Sweden Visa Guide for Indian Citizens in UK Complete Application Guide 2025
Yes, Indian citizens residing in London need a Schengen visa to visit Sweden. Your nationality—Indian—means you'll need a visa for Sweden, even if you live in the UK. Apply through the VFS Global Sweden Visa Application Centre in London at 66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT.
Stockholm, Sweden
City Hall & Gamla Stan
Gothenburg, Sweden
Canals & Historic Streets
Malmö, Sweden
Oresund Bridge & Cityscape
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Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply
UK Residency Requirements
- ✓ Must hold a valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or valid UK residence visa; visitor visas are not accepted.
- ✓ Residency permit should be valid for the entire duration of the Sweden visa application and ideally beyond planned travel dates.
Basic Eligibility Criterias
- ✓ No strict minimum age; minors must be accompanied or have parental consent.
- ✓ Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of departure from Sweden.
- ✓ Visit purpose must comply with Sweden's visa categories: tourism, business, study, family visits (no work unless specified by visa type).
Who Cannot Apply
- ✗ Short-term UK visitors without valid residency status.
- ✗ Applicants with expired or invalid passports, or whose travel purpose doesn't fit allowed categories.
Required Documents Checklist
Essential Documents
Travel Arrangements
Status Documentation
Additional Requirements
💡 Pro Tip: Double-check passport validity, UK residence status, and translations before your appointment. Missing or expired documents are the #1 cause of rejections.
Step-by-Step Sweden Visa Application Process
Follow these steps if you are applying from London with an Indian passport
Online Application
Complete your application on the Swedish Migration Agency website or VFS Global portal, upload your photo, and pay the visa fee.
Appointment Booking
Book your appointment via VFS Global London (Canary Wharf). Standard appointments cost around £30–40. Book early to secure a slot.
Document Preparation
Organize passport, photos, travel insurance, accommodation proof, and other supporting documents. Translate any non-English/Swedish documents.
Appointment Day
Visit VFS Global at 9th Floor, 109 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SX. Arrive 15 minutes early for document verification, biometrics, and brief questions.
Tracking & Collection
Track your application online using the reference number. Receive your passport via courier or collect from the center. Processing takes 10–15 working days.
Travel
Verify visa details before departure and carry all supporting documents. Immigration may request additional verification at the airport.
Sweden Visa Processing Time and Fees
Adults
€80 (≈ £70)
Children 6-12
€40 (≈ £35)
Children under 6
Free
Additional Service Fees
TLScontact charges around £25 for biometric collection, document handling, and appointment booking. Optional prime/priority slots cost extra (£15–20).
Processing Timelines
Standard processing: 15 calendar days. Peak seasons may take up to 30 days or more. Apply 6–8 weeks before travel to avoid delays. Track your status online via TLScontact.
Timeline Planning
Apply at least 6–8 weeks before travel through TLScontact’s portal. This buffer covers seasonal delays and extra document requests, ensuring stress-free planning.
Financial Requirements: How Much Money Should Indian Citizens Show?
Daily Financial Requirements
Indian citizens applying for a Sweden visa from London need to show they can cover daily expenses while in Sweden. Authorities generally expect €40–120 per day depending on your stay type. For a 10-day trip, this means €400–1,200. It's safer to budget slightly higher than the minimum.
Hotel Accommodation
€120/day
Higher daily requirement
Budget/Private Stay
€40–65/day
Lower daily requirement
💡 Bank Statement Requirements
Provide recent bank statements (3–6 months) showing steady activity. Balance must cover your full trip plus a buffer. Avoid sudden large deposits without explanation.
Additional Financial Proof
Include salary slips, tax returns, and employment letters. Strongly recommended to maintain at least £1,000 in your account for better approval chances.
Sponsorship Options
If sponsored by someone in Sweden, provide their invitation letter, ID, financial documents, and signed sponsorship declaration. Ensure all documents are recent and match your application details.
Tips to Increase Sweden Visa Approval Chances from London
Common Rejection Reasons
Insufficient financial proof, incomplete documentation, unclear travel purpose, or weak ties to London are the main reasons for denial.
Preparation Strategies
Start your application at least 6–8 weeks before travel. Organize documents chronologically and use a checklist. Ensure bank statements show consistent income over 3–6 months. Keep itineraries realistic and documents consistent.
Success Tips
Employment letters from your London-based job should clearly state position, salary, and leave dates. Include property documents, utility bills, or rental agreements showing UK ties. Travel insurance covering your entire stay is mandatory. Create a detailed itinerary with realistic daily plans and be honest throughout your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Sweden from London?
Yes, Indian passport holders require a Schengen visa for short visits up to 90 days. Apply via VFS Global Sweden in London. For stays longer than 90 days, a residence permit is needed.
What documents are needed?
Passport (valid for 3 months after leaving Sweden), completed application form, photos, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, insurance covering €30,000+, proof of funds (~450 SEK/day), employment and tax documents. Originals and copies required.
How do I apply?
Fill out the online form via Swedish Migration Agency, book appointment at VFS Global London, submit biometrics and documents, pay the visa fee, and track your application online.
Processing time and cost?
Processing takes ~15 working days; longer during busy seasons. Fee: €80 for adults, €40 for children (6–12), under 6 is free. TLScontact adds ~£25 service fee.
Financial requirements?
Show minimum 450 SEK/day (~4,000 INR). Provide bank statements for last 3–6 months and proof of income/employment. Sponsorship allowed with proper documents.
Expert Verification & Sources
Expert Verification
Reviewed by Visa Expert Kritika, specializing in European visas and UK-based applications (09 Sep 2025).
Source Verification
All information cross-referenced with official Swedish embassy sources and current immigration policies as of 18 Sep 2025.
Official Source
Check official source: https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/embassies/united-kingdom-london/