Last update: 2023-05-30
Applying for a Schengen visa to Sweden can be confusing, but we're here to help. We'll guide you through the process step by step and provide all the necessary documents for the application. All the files you need will be linked in our guide, and we've also created a page with all the files in one place for easy access. Our guide will start with the Schengen tourist visa and then move on to the Schengen invitation visa. If you're only interested in the invitation visa, you can click on this link. Don't worry about spending money on a consultant or struggling to find the information you need - our ultimate visa guide is free and will answer any questions you may have.
Applying for a Schengen visa can be a daunting task, especially when trying to navigate through the process and gather all the necessary information. My wife and I experienced this firsthand when we applied for our invitation visa. We found it difficult to find clear information on how to properly fill out the application and were constantly worried about making mistakes or forgetting important documents. If you're considering hiring a consultant to guide you through the process, or simply don't have the energy to do the research on your own, know that there's another option. Our ultimate visa guide offers comprehensive, step-by-step assistance, free of charge. With our guide, you won't have to worry about any unanswered questions or concerns. Additionally, we've included links to all necessary files within the guide, as well as a dedicated page where you can easily access them. Simply click this link to access the documents page.
Schengen VISA Tourist
- Documents required
- Schengen Application
- Payslip/proof of income
- Bank Statement from the last three months
- Two photos (34 mm in width and 45 mm in height)
- Copy of your Passport
- Copy of your Flight ticket Departure
- Copy of your Flight ticket Return
- Copy of hotel receipt
- Copy of paid travel insurance document
- Document explaining travel plans
- Application fee 80 Euro
Fill in the Schengen Application
Fill out the Schengen application form, if you need help completing the
application please
click on the link below.
Schengen application Template
On all the application links, we have made an example document where you can find inspiration on how to
fill out the forms so it's easier for you.
Proof of income
To prove your income, you need to provide a bank statement showing that you have a minimum of 450 SEK per day of your stay in the Schengen area. For example, if you plan to stay in Sweden for 14 days, you would need to have at least 6300 SEK (450 SEK x 14 days) in your account. However, it's important to note that you'll also need money for other expenses such as plane tickets and the visa fee. It's always recommended to have more in your account than the minimum requirement.
Passport document
For this step, you will need a valid passport that is less than 10 years old and has at least three months of validity remaining beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. You will need to scan all the pages of your passport, including any previous Schengen stamps. If you can't find your old passport, don't worry, you can explain that to the consulate when you submit your application. They will only ask for it if necessary.
Flight tickets & hotel reservation
Depending on your country of origin, you may be required to have booked flight tickets before submitting your visa application. To ensure that you get your money back if your visa application is denied, I suggest booking tickets with a well-known airline that offers free cancellation. Premium tickets are usually more expensive, but they offer more flexibility in case your visa doesn't get approved. However, not everyone can afford premium tickets, so you can also book through an agency that specializes in reservations for visa applications. You can also book a premium ticket and then cancel the ticket when the visa has been approved, then book a new ticket that is cheaper.
When it comes to hotel reservations, it's best to book through a company that offers free cancellation. This way, you won't lose money if your visa is denied. I recommend using companies such as Booking.com or Hotels.com, but make sure to check if they offer free cancellation before booking.
Insurance
It's important to have valid travel insurance when applying for a permit to Sweden. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best. We recommend using ERV insurance, which offers a good price and a full refund if your visa application is denied. Another reputable option is AXA-Schengen. insurance, But if you choose any other insurance company, please make sure that they cover costs of at least 30,000 Euros.
You will need to show proof that you have a valid insurance when you hand in the application.
Travel plans
When filling out your visa application, you will be asked to provide information about your travel plans. It's a good idea to write your plans on a separate piece of paper before completing the application. Include information about where you will be staying, such as hotels or a friend's place. If you plan to stay with a friend, it's important to provide additional information and proof that they own or rent the property. This can be done by obtaining a copy of a rental contract or a house deed. If you will be staying with a friend for the entire trip, you may want to consider applying for a Schengen invitation visa.
Interview
Once you have submitted your visa application, you will be required to attend an interview at the embassy. The embassy will verify the information that you have provided in the application. They will try to determine that you are who you say you are, that you have enough money to support yourself during your trip, that the reasons for traveling are valid and related to the permitted activities for this type of visa, that you are of good character and have no criminal intent, and that you are not planning to stay longer than your visa allows or work in the Schengen Zone. During the interview, you may be asked further questions regarding why you want to go to Sweden. Just stay calm and answer all the questions truthfully. It is also recommended that you prepare by memorizing some of the locations you will be traveling to and how you are connected to the person inviting you. If you have been honest when filling in the application, there is nothing to worry about; just remember the details of the application
Processing time
For a Schengen visa the processing time is usually 15 days, it can also go quicker and also
longer. The processing time can vary from country to country.
At VFSglobal.com
you can find more information regarding the processing time for your country.
