Sweden Visa From India – How to Apply for Swedish Schengen Visa Application Requirements Guide

Ever been to the Schengen Area before? If you are thinking about it, Sweden might be a good choice. The city of Stockholm is a good place to start with lots of excellent restaurants and plenty to see and do. Or, if you want to be close to nature, Jonkoping has lots of beautiful lakes – great for photo opportunities. If you want even more nature, take a tour in Norrland with lots of forests, rivers and mountains. In this article, learn more about how to apply for a Sweden visa from India, Sweden visa appointment booking, processing time at the Sweden visa application center, flight itinerary for a Sweden visa, hotel bookings for a Sweden visa, Schengen travel insurance for a Sweden visa application, and Sweden visa application process in India.
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Sweden Schengen Visas

In 2021, embassies around the world received 22,260 Sweden visa applications and rejected 6,654 (30.6%). The Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi received 1,974 applications and rejected 833 (42.3%).

Applying for a Sweden Schengen Visa from India

Schengen visa applications are usually processed within 15 days, but it could take as many as 45 days. It is your responsibility to apply in time, so it’s a good idea to apply as soon as possible. You can apply up to 6 months in advance, so don’t leave it too late.

Types of Schengen visas offered at The Embassy of Sweden in India

There are 2 types of visas you can apply for and it is your responsibility to choose the right one:

1. Short-stay type (Schengen) visa –  for trips up to 90 days for business, conference, visiting relatives/friends, tourism etc
2. Visitors Permit – this is for trips for more than 90 days for employment, study/training, family reunion etc. See the embassy’s website for more information

How Can I Apply for a Sweden Schengen Visa from VFS Global in India?

To help you to apply for your visa, follow these steps:

1. Step 1 – Identify visa type
2. Step 2 – Begin your application
3. Step 3 – Book an appointment
4. Step 4 – Pay your fees
5. Step 5 – Visit a Visa Application Center
6. Step 6 – Track your application
7. Step 7 – Collect your passport

Step 1 – Identify visa type

Go to VFS Global’s website and click on “Start now”:

Go to “step 1 – identify visa type” and click on the link:

Select the visa you are applying for:

On the next page, you will be able to see everything there is to know about that type of visa. Make sure you read this information before beginning your application:

Step 2 – Begin your application

Next, go to “step 2” and click on the “download the visa application form” link:

On the next page, first, click on the “download form” tab and then the link for the “Schengen visa application form”:

Save the form to your computer, complete and sign it and then print it out and take it to VFS Global when you attend your appointment.

Step 3 – Book an appointment

Making appointments with the embassy, consulate or visa application center is generally free and can be done yourself. However, If you are running short of time or not sure which consulate to apply to or have no idea how to get this done yourself then not to worry, we will make the appointment for you for a small service fee!

Booking a visa appointment using our services is pretty simple! All you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the link to schedule the visa appointment
2. Submit the appointment details, the visa you are applying for, consulate you need the appointment for, the country you need the appointment IN and make the payment
3. Receive appointment confirmation in email

Once you have completed your visa form, you can drop it off at VFS Global with no need to book an appointment. Please check VFS Global’s opening hours (see below).

Step 4 – Pay your fees

Additional information about fees

1. There is also a service charge of Rs 1639
2. The applicable visa fee in Indian Rupees is as per the current exchange rate. The same is subject to change without notice
3. The visa fee and service charges are non-refundable even if your application is refused
4. There is an optional courier facility available at Rs 300
5. The fees can be paid in cash or by debit/credit card

Step 5 – Visit a visa application center

On the day of your appointment:

1. Aim to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment
2. You must attend the appointment for your visa application. You cannot send someone in your place
3. Only applicants and one parent/caregiver accompanying a child under 18 years are permitted to enter VFS Global
4. Take your visa application form, as well as a valid passport or travel document with at least 2 pages that are blank on both sides
5. Take all supporting documentation (originals and copies)
6. You can pay your fees once you get to the center
7. You will also need to submit your fingerprints and photograph. This is known as biometric information collection

You may also be asked questions about your application. Typical questions include:

1. What do you know about Sweden?
2. Are you meeting friends in Sweden
3. Are you married?
4. Do you have children?

Don’t jeopardize your Schengen visa interview at the last minute. Use this comprehensive and thorough visa interview guide to crack the visa interview!

