Stretched along the Scandinavian Peninsula, Sweden offers tourists a rich selection of attractions and entertainment. This includes the charm of the Swedish north with ice hotels, sleigh rides, and castles in the southern region of Skåne. And in Sweden, ethnic festivals are held on a grand scale, allowing visitors to appreciate the uniqueness of the people. No less interesting is the beauty of Stockholm, which Newsweek called the Internet capital of Europe.
Those who like to explore other countries through their cuisine will not remain indifferent to freshly marinated salmon, a variety of meatballs and other culinary delights. In addition, only here you can try a real buffet.
Sweden is a member of the European Union
Russians go to Sweden not only to have fun, but also to work or study. They are attracted here by the high standard of living and salaries, as well as quality education. In addition, some universities provide scholarships to talented foreign students.
Main types of visas
A short-term visit to Sweden is possible with a Schengen visa. It can have a permitted period from 1 to 90 days within six months (180 days), allow one or an unlimited number of entries. A Schengen visa to Sweden is issued for a maximum of 5 years.
The Swedes provide a Schengen visa for:
- business trips;
- visiting friends and relatives;
- tourism.
You can stay in Sweden for more than 90 days if you have a temporary residence permit or a national Swedish visa D.
A temporary residence permit is issued for a period of 3 months to a year. Applications for it are sent for verification to the Swedish Migration Service.
The Swedish national visa is also issued for up to 12 months in special cases. For example, if there is a need to travel to Sweden frequently for business or to visit relatives. Unlike a residence permit, a D visa only allows you to visit Sweden, not live here.
Registration cost
The consular fee is included in the indicated price unless otherwise discussed. Prices are valid for Russian citizens.
For citizens of other countries, the price is available upon request: call.
For corporate clients and travel companies there is a separate price list, which is sent upon request.
| Visa type | Processing time, working days | Cost of registration, rubles |
| Visa with an invitation without visiting the consulate* | ||
| Tourist, business or private invitation visa | 7-8 | 9 000 |
| Tourist visa for children under 6 years old when applying simultaneously with a parent | 7-8 | 5 000 |
| Surcharge for urgent processing | 3-4 | 5 000 |
| Visa to Sweden in the absence of an invitation without personal submission of documents* | ||
| Tourist for up to 8 days of stay | 7-8 | 10 000 |
| Tourist visa for children under 6 years of age when applying simultaneously with a parent | 7-8 | 5 500 |
| Surcharge for urgent processing | 3-4 | 5 000 |
| Visa for citizens of Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan | ||
| Additional payment to all above prices | — | 2 500 |
| Additional services | ||
| Preparation of a package of documents in the presence of an invitation / hotel reservation and air ticket | 3 | 1 500 |
*If fingerprints have not been submitted previously, you must visit the Sweden Visa Application Center once to undergo the fingerprinting procedure. The documents are transferred to the visa center in advance by our specialist.
How much does a visa to Sweden cost in 2021?
The cost of a Swedish visa consists primarily of a consular fee. It depends on the type of visa requested.
The consular fee of the Swedish Embassy for Russians is as of 01/01/2018:
- 35 € (2400 rubles) for a Schengen visa;
- 70 € (4800 rub.) for urgent Schengen;
- 60 € (4100 rubles) for national visa D;
- SEK 1,000 (RUB 7,100) for adults and SEK 500 (RUB 3,500) for children for a residence permit;
- SEK 2,000 (RUB 14,300) for a work permit.
In addition to the consular fee, visitors to visa centers pay a service fee of 21 € (1,440 rubles).
All fees are paid in rubles and are non-refundable. The ruble equivalent is recalculated by the Swedes when the euro exchange rate fluctuates.
Stockholm, Sweden
Fees: how much do you need to pay for a visa?
When applying for a visa through a Swedish visa center, the applicant is required to pay two types of mandatory fees: service (visa center fee) and consular (Swedish consulate fee).
- A service fee of 21 euros is payable for each request, including children 6+. Payment is only in rubles.
- The consular fee is divided into two types: regular and urgent. The regular consular fee for citizens of the Russian Federation is 35 euros, urgent - 70 euros. The consular fee is paid by all applicants, including children 6+. Payment is only in rubles.
