🇸🇪Sweden Visa for American Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents
No — American passport holders do not need a visa for Sweden. Entry is visa-free for up to 90 days as of 2026.
Visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Annex II of EU Regulation 2018/1806.
eur-lex.europa.eu ↗Entering Sweden on an American passport
- → Travel with just your valid American passport. No visa or prior application needed.
- → See the exact document checklist for American applicants — only needed if you apply for a longer-stay visa.
Sweden visa documents for American applicants
No visa documents are needed for a short visit — American citizens enter Sweden with just a valid passport. If you apply for a longer-stay visa, these are the exact documents required, by visa type, from the official visa application centre.
Required for every visa type below
Important notes: - Application for Schengen Visa (PDF checklist ↗) - OR - 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 handwritten form; however, they should expect additional processing time at Visa Application Centre.
touristVisit Other Family/friends
- Download document checklist (PDF checklist ↗) - Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here (insubuy.com ↗) Visa Application Form - Swedish - Passport, with at least 2 blank pages, valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and not issued more than 10 years ago as of the date of return from your scheduled trip. - Copy of U.S. Alien Registration Card or other valid resident visa (type A, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, O, or R) valid for at least three months after the intended departure from the Schengen area. - Two (2) recent passport photographs with a light background. - Proof of purpose of the visit: - Letter of invitation form #244011 (PDF checklist ↗) from your relatives/friends in Sweden. - Sponsor’s proof of ID- Copy of Swedish ID (can be passport, Identification card or driving license) - Evidence of accommodation - Confirmed flight/travel tickets - A confirmation letter from your insurance company stating clearly that you have international coverage for: - any emergency medical expenses - emergency hospital treatment - repatriation for medical reasons Minimum coverage must be EUR 30,000 and the coverage has to be valid for the entire duration of the trip. If your insurance company cannot provide such a letter, you must find an international insurance that does. Note: A copy of your insurance card is not enough. You need to provide proof of the above mentioned items. - Letter from employer stating that you are employed and have vacation time or have eligible vacation. (If you are self-employed, include a copy of your business license and tax return. If you are a student, include a letter from the school verifying enrollment.) - Evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, i.e. original recent bank statement, l. If you are being sponsored, please provide the hosts last three months bank statements. NO Travelers checks or Credit Card statements are acceptable. NOTE: An entry visa does not automatically entitle the holder to enter the Schengen area. A decision is made every time the traveler passes through a border control, as travelers must have (1) proof of sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their stay and their return, (2) travel medical insurance, and (3) documents indicating the purpose of their visit.
touristOrganized Tour/tourism
- Download document checklist (PDF checklist ↗) - Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here (insubuy.com ↗) PLEASE SEE BOTTOM OF PAGE FOR DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR MINORS. Visa Application Form - Swedish (PDF checklist ↗) - Passport, with at least 2 blank pages, valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area and not issued more than 10 years ago as of the date of return from your scheduled trip. The same applies to passports issued more than 10 years ago that have since been extended (when applicant opts for passport collection, then an extra photocopy of passport bio data page needs to be provided). - Two (2) recent passport photographs with a light background. - Proof of purpose of the visit: evidence of accommodation, please provide confirmed hotel reservation or confirmation of an organized tour. - Confirmed flight/travel tickets - Evidence of occupation/student status: - If you are employed, bring proof of your current occupation in the USA, i.e. an original letter from your employer, a solicitor or the Company House - Notarized copy of U.S. Alien Registration Card or other valid resident visa (type A, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, O, or R) valid for at least three months after the intended departure from the Schengen area. - If you are a student, bring an original letter from your school or university confirming your status/attendance and a recent bank statement. - Documents must be original and not older than one month - Evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay i.e. original bank statements for latest three months - Approval letter of vacation from work, university etc. is required to be submitted along with the application. - A confirmation letter from your insurance company stating clearly that you have international coverage for: - any emergency medical expenses - emergency hospital treatment - repatriation for medical reasons - Minimum coverage must be EUR 30,000 (equivalent USD 37,000) and the coverage has to be valid for the entire duration of the trip. If your insurance company cannot provide such a letter, you must find an international insurance that does. Note! A copy of your insurance card is not enough. You need to provide proof of the above mentioned items. - Children under 18 must have their birth certificate with them. - Notarized copy of U.S. Alien Registration Card or other valid resident visa (type A, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, O, or R) valid for at least three months after the intended departure from the Schengen area. - DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR MINORS – - Application form signed by both parents. - Passport and US Visa (Original and copy) - Full version birth certificate (Original and copy). If document is not in English, a notarized copy must be provided. - Consent letter signed by both parents. If single parent, then sole custody letter/residence/custody order from court or solicitor must be provided. - Copy of parents ID NOTE: An entry visa does not automatically entitle the holder to enter the Schengen area. A decision is made every time the traveler passes through a border control, as travelers must have (1) proof of sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their stay and their return, (2) travel medical insurance, and (3) documents indicating the purpose of their visit.
