Sweden Visa for Indians and How to Apply in 2025

Sweden, a Nordic gem, boasts an abundance of natural resources, impressive development, and robust economic growth. It’s a hub for pop culture, art, and cutting-edge environmental reforms. Sweden is an ideal leisure, business, and education destination with its rich cuisine and diverse offerings.

Indian citizens require a valid passport and travel insurance to enter the country, and a Sweden visa is a must for Indians. Those wishing to travel can get more information on the application for a visa for Sweden, eligibility, and others below.

Yes, Indians require a visa to visit Sweden. Typically, the visa is a Schengen visa, permitting short stays of up to 90 days per visit. Applications for this visa can be made through VFS Global, which processes visa requests for the Swedish Embassy. For stays longer than 90 days, a residence permit is required.

No, Sweden does not offer a Visa on Arrival to Indian citizens. Indian passport holders need to obtain a Schengen visa before travelling to Sweden.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory when travelling to Sweden. Sweden is a Schengen country; hence, you must have valid travel insurance to acquire a Sweden Schengen visa.

When travelling to Sweden, your international travel insurance must have a minimum medical coverage of €30,000, with emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage.

1. If travelling to meet a friend or family member staying in Schengen country

• Original signed invitation letter from the family member/friend staying in the Schengen country

• Their address and contact details

• Intended period and duration of stay

• Evidence of legal residence of family/friends visited: copy of passport/national ID card (first and last page if it's an Indian passport) + copy of their residence permit (Inviter in the Schengen country) if applicable.

• Name and passport number of traveller

• Purpose of trip and itinerary of the visit in brief

2. If the application is not submitted by the applicant directly

• Signed authorisation letter for the travel agent or the representative

• Copy of the passport of the person submitting the application

3. If travelling to meet a friend or family member staying in Schengen country

• Original signed invitation letter from the family member/friend staying in the Schengen country

• Their address and contact details

• Intended period and duration of stay

• Evidence of legal residence of family/friends visited: copy of passport/national ID card (first and last page if it's an Indian passport) + copy of their residence permit (Inviter in the Schengen country) if applicable.

• Name and passport number of traveller

• Purpose of trip and itinerary of the visit in brief

4. If the application is not submitted by the applicant directly

• Signed authorisation letter for the travel agent or the representative

• Copy of the passport of the person submitting the application

5. In the case of a retired applicant

• Pension statements for the last three months and

• Proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business

• Applicant's bank statements for the previous 3 months stamped by the bank (passbook copies are not accepted)

6. If self-employed

• Business registration documents and recent bank statements of the business

7. If unemployed

• Applicant's bank statements for the last 3 months stamped by the bank (passbook copies are not accepted)

If a student

• Enrollment certificate and a no-objection letter from your school or university

9. Proof of civil status

• If married, a marriage certificate is needed

• If divorced, divorce decree/custody decree is needed

• If travelling with children, the birth certificate of the children must be provided

• If applicable, the death certificate of the spouse should be provided

10. In the case of a retired applicant

• Pension statements for the last three months and

• Proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business

• Applicant's bank statements for the previous 3 months stamped by the bank (passbook copies are not accepted)

11. If self-employed

• Business registration documents and recent bank statements of the business

12. If unemployed

• Applicant's bank statements for the last 3 months stamped by the bank (passbook copies are not accepted)

13. If a student

• Enrollment certificate and a no-objection letter from your school or university

14. Proof of civil status

• If married, a marriage certificate is needed

• If divorced, divorce decree/custody decree is needed

• If travelling with children, the birth certificate of the children must be provided

• If applicable, the death certificate of the spouse should be provided

Identify the Schengen Country You Want to Visit

Choose the country or countries you wish to visit within the Schengen area and decide which one you will enter first. This is crucial because the visa application process and required documents vary based on each country’s regulations. Once selected, identify the appropriate consulate or embassy for your visa application.

Select the Consulate or Embassy to apply for a Sweden Visa

There are three ways to select the consulate:

1. If you plan to travel to multiple Schengen countries, you should apply for a visa at the embassy or consulate of the country you will visit most days. This will be your primary destination. 

2. If there is no specific main destination and you visit multiple countries randomly, you should apply at the embassy or consulate of the first Schengen country you enter.

3. If you want to visit one specific country, apply to that country's consulate/embassy. 

If the country you're visiting doesn't have an embassy or consulate in India or doesn't process visas, you can apply through the Schengen state that represents it for visa matters.

What is the First Port of Entry for a Schengen Visa?

The first port of entry for a Schengen visa is the first Schengen country a foreign visitor enters. Through the first port of entry, you enter the Schengen Area, and from there, you can travel to any other Schengen country using the same visa.

