Citizens from the following countries/territories require a visa when entering Sweden, click here.
General information on how to apply for a visa is found below. Further information on each type of visa:> Visa for visiting Sweden> Business visas
How long is a visa valid?Visas are granted for a maximum of 90 days at a time. Only in exceptional cases are applicants granted a visa for a visit of more than 90 days’ duration, but never for longer than a year.
Where is a visa valid?An entry visa is normally valid in all the Schengen countries. In exceptional cases a visa may be granted solely for entry into the country that issued it. For more information on the Schengen Agreement please refer to the link to the right.A visa granted for longer than 90 days stay is only valid for entering and staying in Sweden.
Where do I apply?You application should be submitted to the Embassy of Sweden.In countries where there is no Swedish diplomatic mission, Sweden is represented by another Schengen state. These countries are listed here.
Please note! Visa applicants in Bahrain should apply for a visa at the German Embassy in Manama. Visa applicants in Qatar have to apply at the Italian Embassy in Doha.
How much does it cost to apply?
Application fees are found here.
When may I apply? Do I need an appointment?
In order to eliminate waiting times and long queues at the Embassy for those who apply for visa or residence/work permit for Sweden, the Embassy has introduced a new procedure for booking appointments via e-mail: ambassaden.abu-dhabi-visum@foreign.ministry.se or phone number: 00 971 2 621 01 62. The phone will be open for bookings Sunday – Wednesday between 13:00-15:00 and Thursday between 10:00-12:00.
The applicant will then receive an appointment and further information on the application process.
The new system will start on Monday 18 May 2009. We hope that this new system will enable us to give better service, as many are asking for the possibility to book appointments for applications.
The waiting time for the appointment at the Embassy will be approximately one week.
Normally, a decision will be made within one- two weeks from the application date. But during high season the waiting times can be longer.
Who decides my case?In most cases, the Embassy decides whether to grant a visa. If the Embassy is not sure what position to take on an application, it passes the case on to the Migration Board in Sweden for a decision.
How long does it take?It takes at least 7 days or applicants who do not need a consultation.
It takes at least 14 days for applicants who do need a consultation.
A list of the countries which citizens needs a consultation is found above to the right of this text.
What if my application is turned down?You cannot appeal against a decision to turn down an application for a visa. You can however re-apply or request that the original application be reconsidered. In that case you write in and request a review of the decision. You send the letter to the body that took the original decision (the embassy, or the Migration Board).
Warning for incorrect visa and residence information
It has come to the Embassy’s attention that several persons have been made to believe that by purchasing property in Sweden or establishing a Swedish company, they will be able to have a fast track for the necessary permits to live and work in Sweden. This is not the case.
The Embassy would highly recommend anyone interested in purchasing property in Sweden or registering a Swedish Company via private entrepreneurs in the UAE, to check the official regulations with the Embassy before finalizing any purchase.
For information in English regarding residence permit in Sweden as a self-employed please read the fact sheet you can download in the upper right corner of this page.
Application fee
The non-refundable application fee for all visas to Sweden is 310 AED.
2009-04-29Requirements for visit visa to Sweden- non UAE nationals* The Embassy will need: 7 to 14 days to process the visa.* The visa is personal and the application must therefore be handed in to the Embassy in person by the applicant.* The passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the expiry date of the entry visa, as well as valid UAE residence visa – minimum 6 months* Copy of the passport + 2 recent photographs with white background* Copy of travel arrangements and a booked return* Copy of bank statement, the last 3-6 months * 40 Euros per person and day of stay in Sweden area is required* Confirmation letter in original (in English) from the employer; stating the salary, applicant's current employment/work and date when joining the company, the dates of the approved leave, and stating the purpose of the visit. The letter should be printed on the company letter and should be signed by the authorized person to sign such letters, name and position stated of the signer* Original company trade license and one copy (if the applicant is the owner of the company)* Appendix D to be filled in by the applicant Invitation from reference in Sweden * Appendix E should to be filled in by the reference and submitted along with the application. * Copy of reference's passport and residence permit if the reference is not a Swedish citizen / or Extract of the population Register in Sweden (Personbevis)* Hotel reservation/accommodation is requested for applicants who will not be living with the reference. * Medical treatment - Appendix C should be filled and signed by applicant + confirmed appointment given by the doctor * The application for Schengen visa together with the appendix's should be filled in completely and signed by each applicant * All documents should be submitted in English* If the applicant is not able to collect the passport he/she must write a Letter of Authority for the person who will collect the passport on the applicant's behalf* Each applicant must have a Travel insurance & Medical insurance valid for all Schengen countries and worth EURO 30000:-, WHICH SHOULD BE SUBMITTED WHEN THE VISA IS GRANTED.Important Information:- A completed application is not equal an approved visa. Other documentation might be requested -Travelers from countries outside of EU will have to show documents on the border which verify that they have enough money to fulfill the requirements for money of the Schengen countries.- A Visa does not automatically entitle the holder to enter the Schengen area. A new examination of the visitor's right to enter the Schengen will be made by the authorities at the border.
Requiremnets for business visa - non UAE nationals
* The Embassy will need: 7 to 14 days to process the visa. * The visa is personal and the application must therefore be handed in to the Embassy in person by the applicant.* The passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the expiry date of the entry visa, as well as valid UAE residence visa – minimum 6 months* Copy of the passport + 2 recent photographs with white background* Copy of a confirmed travel arrangements and a booked return* Hotel reservation/accommodation should be stated * Conformation letter in original (in English) from the Employer; stating the salary and financial arrangements, applicant's current employment/work and date of joining the company, and stating the purpose of the visit. The letter should be printed on the company letterhead, containing name, position in the company and signature of an authorized person. * Original company trade license and one copy (if the applicant is the owner of the company)* Invitation letter from the business partner in Sweden - mentioning duration of visit/stay, purpose and financial arrangements of stay. * If the Swedish company is small or medium sized, documentation from the Swedish tax authorities is requested. -Appendix D should to be filled in by the applicant and submitted in original along with the application of the applicant.* Application for Schengen visa should be filled in completely and signed by each applicant with Appendix D. * All documents should be submitted in English* If the applicant is not able to collect the passport he/she must write a Letter of Authority for the person who will collect the passport on the applicant's behalf* Each applicant must have a Travel insurance & Medical insurance valid for all Schengen countries and worth EURO 30000:-, WHICH SHOULD BE SUBMITTED WHEN THE VISA IS GRANTED.
Important Information:-A completed application is not equal an approved visa and other documentation might be requested -Travelers from countries outside of EU will have to show documents on the border which verify that they have enough money to fulfill the requirements for money of the Schengen countries.-A Visa does not automatically entitle the holder to enter the Schengen area. A new examination of the visitor's right to enter the Schengen will be made by the authorities at the border.