Sweden visa for indians

Document Checklist for Sweden (Schengen Visa) 

1. Passport

• Validity: Must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure from the Schengen area.

• Condition: Issued within the last 10 years; must have at least 2 blank pages.

• Note: Unlike some other countries, Sweden specifically mandates that the passport must not have any manual entries or handwritten amendments to the data page made after 2010.

2. Photograph (Sweden Specifics)

• Quantity: 2 recent colored photographs (35mm x 45mm).

• Recency: Must be not older than 6 months.

• Appearance: Face must occupy 70-80% of the photo.

• Note: Sweden often prefers a light grey background over pure white, though white is usually accepted. Do not staple or glue the photo to the form unless specifically asked by the BLS/VFS officer.

3. Proof of Accommodation

• Hotel: Confirmed bookings for the entire duration.

• Visiting Family/Friends: You must provide an Official Invitation Form (No. 241011).

  • Tip: This is a specific Swedish form that your host must fill out and sign. Along with this, they must provide a “Personbevis” (Civic registration extract) which they can order from the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket).

4. Proof of Financial Means (Subsistence)

Sweden calculates your financial eligibility using a fixed daily rate:

• Minimum Amount: You must show at least SEK 450 (approx. ₹3,600) for each day spent in Sweden.

• Bank Statements: Last 3 to 6 months of personal bank statements, original, signed, and stamped by the bank.

• ITR: Income Tax Returns (ITR-V) for the last 2 assessment years.

5. Employment & Leave

• Employed: Pay slips for the last 3 months and an Employment Certificate stating your position, salary, and the specific dates of your approved leave.

• Self-Employed: Registration of the company (GST/Memorandum) and bank statements of the company for the last 6 months.

• Students: An original letter from the school/university confirming enrollment and approving the leave of absence.

6. Travel Itinerary & Flight

• Flights: A round-trip flight reservation (it is advised not to buy the actual ticket until the visa is granted).

• Itinerary: A detailed day-by-day plan of your stay. If you are visiting other Schengen countries, you must show proof of internal transport (train tickets or car rentals).

7. Travel Medical Insurance

• Coverage: Minimum €30,000.

• Validity: Must cover the entire duration of the trip and all Schengen countries. It must specifically include emergency medical expenses and repatriation for medical reasons.

Mandatory “Sufficient Funds” for Sweden 

Sweden has a very specific daily calculation for subsistence that is strictly reviewed.

• Daily Amount: You must show at least SEK 450 (approx. ₹3,600) per person for each day of your stay.

• Note: This amount excludes the cost of your pre-paid flights and accommodation.

• Bank History: Original bank statements for the last 6 months (showing regular income like salary or business revenue) are required.

• ITR: Sweden generally asks for the last 2 years of ITR-V.

Official Visa Partner: VFS Global

Sweden’s visa applications in India are handled by VFS Global.

• Centers: You can apply at VFS centers in New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad.

• Appointment Tip: In 2026, the wait time for appointments in New Delhi and Mumbai can be 2 to 4 weeks during peak seasons. It is highly recommended to apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before your travel date.

Critical Sweden-Specific Rules

Visa Fees & Processing (2026)

• • Adult Fee: €80 (approx. ₹7,200 depending on the exchange rate).

  • Child (6-12) Fee: €40.

  • Processing Time: Usually 15 calendar days, but can extend to 45 days during peak periods (May–August and November–January).

  • VFS Service Fee: There is an additional service charge of approximately €19 payable at the VFS center.

Can I apply for an  sweden visa online?

Partially. You can fill the application form online and book appointments through Visa lounge website https://visalounge.in/ .

Do Indian need a visa for Sweden?

Yes, Indian passport holders need a valid visa, specifically a Schengen visa, to travel to Sweden for short stays like tourism, business, family visits, or other approved activities for up to 90 days within 180 days.

Sweden does not offer visa-on-arrival or visa-free entry for Indian citizens.

What is the Sweden visa processing time for Indians?

Sweden visa processing time for Indians typically takes 15 working days from the receipt of a complete application.

However, this timeframe may be extended due to required interviews, additional documentation requests, or increased application volumes during peak travel seasons.

Q: Where exactly do I submit my application in India?

• A: Sweden partners with VFS Global. You can apply at centers in New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad.

• Important: As of January 12, 2026, the New Delhi VFS center has relocated to a new facility. Ensure you check your appointment letter for the updated address.

Q: What is the “A4 Rule” I keep hearing about?

• A: Sweden is very strict about documentation. All supporting documents—including your bank statements, NOCs, and copies—must be printed on A4 size paper. Do not use legal-size paper or provide small original receipts without taping them to an A4 sheet.

Q: Can I apply at any VFS center?

• A: No, you must apply at the center that holds jurisdiction over your permanent or long-term residence (where you have lived for the last 6 months).

Q: What are the specific “Proof of Funds” for 2026?

• A: You must demonstrate you have at least SEK 450 (~₹3,600) per day for your stay.

• Example: For a 10-day trip, you need at least SEK 4,500 (~₹36,000) plus the cost of your return flight and hotel. If you are staying with friends, the daily requirement remains the same unless they explicitly state they are covering all costs in the Form 241011.

Q: What if I am visiting multiple countries?

• A: As you noted, Sweden must be your main destination (where you spend the most nights). If you are spending equal time in Sweden and another country (e.g., 5 days in Sweden, 5 days in Denmark), you must apply through Sweden only if it is your first point of entry into the Schengen zone.

Q: Is the visa fee refundable if I am rejected?

• A: No. The €90 (approx. ₹8,100) embassy fee and the VFS service fee (approx. €19/₹1,700) are non-refundable.

For official  sweden Schengen Visa guidelines, visit the https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/swe/