Initiate the Sweden Visa Application

To start your Schengen Visa for Indians application, head to the official website of the application centre or the embassy or consulate website representing the country you plan to visit first in the Schengen Area.

Check if You Need a Schengen Visa

Once you land on the right website, the first thing you should do is check if you need a visa and the particular visa type by providing your nationality, age, leading destination of stay, country of submission of application, etc., in the designated section.

The processing time for a Sweden visa is typically 15 to 20 calendar days from the day the application reaches the Embassy in New Delhi. Applications submitted to VFS offices other than New Delhi will take two additional days due to postal deliver

Following things you must know before applying for a Sweden Visa from India:

Early Application

Apply well in advance of your planned travel date.

Accurate Information

Ensure all information and documents are correct and complete to avoid delays.

Check Updates

Visa requirements and processes can change, so check the latest information on the official Swedish Embassy or VFS Global websites.

Beware of Scams

Scams related to visa applications can occur. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, calls, or messages promising to expedite your visa process or guarantee approval for a fee.

Sufficient Funds

You must show proof of enough funds to cover your stay in Sweden. This can be in the form of bank statements, sponsorship letters, or evidence of scholarship.

If your Sweden visa application is rejected, first understand the reasons in the rejection letter, such as insufficient documentation or financial proof. You have the right to appeal, with instructions provided in the letter. Alternatively, you can reapply and address the initial issues.

Seeking advice from a visa consultant or lawyer can help ensure that all documents are accurate, that you provide financial proof of sufficient funds, and that you have valid travel insurance. You should also apply early and provide truthful information to avoid discrepancies.

To avoid having your Sweden visa application rejected, consider these essential tips:

Adhere to Visa Rules

Follow all visa requirements and guidelines strictly. Any deviation can lead to rejection.

Provide Complete and Accurate Documentation

Ensure all documents and information are accurate and consistent.

State a Clear Purpose of Visit

Clearly explain the reason for your visit and ensure it matches the visa type you are applying for. Avoid mentioning activities like volunteering or remote work if applying for a tourist visa.

Show Proof of Financial Stability

Demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support your stay in Sweden. This can include bank statements, salary slips, or sponsorship letters.

Maintain Consistent Travel Plans

Your travel plans should be logical and consistent. Ensure your itinerary is realistic and matches the duration of your visa request.

Avoid Red Flags

Do not mention friends or relatives in Sweden unless necessary, as this can complicate your application. Stick to stating that you are visiting for tourism or business purposes.

Double-Check Your Application

Review your application thoroughly before submitting it to ensure everything is correct and complete.

Yes, you can extend your stay in Sweden while you are there. If you wish to stay more than 90 days, you must apply for a visitor’s permit. This applies to people currently outside Sweden and those already in the country.

To apply for an extension, you can use the e-service provided by the Swedish Migration Agency. Provide all necessary documents and carefully follow the application process.

Purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Sweden is highly recommended because it ensures you are financially protected against unexpected events and provides peace of mind. Travel insurance lets you relax and enjoy your trip without concerns about unanticipated financial setbacks.

Total Loss of Checked-in Baggage

If your checked-in bag is lost permanently by the airline, we will cover you and pay your sum insured on pro-rata basis.

Bounced Bookings

Bounced booking might occur when your accommodation or common carrier is overbooked, resulting in you losing your spot! This can happen primarily during the holiday season or during a particular event or festival, where there are chances for an upsurge in bookings to a particular.

Financial Emergency Cash

If you fall prey to pickpockets on a trip, this will cover you for the amount of travel funds lost.

Home Buildings and Contents

It shields your house against damage or loss due to theft, natural calamities, riots, and other situations mentioned in your policy when you’re away. 

Dental Treatment Emergency

Dental treatment provided by a dentist during your trip, due to an accidental injury or acute pain in your natural teeth is covered up to the limits shown on your policy schedule.

There are quite a few reasons why Digit is a prime choice as a Swedish travel insurance provider.

High Cover Amount at Low Premium

With premiums beginning at ₹515 (excl. 18% GST) for 4 days trip for 1 adult, Digit offers a high sum insured of $50,000 under its Sweden travel insurance.

Flight Delay Compensation

Digit takes wastage of time and the ensuing harassment due to flight delay very seriously, offering reimbursement immediately.

Trip Cancellation

If any emergency circumstance necessitates you to cancel your trip and get back home, Digit also offers compensation for it.

Fast Paperless Claim

Digit offers a smartphone-enabled process which makes the whole method of filing a claim easy and fast. Additionally, Digit also offers the option for 24x7 missed call facility for claim settlement.