Planning a short trip to Sweden? Whether you’re going to see family, attend a business event, or just want to experience the beauty of Scandinavian nature, you’ll likely need a Type C Visa in Sweden, also known as a Schengen short stay visa.
What Exactly Is a Type C Visa in Sweden?
A Type C Visa in Sweden is a short term visa that allows you to visit Sweden; and any of the 27 other countries in the Schengen Zone; for a period of up to 90 days within any 180 day window. This visa is designed for people who want to travel temporarily, not for those planning to live or work long term in Sweden.
You can apply for a Type C Visa if you’re visiting for tourism, business meetings, attending a short course or conference, or if you’re visiting close friends or family members. It’s important to note that this visa does not allow you to work in Sweden or earn an income during your stay.
Who Needs a Type C Visa in Sweden?
If you are a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, there’s a good chance you’ll need a visa to visit Sweden. This includes travelers from countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Afghanistan, among many others. Some nationalities are exempt and can enter the Schengen area without a visa for short stays, but most non-European travelers will need to apply.
If you’re unsure whether you need a visa, ITAZ can help you check based on your nationality and travel plans.
How Long Can You Stay with a Type C Visa?
With a Type C Visa in Sweden, you can stay in Sweden (or any Schengen country) for up to 90 days within a 180 day period. That means you can’t stay longer than three months at a time, and once you’ve reached the 90 day limit, you must leave the Schengen area and wait for the next 180 day cycle to apply again. You can also choose between:
- Single entry: You can enter the Schengen zone once, and once you leave, your visa becomes invalid, even if you haven’t used the full 90 days.
- Double entry: You can enter twice within the visa’s validity period.
- Multiple entry: You can enter and exit the Schengen area as many times as you need within the visa’s validity period, as long as you don’t exceed the 90 days.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
Applying for a Type C Visa in Sweden requires some paperwork, and it’s essential to get it right the first time to avoid delays or rejection. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
- Visa Application Form
- Passport
- Photographs
- Travel Insurance
- Flight Booking
- Accommodation Proof
- Proof of Finances
- Purpose of Visit
Depending on why you’re traveling, you may need:
- A letter of invitation (for family or friends)
- A business letter or event registration (for meetings or conferences)
- A detailed travel plan (for tourists)
- A letter of invitation (for family or friends)
ITAZ can help you collect, review, and organize these documents to make sure everything is complete and meets the embassy’s requirements.
Also read: UK Immigration White Paper 2025 What You Need to Know!
How to Apply for a Type C Visa in Sweden?
Once your documents are ready, the next step is to book an appointment at the Swedish Embassy or one of the official visa application centers, like VFS Global. You’ll need to attend in person to submit your documents and have your fingerprints and photo taken (biometrics).
After that, you’ll pay the visa fee, which is usually around 90 euros, though it can vary slightly depending on your age or purpose of travel. You’ll then need to wait for your application to be processed, which typically takes between 15 to 45 working days.
Once your visa is approved, it will be stamped in your passport. From there, you’re ready to travel, but remember, the visa doesn’t guarantee entry. Border officials in Sweden have the final say and might ask to see your documents again when you arrive.
Can You Extend a Type C Visa?
Generally, no. Type C Visas are not meant for long stays, and extensions are only granted in very rare situations, such as serious illness, unexpected events (like flight bans), or emergencies. So it’s important to stick to your travel schedule and make sure you don’t overstay your visa. Doing so could lead to penalties or a ban from future Schengen travel.
How ITAZ Can Help You
ITAZ has helped hundreds of travelers apply for Schengen visas successfully. We know how confusing and stressful it can be, especially when each embassy has different rules and the stakes are high. That’s why we offer a complete visa assistance service, where we guide you from the very first step until the day you receive your visa.
We help with:
- Checking your eligibility
- Filling out application forms
- Preparing and reviewing documents
- Booking appointments
- Providing travel insurance
- Answering any questions you have along the way
If you’re planning a trip to Sweden and need a Type C Visa, let us take care of the paperwork so you can focus on your travel plans.
Ready to Get Started?
Reach out to ITAZ today to book your visa consultation. Whether you’re traveling for the first time or need help with a repeat application, we’re here to make the process smooth, simple, and stress free.