Schengen VISA Invitation
- Documents required
- Schengen Application
- Invitation - Before application for schengen visa
- Payslip/proof of income
- Bank Statement from the last three months
- Two photos (34 mm in width and 45 mm in height)
- Copy of your Passport
- Copy of your Flight ticket Departure
- Copy of your Flight ticket Return
- Copy of hotel receipt
- Copy of paid travel insurance document
- Document explaining travel plans
- Copy of the ID card or passport of the person you are visiting
- Application fee 80 Euro
Fill in the Schengen Application
Fill out the Schengen application form, if you need help completing the application please
click on the link below.
Schengen application Template
On all the application links, we have made an example document where you can find inspiration on how to
fill out the forms so it's easier for you.
Have you sponsor complete the invitaition application
Your partner or friend will need to complete the Invitation application. Along with the
invitation application, a list of required documents will be provided in the application. For more
information on the required documents, please refer to the later sections of this webpage. If you need
assistance in completing the invitation letter, please refer to the link below for a sample document
template.
Invitation - Before application for schengen
visa template
Proof of income
To prove your income, you need to provide a bank statement showing that you have a minimum of 450 SEK per day of your stay in the Schengen area. For example, if you plan to stay in Sweden for 14 days, you would need to have at least 6300 SEK (450 SEK x 14 days) in your account. However, it's important to note that you'll also need money for other expenses such as plane tickets and the visa fee. It's always recommended to have more in your account than the minimum requirement. If the person inviting you is acting as a sponsor, they will also need to provide proof of income or assets. This could include a permanent job contract, proof of property ownership, work contract, pay slips, and a bank statement for the last 90 days.
Passport
For this step, you will need a valid passport that is less than 10 years old and has at least three months of validity remaining beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area. You will need to scan all the pages of your passport, including any previous Schengen stamps. If you can't find your old passport, don't worry, you can explain that to the consulate when you submit your application. They will only ask for it if necessary.
Flight tickets & hotel reservation
Depending on your country of origin, you may be required to have booked flight tickets before submitting your visa application. To ensure that you get your money back if your visa application is denied, I suggest booking tickets with a well-known airline that offers free cancellation. Premium tickets are usually more expensive, but they offer more flexibility in case your visa doesn't get approved. However, not everyone can afford premium tickets, so you can also book through an agency that specializes in reservations for visa applications. You can also book a premium ticket and then cancel the ticket when the visa has been approved, then book a new ticket that is cheaper.
When it comes to hotel reservations, it's best to book through a company that offers free cancellation. This way, you won't lose money if your visa is denied. I recommend using companies such as Booking.com or Hotels.com, but make sure to check if they offer free cancellation before booking.
Insurance
It's important to have valid travel insurance when applying for a permit to Sweden. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best. We recommend using ERV insurance, which offers a good price and a full refund if your visa application is denied. Another reputable option is AXA-Schengen. insurance, But if you choose any other insurance company, please make sure that they cover costs of at least 30,000 Euros.
You will need to show proof that you have a valid insurance when you hand in the application.
Travel plans & Reason for visit
When filling out your Schengen or invitation visa application, you will be asked to explain why you want to visit Sweden. Be sure to provide detailed information about the purpose of your trip. If the space in the application is not enough, you can write your explanation on a separate document and include it with your application. Make sure to sign the document and bring it with you when you submit your application.
The reason for your visit is important and will be closely evaluated by the embassy. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible about why you want to see each other and your relationship status. It's important to clearly demonstrate that the person being invited has a reason to leave Sweden after the visa is finished. Many visa applications are denied because the embassy is not convinced that the visitor will leave at the end of the visa period.
If the person applying for the visa have a house or a job or something of value that makes the person obligated to leave Sweden after the visit, then add that to the application by making a copy of the documents. We and many others have been denied because we don't show enough proof that the person visiting will go home after the visit. If you haven't met in person or you haven't seen each other in a while, print out chat history and send it in with the application. Also if you have pictures taken togheter it's a good idea to send them in with the application as well.
Interview
Once you have submitted your visa application, you will be required to attend an interview at the embassy. The embassy will verify the information that you have provided in the application. They will try to determine that you are who you say you are, that you have enough money to support yourself during your trip, that the reasons for traveling are valid and related to the permitted activities for this type of visa, that you are of good character and have no criminal intent, and that you are not planning to stay longer than your visa allows or work in the Schengen Zone. During the interview, you may be asked further questions regarding why you want to go to Sweden. Just stay calm and answer all the questions truthfully. It is also recommended that you prepare by memorizing some of the locations you will be traveling to and how you are connected to the person inviting you. If you have been honest when filling in the application, there is nothing to worry about; just remember the details of the application
Processing time
For a Schengen visa the processing time is usually 15 days, it can also go quicker and also
longer. The processing time can vary from country to country.
At VFSglobal.com
you can find more information regarding the processing time for your country.