businessBusiness/conference/sports
- Download document checklist (PDF checklist ↗) - Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here (insubuy.com ↗) Please submit the following documents: Visa Application Form - Swedish (PDF checklist ↗) - A passport/travel document valid for at least three months after the intended departure from the Schengen area , shall contain two blank pages and been issued within the previous 10 years. - 1 passport photo, in color, taken from the front. Digital files and photocopies of passport pictures will NOT be accepted. - A copy of your hotel reservation. - Notarized copy of U.S. Alien Registration Card or other valid resident visa (type A, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, O, or R) valid for at least three months after the intended departure from the Schengen area. - A confirmation letter from your insurance company stating clearly that you have international coverage for: - any emergency medical expenses - emergency hospital treatment - repatriation for medical reasons - Minimum coverage must be EUR 30,000 and the coverage has to be valid for the entire duration of the trip. If your insurance company cannot provide such a letter, you must find an international insurance that does. Note: A copy of your insurance card is not enough. You need to provide proof of the above mentioned items. - Business references: letter from U.S. company AND an invitation from the Swedish company stating who will cover the expenses. If the applicant is incurring their own expenses then the latest 3 months bank statement is required to be submitted. - A copy of your flight itinerary. NOTE: An entry visa does not automatically entitle the holder to enter the Schengen area. A decision is made every time the traveler passes through a border control, as traveler must have (1) proof of sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their stay and their return, (2) travel medical insurance, and (3) documents indicating the purpose of their visit.
transitTransit
- Download document checklist (PDF checklist ↗) - Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. If you have not purchased, please click here (insubuy.com ↗) Visa Application Form - Swedish (PDF checklist ↗) - National passport or other travel document, valid for at least 90 days beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area, and not issued more than 10 years ago as of the date of return from your scheduled trip. The same applies to passports issued more than 10 years ago that have since been extended. (When applicant opts for passport collection, then an extra photocopy of passport bio data page needs to be provided). - Copy of airline ticket(s) - Children under 18 must have their birth certificate with them. - Children travelling alone or with one parent must have letter of consent and proof of ID of both parents and the none travelling parent. In the absence of consent letter only sole custody and residence orders from the courts will be accepted. NOTE: An entry visa does not automatically entitle the holder to enter the Schengen area. A decision is made every time the traveler passes through a border control, as travelers must have (1) proof of sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their stay and their return, (2) travel medical insurance, and (3) documents indicating the purpose of their visit.
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 American citizens — FAQ
Do American citizens need a visa for Sweden?
No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
How long can American citizens stay in Sweden?
American passport holders can stay in Sweden for up to 90 days per entry under the current visa-free arrangement.
What documents do American citizens need for Sweden?
A valid passport is all American citizens need for a short visa-free visit (up to 90 days). If you apply for a longer-stay visa, Earth Visa lists the full required documents per visa category from the official visa application centre.
Related visa requirements
For American citizens
United Arab Emirates visa
Thailand visa
United Kingdom visa
Germany visa
France visa
Italy visa
Spain visa
Netherlands 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