Step 6 – Track your application

Once your application has been submitted, you can track it. Go to “step 6” and click on the link:

Key in the VFS reference number and your date of birth:

Step 7 – Collect your passport

There are different reasons why an application may get rejected:

1. No invitation letter – if you are being invited to Sweden by a person or a company/business, you must provide an invitation letter which states certain information (see the document checklists)
2. Travel insurance does not cover the whole Schengen Area – even if you are only going to Sweden, the travel insurance must provide cover for the entire Schengen Area
3. Proof of financial means not included – you must prove that you can afford your trip, so you should provide at least 3 months’ bank statements and/or other proof of funds
4. Passport is not valid for 3 months after your return to India – your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your return to India. If not, you should get a new one before applying for the visa

Documents Required

There are document checklists on VFS Global’s website which you can refer to. You must also sign the checklist and submit it as part of your application.

You should also submit photocopies along with original documents.

Documents include:

1. Application for Schengen Visa – please explain your plan for visit
   
2. 1 photograph not older than six months with white background (3.5cm/4.5 cm) (see full photograph specifications). Must be attached to the application form
   
3. Valid passport – must have been issued within the last 10 years, valid for three months after the scheduled return & include at least two empty pages
4. If passport has been extended – enclose a copy of this page & copy of the observation page (if any). Please note, handwritten passports and/or passports that contain manual entries are not acceptable
   
5. Previous Passports available- irrespective of their condition (In case lost – a note is required)
6. Proof of lodging such as hotel reservation, rental document of holiday home or campus residence reservation for the entire duration of the stay in the Schengen area
7. If you plan to stay in several Schengen countries, proof of travel itinerary (e.g. ticket bookings for transport between different countries)
8. Certificate from the travel agency confirming booking of an organized trip or other proof of travel plans
9. Marriage certificate and birth certificates of children. (if applicable)
10. Flight reservation of return ticket. If traveling to several Schengen states, proof of intra- Schengen flight reservation, train itinerary or car rental
11. Travel medical insurance valid for all Schengen countries .The insurance has to cover at least 30,000 Euros for all risks e.g. accident, illness, medical emergency evacuation etc. The policy has to cover the entire duration of the trip including the date of arrival & departure
12. Evidence of professional activity: – Employees: pay slips for the last three months, employment contract and employers statement on approval of holidays;  Student: letter confirming enrolment in the college /university; Self-Employed: PAN registration and bank statements covering the last 3 months/company registration proof; Pension: Pension statement for the last three months or proof of regular income generated by ownership of property or business
13. Proof of financial means – bank statements covering the last 3 months; Income tax declaration for the last two assessment years; If Sponsored: proof of sponsorship
14. The consent of the parental authority or legal guardian should be required only if the minor travels alone or with one parent
15. If you are traveling with someone – mention number and names of co-travelers
16. An invitation letter from the host – if the invitee person is covering your costs in Sweden, you must show you have a family link (family book, birth certificate, etc.). You also need to show your host’s nationality & ID
17. For conferences or training – confirmation of your enrolment and proof of payment of enrolment fees

If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
2. Submit the travel details and make the payment online
3. Receive flight itinerary in email

COVID Regulations

As of 1 April 2022, there is no longer an entry ban to Sweden. Check KrisInformation for updates before you travel.

How to contact VFS Global in India

Please contact VFS Global for any information regarding the Sweden visa process:

Phone: 02267866012 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday

Email: Infonorth.sein@vfshelpline.com

Conclusion

To apply for a Sweden visa from the Embassy of Sweden in India, follow these simple steps:

1. Step 1 – Identify visa type
2. Step 2 – Begin your application
3. Step 3 – Book an appointment
4. Step 4 – Pay your fees
5. Step 5 – Visit a Visa Application Center
6. Step 6 – Track your application
7. Step 7 – Collect your passport