🇸🇪Sweden Visa for Russian Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents
Russian passport holders need a visa to enter Sweden. Apply at a Sweden embassy or consulate, or the official visa portal, before travelling.
How Russian citizens apply for a Sweden visa
- → Apply for a visa at the Sweden embassy/consulate or official visa application centre before travelling. Apply here ↗
- → See the exact document checklist for Russian applicants, by visa type.
Sweden visa cost for Russian citizens
Schengen short-stay visa (up to 90 days) - adult
EUR 90 (~$97)
Schengen short-stay visa - child 6-11 years
EUR 45 (~$49)
Schengen short-stay visa - child 0-5 years
Free
Applications are handled via VFS Global — a service fee applies on top of the visa fee and varies by country and centre.
Fees checked 2 Jul 2026 · sourced from official government fee schedules
Documents required for Russian applicants
The exact documents Russian citizens must submit for Sweden, by visa type, from the official visa application centre.
Required for every visa type below
If you want a third person to apply for a visa on behalf of you or to collect your passport he/she should present a Power of attorney (PDF checklist ↗) and identify himself/herself. The Embassy does not accept a power of attorney issued by organisations or companies on behalf of their employees or partners. 2. A passport or some other valid travel document, which must be valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the Schengen area; contain at least two empty pages; be issued during the past ten years. 3. 1 photograph. One photo with a full face, on a light, plain background. It is recommended to use a white background. The photograph must be 35mm x 45mm and the head image must be 25mm x 35mm. The photo must be no older than 6 months. Photos with frames or retouched are not accepted. If you don’t have an opportunity to take a photo in advance, you can take a photo (visa.vfsglobal.com ↗) at the visa application center. Note: Applicants who arrive without a completed form will still be accepted with a handwritten form; however, they should expect additional processing time. - Copy of the birth certificate. - Consent of the parental authority or legal guardian should be required only if the minor travels alone or only with one parent. Exceptions should be made to this if the single parent with whom the minor is to travel holds the parental authority alone (i.e. in cases where the other parent has deceased or been deprived of custody, e.g. a death certificate of the other parent or a court degree vesting custody exclusively in the parent who is signing the application would be requested). - Copy of the valid Schengen visa of the parent(s) travelling with the minor for whom a visa is not applied at the same time with the parent(s). Employee: employer's certificate stating employment and salary; 2NDFL/salary shown on bank account statements. Self-employed: Individual entrepreneur/self-employed person certificate from the Tax service; description of the type of business activity you have; documentatation that proves you have had income from that specific activity. Pensioner: pensioner's certificate/pensioner's card proving income. Student/pupil: study certificate and applicable documents listed above (personal or of a person you are financially dependent on). If the trip is sponsored by a 3d person, a letter of sponsorship and financial documentation from the sponsor must also be provided.
touristTourism
Harmonised list of supporting documents to be submitted by applicants for a Schengen visa in the Russian Federation: business/work: - Visa application form (PDF checklist ↗) ( English (PDF checklist ↗) or Swedish (PDF checklist ↗) ) completed and signed by the applicant (in cases of minors, the application form shall be signed by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship). Our managers can assist you in visa application form filling (visa.vfsglobal.com ↗) in the visa center. To help us process your application quickly and accurately, please complete the Sweden Visa Application Form (VAF) electronically using the editable PDF available on this site, print the typed copy and carry it with appointment letter during your visit to the visa application centre. Completing the form electronically reduces counter waiting time and helps avoid errors caused by illegible handwriting. Note: Applicants who arrive without a form completed electronically will still be accepted with a completed handwritten form; however, they should expect additional processing time at Visa Application Centre. 4. Visa fee 5. Travel medical insurance for the entire period of the intended trip, valid in all Schengen countries and covering any expenses that may arise in connection with returning home for medical reasons, the need for emergency medical care, urgent hospital treatment or death during the trip. The minimum sum insured is €30,000. You can buy insurance policy (visa.vfsglobal.com ↗) in our visa center. 6. Copy of the internal Russian passport (if applicable): pages with pesonal data, address of registration, marital status and issued foreign passports. If it is not stated in the internal passport, birth certificates and marriage certificates must be attached to show your family ties. 7. In cases of minors: 8. In cases of third-country nationals, proof of legal residence in the Russian Federation in line with federal legislation (e.g. residence permit, long-term visa or registration), valid for at least three months after the planned return from the Schengen area or a document proving that the applicant has applied for a renewal of proof of legal residence. If not resident, proof of legal presence in the Russian Federation and justification for submitting visa application in the Russian Federation instead of the country of residence. 9. Proof of financial means. 10. Bank statement for last 3 months (income/savings must appear on the bank statement; you can attach several bank statements) 11. Certificate of ownership of apartment/house/land (if applicable). 12. Description of the purpose of the trip and what you plan to do during your stay in Sweden. 13. Proof of accommodation. 14. Tickets or tickets booking. Beware of scammers. Make sure that the airline confirms the tickets booked with the agency. If you are travelling by car: detailed route plan, copy of a driving license, vehicle registration documents are required. All hotel and ticket bookings shall be valid at the time of the decision!