Note! In case of refusal, the money paid for the consular and service fees will not be returned. Payment is made in Russian rubles.
How to get a visa to Sweden yourself
Via Visa Application Center
In order to simplify the procedure for applying for a Swedish visa and make it more accessible, the Swedish Embassy has chosen VfsGlobal as an intermediary. Its visa centers are located in major cities of Russia. They accept appointments without prior registration.
The procedure for applying for a visa at the VC includes:
- provision of documents;
- submission of biometric data;
- payment of consular and service fees.
Additionally, the VC offers to fill out a form for 300 rubles, take a photo for 200 rubles. and other services.
CC employees do not make decisions on issuing visas. They only collect data, transfer it to the Swedish embassy and issue a foreign passport returned from Moscow.
Through the embassy
You can submit documents directly to the Swedish embassy by pre-booking your visit through the call center of the Swedish VfsGlobal CC. The time for accepting visa documents is limited, so the Swedes recommend that applicants for Schengen visas contact the CC.
You can only apply for a visa at the embassy:
- urgent Schengen visa in 1 day (only if there are serious reasons and supporting documents);
- long-term (national D, residence permit).
The Consulate General of Sweden in St. Petersburg does not accept visa documents. Residents of Karelia have the opportunity to apply for a Swedish visa at the Consulate General of Finland in Petrozavodsk.
At the appointed time, you must appear at the embassy in person with a completed application form, a complete package of accompanying documents, and the amount of the consular fee in rubles. Directly at the diplomatic institution you need to undergo biometrics for the VIS system, if the data has not been submitted before for the Schengen visa of another country. After all the procedures, you just have to wait for the decision of the Swedish visa officer.
Online
Young people wishing to study in Sweden are encouraged to apply for a temporary residence permit online. The consular fee is paid by bank card. Russians are also encouraged to apply for a work permit in Sweden via the Internet. Online applications immediately go to the Migration Service, and such visa processing becomes a priority.
While waiting for a response or without waiting for it, you will need to come to the Swedish Embassy with the passport specified in the online application. This is necessary to submit biometric data (they will be displayed on the residence permit card).
Malmo, Sweden
Procedure for submitting documents
To submit documents through the Swedish Visa Application Center you need to follow a few simple steps:
- Find out the required list of documents for filing an application. This can be done on the official website of the visa center or on the website of the Swedish Embassy. Prepare them.
- Now you need to complete the registration procedure on the official website and make an appointment at the CC.
- At the appointed time, come to the visa center, fill out all the papers and submit them for processing. The visa center will independently send them to the consulate, where a decision will be made on issuing an entry document.
- Pay the fees and go through the fingerprinting procedure.
- Come pick up your completed passport.
Application form for a visa to Sweden
The application for a Schengen Sweden visa can be completed in English or Swedish. You need to come to the embassy with a completed application form, and at the CC you can order it to be filled out.
The application form for a temporary residence permit is also provided in Swedish and English. But for a national visa category D, the embassy offers an application form only in English.
Things are more complicated with work permit applications. The Swedes have developed several forms for different professions and different categories of applicants.
Documents for a visa to Sweden: list from 2021
The website of the Swedish Embassy contains a list of required documents depending on the purpose of the trip. It is additionally stipulated that their translation into Swedish or English will speed up the processing time of the application by the visa officer.
Required documents to obtain a visa to Sweden in 2021:
- questionnaire;
- photo;
- Consular fee in cash (strictly equal amount, no change);
- valid international passport;
- medical insurance (minimum 30 thousand euros);
- confirmation of the availability of funds (on average 450 CZK per person per day) using a certificate from work, a bank statement, a sponsorship letter, etc.;
- internal passport (original, copy).
Long-term visa applicants must add:
- “Information about the family” (a special application form to the application form in Swedish or English);
- copy of the international passport;
- a copy of the return ticket.
Health insurance is not required for long-term visas. It is only recommended to purchase it.
Photo for a visa to Sweden
Swedish diplomats' photo requirements are the same as those common to all Schengen countries. The photograph must be recent (up to 6 months), size 35x45 mm, color, clear, without damage or retouching.
Visa documents for children
The package of documents for a visa for a minor has a number of differences. Thus, the form is signed not personally, but by legal representatives (parents, guardians). Also, for children under 14 years of age, a birth certificate is provided instead of an internal passport. Traditionally, a notarized exit permit is required if children cross the border without one/both parents.
