Sweden
General visa requirements for travelling to Sweden. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Business visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - Business)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 15 calendar days standard; up to 45 days if additional examination required
- Fee
- EUR 90 (adults); EUR 45 (children 6-11); Free (children under 6)
- Validity
- 90 days within any 180-day period; multiple-entry visas valid up to 5 years
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Schengen visa for business-related short stays: meetings, conferences, negotiations, trade fairs. Does not permit paid employment in Sweden. Frequent business travelers may receive multiple-entry visas valid for 1-5 years.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Must be a national of an Annex I country requiring a Schengen visa.
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Purpose of visit
Purpose must be business-related: meetings, conferences, negotiations, trade fairs, training. Must not undertake paid employment.
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Employment
Must have proof of current employment or business ownership in home country, demonstrating ties and intent to return.
Required status: Employed or business owner in home country
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, white background
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Must cover full stay: No
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Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.
Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: No
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, credit card at embassy/consulate or VFS Global; Amount: EUR 90 (adults); EUR 45 (children 6-11); Free (children under 6)
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather all required documents including business invitation, company registration, employment proof, and standard Schengen visa documents.
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Online application
Complete the Schengen visa application form.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at the Swedish embassy/consulate or VFS Global center.
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Document submission
Submit all documents in person at the appointment.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) if not already in VIS or older than 59 months.
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Fee payment
Pay visa fee at submission.
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Processing wait
Wait for processing, typically 15 calendar days.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with visa sticker.
Business visa (Schengen Short-Stay Visa-Free - Business)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Visa free
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Fee
- None
- Validity
- 90 days within any 180-day period
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Nationals of Annex II (visa-exempt) countries may enter Sweden visa-free for business purposes including meetings, conferences, negotiations, and trade fairs for up to 90 days. Does not permit paid employment. For longer business stays or employment, a work permit or residence permit is required.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Must be a national of a country listed in Annex II of EU Regulation 2018/1806.
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Purpose of visit
Business purposes: meetings, conferences, negotiations, trade fairs. No paid employment permitted.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Business visa (Self-Employment Residence Permit)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 75% decided within 24 months; median 9-18 months
- Fee
- SEK 2,000
- Validity
- Up to 2 years; not beyond passport validity; renewable with path to permanent residence
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Residence permit for non-EU/EEA citizens who want to start or run their own business in Sweden. Must own at least 51% of the business and be the person running it. The Swedish Migration Agency conducts a financial assessment of the business plan. Must demonstrate considerable experience in the relevant industry. After 2 years with a permit, may be eligible for permanent residence if the business generates sufficient income. Very long processing times compared to other permit types.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Open to all non-EU/EEA citizens.
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Employment
Must own at least 51% of the business and be the person running it. Must have considerable experience in the relevant industry.
Required status: 51% business ownership and operational control
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Financial
Must demonstrate SEK 200,000 for self-support (plus SEK 100,000 per spouse, SEK 50,000 per child) for 2 years. Business must be financially viable and sustainable.
Minimum funds: SEK 200,000 (applicant); SEK 100,000 (spouse); SEK 50,000 (child)
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment via Swedish Migration Agency e-service; Amount: SEK 2,000
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Business plan
Provide a business plan showing the activity, funding, market and expected costs.
Must include financials: No
How to apply
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Document gathering
Prepare business plan, financial documentation, proof of industry experience, company registration documents, and passport.
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Online application
Submit application through the Swedish Migration Agency's e-service or at a Swedish embassy.
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Fee payment
Pay SEK 2,000 application fee.
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Document submission
Present passport at Swedish embassy/consulate. May be called for an interview to discuss the business plan.
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Interview
May be required to attend an interview to explain business plan and demonstrate knowledge of the industry.
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Processing wait
Extended processing time: median 9-18 months, 75% decided within 24 months. The Migration Agency assesses financial viability of the business.
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Visa collection
Receive decision and residence permit card if approved.