Dreaming of a fika in Stockholm, visiting family, or exploring snowy Lapland? Sweden welcomes thousands of visitors each year, but before you book your flight, there’s one thing you must get right — your visa type.
Whether you’re staying for a quick visit or planning a longer stay with loved ones, the Swedish Migration Agency has two (02) main categories for visitors from non-EU countries — and choosing the wrong one could mean visa rejection or fines.
Let’s break down your options for visiting Sweden for under or over 90 days with clarity, simplicity, and official guidance.
Planning to Stay Up to 90 Days? Apply for a Schengen Visa (Type C)
Who is this for? – You’re visiting Sweden (and possibly other Schengen countries) for less than 90 days — maybe for tourism, visiting family, or business.
Quick Snapshot:
| Sweden visit visa for Under 90 days | 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/consulate) |
How It Works:
- Valid for short-term visits only.
- You must leave the Schengen area before the 90-day period ends.
- You cannot extend this visa beyond 90 days while in Sweden (except under extraordinary circumstances).
Staying More Than 90 Days? Apply for a Visitor’s Residence Permit
Who is this for? – You want to stay in Sweden for more than 90 days but not for work or study — often to spend extended time with family or due to medical/personal reasons.
Quick Snapshot:
| Sweden visit Visa for over 90 days | Visitor’s Residence Permit |
|---|---|
| ⏱️ Duration | 91 days to 12 months |
| Travel Area | Sweden only (not Schengen-wide) |
| Common Purposes | Long family visits, personal stay |
| Work Allowed? | ❌ Not permitted |
| Apply From? | Apply before arriving in Sweden (in most cases) |
Important Notes:
- This is not a work or study permit.
- You must provide proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, and accommodation.
- Some may extend their current visit to this permit from within Sweden — but only if already lawfully present.
Need a 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’re on a Schengen Visitor Visa, you can explore the local job market, but you cannot start working without first converting your status to a residence and work permit (which must be approved before starting employment). This typically involves leaving Sweden and applying from your home country again.
Apply: https://www.migrationsverket.se/en/you-want-to-apply/visiting-sweden.html.