studentStudy/Culture/Sport
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here (visa.vfsglobal.com ↗) Harmonised list of supporting documents to be submitted by applicants for a Schengen visa in the Russian Federation: business/work: 1. Visa application form (PDF checklist ↗) (English (PDF checklist ↗) or Swedish (PDF checklist ↗)) completed and signed by the applicant (in cases of minors, the application form shall be signed by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship). - Our managers can assist you in visa application form filling (visa.vfsglobal.com ↗) in the visa center. - To help us process your application quickly and accurately, please complete the Sweden Visa Application Form (VAF) electronically using the editable PDF available on this site, print the typed copy and carry it with appointment letter during your visit to the visa application centre. Completing the form electronically reduces counter waiting time and helps avoid errors caused by illegible handwriting. - Note: Applicants who arrive without a form completed electronically will still be accepted with a completed handwritten form; however, they should expect additional processing time at Visa Application Centre. 4. Visa fee. 5. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here (visa.vfsglobal.com ↗) 6. Travel medical insurance for the entire period of the intended trip, valid in all Schengen countries and covering any expenses that may arise in connection with returning home for medical reasons, the need for emergency medical care, urgent hospital treatment or death during the trip. The minimum sum insured is €30,000. 7. Copy of the internal Russian passport (if applicable): pages with pesonal data, address of registration, marital status and issued foreign passports. If it is not stated in the internal passport, birth certificates and marriage certificates must be attached to show your family ties. 8. In cases of minors: 9. In cases of third-country nationals, proof of legal residence in the Russian Federation in line with federal legislation (e.g. residence permit, long-term visa or registration), valid for at least three months after the planned return from the Schengen area or a document proving that the applicant has applied for a renewal of proof of legal residence. If not resident, proof of legal presence in the Russian Federation and justification for submitting visa application in the Russian Federation instead of the country of residence. 10. Proof of financial means. 11. Bank statement for last 3 months (income/savings must appear on the bank statement; you can attach several bank statements) or confirmation of payment of all expenses by the inviting company or employer. 12. Certificate of ownership of apartment/house/land (if applicable). 13. Description of the purpose of the trip and what you plan to do during your stay in Sweden. 14. Proof of accommodation. 15. Tickets or tickets booking. Beware of scammers. Make sure that the airline confirms the tickets booked with the agency. If you are travelling by car: detailed route plan, copy of a driving license, vehicle registration documents are required. All hotel and ticket bookings shall be valid at the time of the decision! 16. If the purpose is a cultural activity - a written request from the host organization. In case not included in the written request, a separate statement on sponsorship either from the sending or receiving party (or other proof of financial means). If the purpose of the trip is study, you must provide: a written application or certificate of enrollment, or a student card issued by the host university, academy, institute, college, school, or a certificate of the courses to be taken, as well as a separate statement on sponsorship either from the sending or receiving party (or other proof of financial means). Scholarship recipients from the Sverker Åström Foundation must also provide: - CV - Decision on scholarship - Study plan/implementation plan If the purpose is a sporting activity - a written request from the host organization (competent authority, national sport federation or national Olympic committee), including information on the role of the persons. In case not included in the written request, a separate statement on sponsorship either from the sending or receiving party (or other proof of financial means).
