Visas

Those who wish to visit Sweden to study, conduct research or work as an exchange doctoral student and are citizens of a non-EU country may need to apply for a permit in order to visit. The type of permit required depends on how long the person will be staying in Sweden. If the stay will last for no more than 90 days, the individual may need to apply for a visa.

The visa must be approved and entered into the person's passport before they enter the Schengen area. However, the right of entry is checked each time the holder crosses the area's external border. During border control, everyone travelling in must be able to show that they have funds to support themselves for the duration of their stay and for travelling home, that they have medical travel insurance, and they must present documents showing the purpose of the visit.  

If it is intended that the stay will be for longer than 90 days, an application must be made for a residence permit. A so-called residence permit card is required for those coming from a country where a visa is needed to enter Sweden. On arrival in Sweden, this card must be presented together with a valid passport. 

Who is required to have a visa?

Citizens of most countries outside of the EU are required to have a visa in order to visit Sweden and the other Schengen countries. 

For a list of countries whose citizens need a visa, and for further information about visas, please see the Swedish Migration Board's website.