Sweden Updates Visit Visa Rules for Stays Over and Under 90 Days
Are you dreaming of enjoying a fika in Stockholm or exploring snowy Lapland? Sweden welcomes thousands of visitors each year. However, before booking your flight, you need to choose the correct visa type.
If you are coming from a non-EU country, the Swedish Migration Agency offers two main categories for visitors. Selecting the wrong visa could lead to rejection or fines. Let’s clarify your options for visiting Sweden for under or over 90 days.
Stay Up to 90 Days—Apply for a Schengen Visa (Type C)
Who Should Apply?
If you plan to visit Sweden (and possibly other Schengen countries) for less than 90 days, this visa is for you. Common reasons include tourism, family visits, or business.
Quick Snapshot:
- Visa Type: Schengen Visa (Type C)
- Duration: Up to 90 days
- Travel Access: Schengen Zone
- Common Purposes: Tourism, family visit, events, business
- Work Allowed: Not permitted
- Apply From: Your home country (embassy or consulate)
How It Works:
This visa is valid for short-term visits only. You must leave the Schengen area before the 90-day period ends. Extensions beyond 90 days are not allowed in Sweden, except under extraordinary circumstances.
Staying More Than 90 Days—Apply for a Visitor’s Residence Permit
Who Should Apply?
If you wish to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days but are not planning to work or study, this permit is for you. It is often used for extended family visits or personal reasons.
Quick Snapshot:
- Visa Type: Visitor’s Residence Permit
- Duration: 91 days to 12 months
- Travel Area: Sweden only (not Schengen-wide)
- Common Purposes: Long family visits, personal stays
- Work Allowed: Not permitted
- Apply From: Before arriving in Sweden (in most cases)
Important Notes:
This permit does not allow work or study. Applicants must provide proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, and accommodation. Some may extend their current visit to this permit while lawfully present in Sweden.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | Schengen Visa (≤90 days) | Visitor’s Residence Permit (>90 days) |
| Duration of stay | Up to 90 days | 91 days to 1 year |
| Purpose | Short tourism, business, visit | Long stay with family, personal matters |
| Work allowed? | No | No |
| Travel outside Sweden | Within Schengen | Sweden only |
| Application location | From abroad | From abroad (or possibly within Sweden) |
| Visa extension allowed? | Rare | Sometimes possible |
Can You Enter Sweden on a Visitor Visa to Find a Job?
Yes, if you hold a Schengen Visitor Visa, you can explore the local job market. However, you cannot start working without first converting your status to a residence and work permit. This typically requires leaving Sweden and applying from your home country.
By understanding these visa regulations, you can ensure a smooth entry into Sweden. Prepare accordingly, and enjoy your visit!
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