businessBusiness
Harmonised list of supporting documents to be submitted by applicants for a Schengen visa in the Russian Federation: business/work: - Visa application form (PDF checklist ↗) ( English (PDF checklist ↗) or Swedish (PDF checklist ↗)) completed and signed by the applicant (in cases of minors, the application form shall be signed by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship). Our managers can assist you in visa application form filling (visa.vfsglobal.com ↗) in the visa center. To help us process your application quickly and accurately, please complete the Sweden Visa Application Form (VAF) electronically using the editable PDF available on this site, print the typed copy and carry it with appointment letter during your visit to the visa application centre. Completing the form electronically reduces counter waiting time and helps avoid errors caused by illegible handwriting. Note: Applicants who arrive without a form completed electronically will still be accepted with a completed handwritten form; however, they should expect additional processing time at Visa Application Centre. 4. Visa fee. 5. Travel medical insurance for the entire period of the intended trip, valid in all Schengen countries and covering any expenses that may arise in connection with returning home for medical reasons, the need for emergency medical care, urgent hospital treatment or death during the trip. The minimum sum insured is €30,000. You can buy insurance policy (visa.vfsglobal.com ↗) in our visa center. 6. Copy of the internal Russian passport (if applicable): pages with pesonal data, address of registration, marital status and issued foreign passports. If it is not stated in the internal passport, birth certificates and marriage certificates must be attached to show your family ties. 7. In cases of minors: 8. In cases of third-country nationals, proof of legal residence in the Russian Federation in line with federal legislation (e.g. residence permit, long-term visa or registration), valid for at least three months after the planned return from the Schengen area or a document proving that the applicant has applied for a renewal of proof of legal residence. If not resident, proof of legal presence in the Russian Federation and justification for submitting visa application in the Russian Federation instead of the country of residence. 9. Proof of financial means. 10. Bank statement for last 3 months (income/savings must appear on the bank statement; you can attach several bank statements) or confirmation of payment of all expenses by the inviting company or employer. 11. Certificate of ownership of apartment/house/land (if applicable). 12. Description of the purpose of the trip and what you plan to do during your stay in Sweden. 13. Proof of accommodation. 14. Tickets or tickets booking. Beware of scammers. Make sure that the airline confirms the tickets booked with the agency. If you are travelling by car: detailed route plan, copy of a driving license, vehicle registration documents are required. All hotel and ticket bookings shall be valid at the time of the decision! 15. Invitation indicating the purpose of the trip, as well as information about who bears the costs of staying in Sweden. The invitation must contain: the exact date of the first planned trip and the route of the planned trip. If the inviting company requests a multiple-entry visa, then the invitation must contain information about the next planned trips (at least approximate dates). 16. Additional documents for company employees: A covering letter from the employer confirming the business trip. Additional documents for special categories: Drivers (international cargo and passengers): Written request from the Russian national association of carriers (ASMAP or RAS) or the national association of carriers of the Member State stating the purpose, duration, and frequency of trips. Journalists: A certificate or other document issued by a professional organization proving that the person is a qualified journalist. Letter from his/her employer stating that the purpose of the journey is to carry out journalistic work. - Seafarers: Copy of seafarer’s ID, seafarer's book (covering last 5 years), crew list.