The Swedes have a special application form for obtaining a residence permit for persons under 18 years of age. You can download it in English or Swedish from the Migration Board website.
Additional documents for different types of visas
It is possible to obtain a residence permit to study in Sweden only if you have proof of enrollment in full-time study. You will also need proof of a minimum of 8 thousand crowns for 1 month to live in Swedish territory and a comprehensive health insurance policy.
For a Schengen Swedish visa for various purposes of visit, you must provide:
- booking hotels, tickets as confirmation of the route for tourists;
- an invitation from the host company for businessmen and individual entrepreneurs;
- certificate of courses for short-term training, internship;
- a written request from the host, confirmation of his solvency for a guest visa.
Unlike Schengen and study visas, obtaining a work permit in Sweden is quite difficult. You will need to provide a job offer, union agreement and other documents from the Swedish employer to the embassy or online.
Sweden
Documents for visa application
When registering yourself you need ():
- confirmation of a hotel room reservation (this can be an invoice or receipt);
- signature and seal of the employee making the reservation;
- photocopy of the invitation letter for a guest visit ();
- a letter of invitation, issued on company letterhead, for business trips;
- a high-quality photocopy of round-trip plane tickets;
- proof of solvency;
- health insurance.
If a Swedish visa is issued by a travel agency, the applicant provides:
- foreign passport (not expired);
- a high-quality photocopy of the 1st page of the foreign passport;
- a form filled out in English or Swedish;
- 2 high-quality photographs of the established standard (if the applicant is traveling with a child, then he needs 3 photos),
- documents from the place of work;
- certificates confirming financial solvency (salary should not be less than 20,000 rubles);
- high-quality photocopies of all pages of the civil passport containing stamps and entries;
- consent to the processing of personal data.
Filling out the form
The form must be filled out without errors.
The application form is available in Swedish.
The application form is available in English.
See a sample filling on our website or.
If the applicant does not have the time or opportunity, you can entrust the filling out of the application form and the collection of all necessary documents to the employees of the travel company.
The main pitfall that people filling out the questionnaire encounter is the “destination” and “date of travel” items. An error made when filling out the application form may lead to a refusal to issue a visa. The remaining rules for filling out the application form can be found on the official website of the Swedish Embassy.
Photo
Sample photo for a visa
Photo requirements:
- Frontal position of the face.
- Size: 35 by 45 mm.
- The facial expression is neutral.
- The face should not be covered with hair.
- No hats or glasses.
- No red-eye effect.
- No shadows on the face.
- Skin tone is natural.
- The height of the face is 32-36 millimeters from the chin to the crown.
- The face should occupy 70-80% of the total photo space.
Documents regarding the purpose of the trip
The following documents are provided:
- agreed visa application form;
- photocopy of internal passport with biographical data;
- health insurance;
- photo that meets ICAO requirements;
- Visa fees. Paid in accordance with the categories of the Visa Code. You can read the text of the document by following the link.
Owners of real estate in the Schengen area and their close relatives provide:
- document confirming ownership of real estate (extract from the real estate register, copy of the contract/purchase transaction);
- confirmation of relationship;
- confirmation of place of work.
Tourists and persons planning a private trip provide:
- proof of residence;
- route confirmation.
Cancellation of a ticket reservation may lead to either a refusal of a visa or a review of the decision.
Family members of citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland are required to provide a document confirming family ties with citizens legally residing in Sweden.
An invitation form from the host in Swedish is available.
An invitation form from the host in English is available.
Tourist visa
To travel to Sweden for tourism purposes, a Schengen visa is issued for 90 days. The entry permit can be single or multiple.
Standard package of papers for obtaining a tourist visa to Sweden:
- International passport. Original + copy of the first page.
- Questionnaire.
- Medical insurance.
- Two photos.
- Certificate of employment (a template of a certificate of employment in Russian can be downloaded here, in English here).
- The document must contain the following information:
- position held;
- legal address of the enterprise;
- Contact Information;
- monthly salary amount.
- Old foreign passports if available.
- Photocopy of internal passport.
- Hotel reservation.
