or enrollment letter
• Payment receipt for visa fee

4. Sweden Visa Application Procedure for Indian Citizens

The process for obtaining a Sweden visa in India includes the following:
Step 1 – Identify the Correct Category of Visa
Choose the appropriate category according to your reason for travel (tourism, business, education, etc.).

Step 2 – Book Appointment
VFS Global serves as an intermediary between the Swedish embassy and Indian applicants. Appointments are made via the VFS Global website.

Step 3 – Assemble the Necessary Documents
Compile all relevant documents based on the visa category you selected in the previous step.

Step 4 – Application Submission with Biometrics
Submit all documents, fingerprints, and photos in person at the VFS center.

Step 5 – Visa Fee Payment
Payment is to be made in INR as per the current conversion rate.

Step 6 – Waiting for Processing
Issuance of a short-term Visa generally takes less than 15 calendar days, while long-term Visas may take anywhere between 6 to 10 weeks.

Step 7 – Collect Your Passport
You may either collect it from the VFS center or have it sent to you via courier.

5. Visa Fees for Sweden For Indians (2025)

• Short-Stay Schengen Visa: €80 (₹7,200–₹7,500)
• Children (6 – 12 Years): €40 (₹3,600–₹3,800)
• Long-Stay Visa (Type D): €150–€200 (₹13,500–₹18,000)
• VFS service Fee: ₹1,200 – ₹1,500
  Note: Due to alterations to the exchange rate, actual fees may differ.

6. Sweden Visa Processing Time for Applicants from India

• Tourist/Business Visa: 10 – 15 working days
• Work Visa: 6 – 8 weeks; can take longer on account of extended background checks.
• Job Seeker Visa: 6 – 12 weeks
• Student Visa: 4 – 8 weeks
  Applicants for short-term Visas should apply 4 – 6 weeks before travel and 3 month for long-term Visas.

7. Sverige Job Seeker Visa – Gateway to Career Potential

The Sweden Job Seeker Visa is a fantastic option for Indian skilled migrants seeking employment or business opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Possession of at least a bachelor’s degree, with a master’s degree or higher preferred.
• Sufficient funds to support yourself, at a minimum €50/day.
• Valid health insurance
• Proof of accommodation

Benefits:

• Extended stay in Sweden for job search for up to 9 months.
• Apply for a work permit after employment is secured.
• Possess the freedom to start a new business in the country.

Key Points of the Sweden Work Visa for Indians

A work visa for Sweden is mandatory for Indians with a job in Sweden prior to traveling.

Requirements:

• A job offer with a Swedish employer.
• An employment contract compliant with Swedish laws.
• Minimum salary as per Swedish requirements.
• Health insurance coverage.

High demand sectors in Sweden for Indians:

• IT and Software Development
• Engineering and Manufacturing
• Healthcare and Nursing
• Renewable Energy
• Education and Research

Sweden Tourist Visa: Travel the Nordic Way

This visa permits Indian travelers to Sweden to enjoy the natural scenery and historic cities of the country.

Key Highlights:

• Stockholm Archipelago
• Northern Lights in Kiruna
• Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi
• Drottningholm Palace
• Abisko National Park

10. Suggestions for Efficient Visa Processing for Sweden

• Avoid applying during peak times.
• Use precise supporting documentation.
• Show strong connections to India (employment, property, family).
• Provide adequate financial documentation.
• Select travel insurance valid for all Schengen countries.

11. Schengen Travel with a Sweden Visa

Travel to all 27 Schengen countries is permitted with a Sweden Schengen visa for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day timeframe. Sweden should be the primary destination.