familyVisiting Family And Friends
Harmonised list of supporting documents to be submitted by applicants for a Schengen visa in the Russian Federation: business/work: - Visa application form (PDF checklist ↗) ( English (PDF checklist ↗) or Swedish (PDF checklist ↗)) completed and signed by the applicant (in cases of minors, the application form shall be signed by a person exercising permanent or temporary parental authority or legal guardianship). Our managers can assist you in visa application form filling (visa.vfsglobal.com ↗) in the visa center. To help us process your application quickly and accurately, please complete the Sweden Visa Application Form (VAF) electronically using the editable PDF available on this site, print the typed copy and carry it with appointment letter during your visit to the visa application centre. Completing the form electronically reduces counter waiting time and helps avoid errors caused by illegible handwriting. Note: Applicants who arrive without a form completed electronically will still be accepted with a completed handwritten form; however, they should expect additional processing time at Visa Application Centre. 4. Visa fee. 5. Travel medical insurance for the entire period of the intended trip, valid in all Schengen countries and covering any expenses that may arise in connection with returning home for medical reasons, the need for emergency medical care, urgent hospital treatment or death during the trip. The minimum sum insured is €30,000. You can buy insurance policy (visa.vfsglobal.com ↗) in our visa center. 6. Copy of the internal Russian passport (if applicable): pages with pesonal data, address of registration, marital status and issued foreign passports. If it is not stated in the internal passport, birth certificates and marriage certificates must be attached to show your family ties. 7. In cases of minors: 8. In cases of third-country nationals, proof of legal residence in the Russian Federation in line with federal legislation (e.g. residence permit, long-term visa or registration), valid for at least three months after the planned return from the Schengen area or a document proving that the applicant has applied for a renewal of proof of legal residence. If not resident, proof of legal presence in the Russian Federation and justification for submitting visa application in the Russian Federation instead of the country of residence. 9. Proof of financial means. 10. Bank statement for last 3 months (income/savings must appear on the bank statement; you can attach several bank statements) If the trip is sponsored by the inviting person, their financial documentation is also required. 11. Certificate of ownership of apartment/house/land (if applicable). 12. Description of the purpose of the trip and what you plan to do during your stay in Sweden. 13. Invitation ( Swedish (PDF checklist ↗) or English (PDF checklist ↗) ). 14. A copy of ID of the inviting person. 15. Booking of travel tickets and hotels can be requested if the Embassy deems it necessary. Beware of scammers. Make sure that the airline confirms the tickets booked with the agency.
Other Sweden visa categories (19)Hide other visa categories
These don't apply to a typical short visit, but cover other reasons people travel to Sweden. Eligibility varies by visa type — some are limited to specific nationalities, so check each one's conditions.
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) – Medical Treatment
Allows foreign nationals from visa-required countries to enter Sweden to receive medical treatment for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Requires two medical certificates confirming diagnosis and treatment necessity, and proof of a deposit or payment guarantee for treatment costs. Same base fee as standard Schengen visa (EUR 90 adults). If medical stay exceeds 90 days, a visitor's residence permit must be applied for instead.
Apply here ↗Visitor's Residence Permit – Family/Relative Visit
Allows foreign nationals to visit a relative, spouse, or close family member residing in Sweden for extended stays exceeding 90 days.
Parents visiting their children in Sweden may be granted up to 1 year. Relatives visiting family members may receive up to 6 months. Fee SEK 1,500 adults / SEK 750 children. Requires invitation from the host in Sweden along with the host's ID and income documentation. Processing: 75% within 3-4 months.
Apply here ↗Visitor's Residence Permit – Medical Treatment (Long-Stay)
Allows foreign nationals to stay in Sweden for medical treatment for extended periods exceeding 90 days, up to a maximum of 1 year.
Maximum stay 1 year. Requires medical certificates and proof of treatment costs. Fee SEK 1,500 adults / SEK 750 children.
Apply here ↗Work Permit (Employee)
Allows non-EU/EEA nationals with a job offer from a Swedish employer to live and work in Sweden.
Fee is SEK 2,000 (approx. USD 220). As of 1 June 2026, minimum salary is SEK 34,470/month (90% of median salary). Comprehensive health insurance required from 1 June 2026. Permit typically issued for up to 2 years, renewable. Eligible for permanent residence after 4 years of work permit. Processing averages 18 days for fast-tracked complete applications. The employer must advertise the position in the EU/EEA before offering to a third-country national (new rule from June 2026).
Apply here ↗Work Permit (Self-Employed)
Allows non-EU/EEA nationals to reside in Sweden and run their own business.
Fee SEK 2,000. Must own and actively manage at least 51% of the business. Financial self-sufficiency requirement: SEK 200,000 for applicant plus SEK 100,000 per accompanying spouse and SEK 50,000 per child. Requires good industry experience, language skills, and a credible business plan with established customer contacts. Permit up to 2 years, renewable. Path to permanent residence after 4 years.
Apply here ↗EU Blue Card
Allows highly qualified non-EU/EEA nationals with a high-salary job offer to live and work in Sweden with facilitated pathways to permanent residence.