Video about which countries are easier to get Schengen:
Visa for students and schoolchildren
Pensioners need a certificate for a visa, students and schoolchildren need a certificate from a school or university. Unemployed people need a certificate confirming the legality of the income of the person sponsoring the trip.
How much does a Swedish education cost?
Not long ago, Swedish higher education was free even for foreign students. But 5 years ago, the country's authorities revised educational legislation and decided to charge tuition fees from students coming from outside the Schengen area. And yet the cost of Swedish education is affordable compared to prices in other European countries.
Consular fee for a student visa is 1,500 rubles. An urgent visa costs twice as much.
Example of a consular fee payment receipt
Citizens of Russia who have the opportunity to confirm their studies at one of the country’s universities may be exempt from consular payments. The same rule applies to teachers of any Russian university.
After a decision has been made on the application, representatives of the representative office send a notification to the email address specified in the application. If the decision is positive, the student comes to the staff of the diplomatic institution to obtain a visa. After this, you can go to study in Sweden.
Visa for private entrepreneurs
The individual entrepreneur additionally provides a high-quality photocopy of the company registration certificate. It will not be superfluous to provide certificates of tax payment.
Work Visa
To obtain a work visa to Sweden, nationals of countries that are not members of the EU apply to a consulate or embassy. A work visa belongs to category D, so many VCs do not process such permits.
Work visa is issued:
- For employment in the territory of the Swedish Republic.
- To take part in business negotiations.
Video about the features of obtaining a work visa to Sweden:
To open a work visa you will need:
- international passport;
- photocopy of internal passport;
- TIN (if available);
- photo;
- questionnaire;
- a document confirming financial support for the trip;
- medical policy. The amount of mandatory coverage is 30 thousand euros;
- invitation letter from a Swedish employer;
- a document confirming the availability of housing in the country.
To work in Sweden, the applicant obtains a work permit. Step-by-step instructions for obtaining a permit:
- Arrival in Sweden on a work visa.
- Filling out an application for a permit. The application is submitted on the portal https://www.migrationsverket.se/.
- Commission fee 2,000 CZK.
After submitting the application, the applicant will receive notification of the commission's decision. The work permit only applies to the place of employment indicated in the application. If you need to change your place of work, you will have to re-apply for a permit.
Visitor visa to Sweden by invitation
A guest visa is a popular type of effective Schengen documents for Ukrainians and Russians.
This is what a Swedish visitor visa looks like
If such an entry permit is needed for the holiday season, it is worth obtaining it in advance, because registration takes 60 working days. Consulate specialists need these two months for additional checks.
An important nuance
An invitation document for Russians must be in a special format. In some cases, registration on plain paper is permitted. You will need certification from two Swedish citizens or a notary.
Invitation details
You can come to the country by invitation for 90 days. The document must include:
- personal data of the applicant;
- the timing of the trip and its purpose;
- evidence of financial support;
Sample of a bank certificate for obtaining a visa
- personal data of the inviting party;
- the applicant's civil passport.
If the invitation is issued by a Swedish company interested in cooperation with a Russian specialist, then an invitation form is used for this purpose. This document is required to obtain a work visa.
In addition to the invitation, the applicant undertakes to provide the consulate specialists with a package of up-to-date documents. It must include all certificates of the availability of movable or immovable property.
Certificate from the bank about the account status
The main condition for obtaining such a visa is at least one annual visa in the passport. If an applicant needs an extended visa, he can only rely on a document valid for 24 months.
This visa gives the applicant the right to visit Sweden multiple times.
Transit
There is no transit area at Swedish airports. Therefore, those traveling with transfers are required to obtain a transit entry permit.
To transit through Sweden, you need a Schengen visa with the inscription “Transit”, which allows you to stay on the territory of the Republic for 5 days .
To apply for a transit visa, you will need a standard package of papers, supplemented by an invitation from the host party (if available) and copies of air tickets for the entire travel route. If the time between transfers is more than 24 hours, you need a document confirming the hotel room reservation.