Fee SEK 2,000. Minimum salary: SEK 52,000/month (1.25x average Swedish salary, effective 9 July 2025). Requires higher education (minimum 180 credits) or 5+ years relevant professional experience. Employment contract for minimum 6 months required. Comprehensive health insurance required. Permit duration: 9 months to 4 years. Processing: 75% of complete applications decided within 1 month. Path to permanent residence after 4 years.
Apply here ↗Seasonal Work Permit
Allows non-EU/EEA nationals to perform seasonal agricultural or horticultural work in Sweden for a limited period.
Sweden implements the EU Seasonal Workers Directive. Seasonal work permits are issued for up to 90 days and cover sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, and tourism. Must have a job offer meeting Swedish collective agreement or industry-standard wages. Specific fee and processing times not published on the main Migrationsverket page.
Apply here ↗ICT Permit (Intra-Company Transfer)
Allows non-EU/EEA nationals to be temporarily posted to a Swedish entity of a multinational company as a manager, specialist, or trainee.
Sweden implements the EU ICT Directive. Minimum salary thresholds apply and were updated from 1 June 2026. Managers and specialists may be granted up to 3 years; trainees up to 1 year. ICT permit holders may move between EU member states under the directive's mobility provisions. Specific fee not published on the main listing page.
Apply here ↗Residence Permit to Look for Work or Start a Business
Allows highly-educated non-EU/EEA nationals to enter Sweden for up to 9 months to search for employment or explore business establishment, without a prior job offer.
Fee SEK 2,200 (approx. USD 242). Requires a second-cycle qualification (60+ credit Master's, professional degree, or PhD). Must show financial self-sufficiency of SEK 13,000/month and hold comprehensive health insurance. If employment or business is secured during the permit period, holder may apply for a work/self-employment residence permit from within Sweden. Processing: 75% decided within 7 months. Not a digital nomad visa per se, but functionally similar for job-seeking professionals.
Apply here ↗Student Residence Permit – Higher Education
Allows non-EU/EEA nationals to reside in Sweden to pursue bachelor's or master's degree studies at a Swedish higher education institution.
Fee SEK 1,500 adults / SEK 750 children under 18. Processing: 75% decided within 2 months. Maximum 1-2 years per permit depending on institution (designated universities can issue up to 2 years). Cannot exceed passport validity. Full-time enrollment required (30 credits/semester). Tuition fees must be paid before applying. Financial requirement: SEK 10,656/month (2026). Work limited to 15 hours/week for bachelor's/master's students from June 11, 2026. Permit renewable for duration of studies.
Apply here ↗Student Residence Permit – Doctoral Studies
Allows non-EU/EEA nationals to reside in Sweden to pursue doctoral research at a Swedish university.
Fee SEK 1,500. Doctoral students may be eligible to apply for permanent residence directly after completing doctoral studies. Accompanying family members can apply simultaneously. Processing similar to higher education student permit.
Apply here ↗Student Residence Permit – Other Studies and Upper Secondary School
Allows non-EU/EEA nationals to reside in Sweden to attend upper secondary school or other study programmes lasting more than 90 days.
Fee SEK 1,500 adults / SEK 750 children. Covers exchange programmes, upper secondary studies, contract or specialisation education. Full-time study required (minimum 20 teaching hours weekly). Health insurance required for studies under one year. Financial requirement SEK 10,656/month.
Apply here ↗Family Reunification Residence Permit
Allows the partner, spouse, children, or other close relatives of a person with a Swedish residence permit or citizenship to join them and live in Sweden.
Fee SEK 1,500 adults / SEK 750 children. Covers partners/spouses, children, parents visiting adult children, and other relatives. The sponsor (anchor person) in Sweden must generally have a permanent residence permit, Swedish citizenship, or a valid temporary residence permit of sufficient duration. Maintenance requirement: sponsor must demonstrate adequate housing and income. Processing times can be lengthy (12+ months for complex family cases).
Apply here ↗Temporary Protection Permit (Ukraine/EU Directive)
Grants temporary residence in Sweden to displaced persons from Ukraine under the EU Temporary Protection Directive, allowing right to work and access to social services.
No application fee. Granted to Ukrainian nationals and stateless persons who were residing in Ukraine before 24 February 2022. Provides access to employment, housing, social welfare, and healthcare. Duration aligned with EU Council decisions on temporary protection extension.
Apply here ↗Diplomatic/Official Visa Exemption
Visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic, service, official, or special passports from designated countries under bilateral agreements or Sweden's national visa list.
Countries whose nationals ordinarily require a Schengen visa but whose diplomatic/service/special passport holders are exempt include: Bolivia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey (including special passport holders), China (diplomatic only), India (diplomatic only), Morocco (diplomatic only), Tunisia (diplomatic only), Armenia (diplomatic only, per EC-Armenia agreement), Azerbaijan (diplomatic only, per EC-Azerbaijan agreement), Belarus (diplomatic only, per EC-Belarus agreement - NOTE: suspended in practice due to EU sanctions since 2021), Cape Verde (diplomatic only). Based on Swedish Government official visa list last updated 01 September 2023.
Apply here ↗Working Holiday Residence Permit
Allows young people (18-30) from partner countries to holiday in Sweden for up to one year and work incidentally to fund their stay and experience Swedish life and culture.
For citizens aged 18-30 of countries with a youth-exchange agreement with Sweden: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. Fee SEK 1,500 (approx. USD 165); Japanese citizens are exempt from the fee. Applicant must have at least SEK 15,000 to support themselves on arrival. Work is permitted but must not be the main purpose of the stay. Maximum one year and cannot be extended. Comprehensive health insurance required (Australian citizens exempt). Processing: 75% of complete applications decided within 3 months.
Apply here ↗Au Pair Residence Permit
Allows a young person (18-29) to live with a Swedish host family for up to one year, helping with childcare and light housework while studying Swedish and experiencing Swedish culture.
For applicants aged 18-29 (must be under 30 at time of decision) with a written agreement with a host family. Childcare and light housework are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week, and the applicant must spend most non-working time studying Swedish (combined work + study capped at 40 hours/week). Fee SEK 1,500 (approx. USD 165). Maximum one year; cannot be extended. Must apply from outside Sweden and family members cannot accompany. Host family must provide work-accident insurance; the applicant needs comprehensive health insurance.
Apply here ↗Residence Permit for Research (Guest Researcher)
Allows non-EU/EEA nationals invited by an approved Swedish research principal to conduct research in Sweden under a hosting agreement.
Requires a signed hosting agreement with a research principal approved by the Swedish Research Council; at least 50% of working hours must be devoted to research. Fee SEK 1,500 adults / SEK 750 children (approx. USD 165); Japanese citizens exempt. Financial requirement approximately SEK 9,700/month. Permit granted for up to 4 years at a time, not exceeding passport or hosting-agreement validity. Processing: 75% of complete applications decided within 1 month. From 11 June 2026, doctoral students who hold a hosting agreement receive this same research permit rather than a study permit.
Apply here ↗Residence Permit for Traineeship/Internship
Allows non-EU/EEA nationals to come to Sweden for a traineeship or internship, either connected to their higher education or arranged via an international exchange programme.
Two routes: a traineeship/internship related to the applicant's higher education, or one offered through an international exchange programme. Applied for from outside Sweden before entering. Specific fee and maximum duration depend on the route and are set out on the relevant Migration Agency sub-pages.
Apply here ↗Sweden visa for Russian citizens — FAQ
Do Russian citizens need a visa for Sweden?
Yes — Russian citizens must apply for a visa in advance at a Sweden embassy, consulate, or official visa portal before travelling.
What documents do Russian citizens need for Sweden?
A valid passport plus the Sweden document checklist for your visa type — Earth Visa lists the full required documents per visa category from the official visa application centre.
Related visa requirements
For Russian citizens
United Arab Emirates visa
Thailand visa
Netherlands visa
Switzerland visa
Austria visa
Belgium visa
Singapore visa
Malaysia visa
Sweden visa for India
Sweden visa for Pakistan
Sweden visa for Bangladesh
Sweden visa for Nepal
Sweden visa for Sri Lanka
Sweden visa for China
Sweden visa for Philippines
Sweden visa for Indonesia