Traveling with children
Regardless of the child’s age, you must obtain an entry permit (). The procedure for obtaining a visa for a child is no different from obtaining a visa for an adult. The only differences are in the documents. To open an entry permit, parents contact the VC or diplomatic mission and provide documents.
| Document | Document requirements |
| International passport | A foreign passport is required for children over 14 years of age. If the child does not have his own passport, one of the parents must present his own if it contains information about the child and his photo. |
| Two photos | Size: 35 by 45 mm. Photos must be taken no later than 180 days before submitting papers. |
| Birth certificate | A copy is submitted, but you must have the original when submitting. |
| Certificate from educational institution | The original is served. The certificate must contain the following information:
The certificate is certified by the school director or the head of the preschool institution. |
| A document confirming consent for the child to leave the country | Required if the child is traveling to Switzerland with one of the parents or accompanied by a third party. The document indicates the duration of the trip. The permission is certified by a notary. A photocopy of the internal passport of the parent issuing the consent is attached to it. |
| Sponsorship letter () Sponsorship letter in English () | Usually made up by parents. The document indicates that all costs associated with traveling to Sweden are borne by them. A certificate from the employer of the parent issuing the letter is attached to the sponsorship letter. |
In the absence of one of the parents, submit:
| Situation | Document |
| Death | Death certificate |
| Deprivation of parental rights | The court's decision |
| Unknown whereabouts of the second parent | The court's decision |
| Absence of father | Certificate from the registry office |
Special cases
When a single mother travels abroad, she provides the diplomatic staff with a high-quality photocopy of a certificate confirming her status. The package of documents must include a police certificate. It must provide information about the father of the child.
A man under 28 years of age must provide a high-quality photocopy of his military ID and registration certificate. If they are not available, a certificate from the military registration and enlistment office will do, stating that the applicant is allowed a deferment of 12 months.
Certificate from the military registration and enlistment office regarding deferment
National visa D
A national visa is issued if there are substantial grounds. Validity period – no more than 1 year. Therefore, students, relatives of Swedish citizens or foreigners who want to go to work in this country for a long period of time can obtain a type D visa.
The main difference between a national visa and a Schengen visa is that it does not allow travel to other EU countries . This means that if a foreigner has issued a national visa to Sweden, then he has no right to visit other EU countries. To do this, he will need a type C visa. But this rule does not apply to short-term transits. A tourist with a national visa can transfer to flights at airports in other EU countries.
National Swedish visa
To obtain a national visa, you must submit a package of documents, as well as for obtaining a Schengen permit. Additionally, you will need an invitation from the university, employer or inviting party.
How long does it take to get a visa to Sweden?
Swedish diplomats take a decision on issuing a Schengen visa from 5 to 15 working days. This does not take into account the time of transporting documents from the CC to Moscow and back. During the peak holiday season, deadlines increase due to the large number of applicants. You can obtain entry permission from Swedish diplomats in a timely manner by applying in advance. Schengen documents are allowed to be submitted 3 months before the trip.
The processing time for applications for a national visa is more than 15 days, since the Swedes carefully check the grounds for obtaining it. Due to the need for coordination with the Migration Service, the time for issuing a residence permit is even longer.
Contacts of the Swedish embassy, consulate, visa centers in Russia
Embassy of Sweden in Moscow
Address: st. Mosfilmovskaya, 60 Moscow, 119330
Opening hours of the migration (visa) department: 09:00 – 12:00
tel. (10:00-11:00, 15:00-16:00)
e-mail Website: swedenabroad.com
Consulate of Sweden in St. Petersburg
Address: st. Malaya Konyushennaya, 1/3 St. Petersburg, 191186
Reception of visitors: 09:00 – 12:00
Tel.
Sweden visa centers in the Russian Federation
At the beginning of 2021, applications for Swedish visas are accepted by two dozen VfsGlobal visa centers.
Swedish CCs have a common call center:
Tel., from 9:00 to 16:00 Moscow time e-mail
Sweden Visa Application Center in Moscow
Address: st. Shabolovka, 31/5 Moscow, 115162
Acceptance of applications: 09:00 -16:00
Passport collection: 09:00 – 17:00
Exhibition Center in St. Petersburg
Address: st. Bolshaya Raznochinnaya, 16A St. Petersburg, 197110
Acceptance of applications: 09:00 -16:00
Passport collection: 11:00 – 16:00
Exhibition center in Kaliningrad
Address: st. 1812 Goda, 126 Kaliningrad, 236006
Acceptance of applications: 09:00 -16:00
Issuance of passports: 08:00 – 16:00
