Student and Tourist Visa for Sweden (2024–2026)

How the application works

Because Sweden belongs to the Schengen Area, citizens of Kyrgyzstan need a visa to travel there.

There are two main ways to enter:

• a short-stay category C Schengen visa

• a long-stay category D visa or a residence permit

For study lasting less than 90 days, a category C visa is enough.
For study lasting longer than 90 days, you need a residence permit (a student permit).

Long-term study applications are assessed by the Swedish Migration Agency, and applying online is the easiest and preferred option.

Types of visa

1. Category C Schengen visa

Suitable for:

• tourism

• short trips

• visiting friends and family

• short-term study (up to 90 days)

Key features:

• a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period

• arranged through visa centres

• requires biometric data

• valid throughout the Schengen Area

2. Long-stay student visa / residence permit

Suitable for:

• study at universities

• long-term educational programmes

• stays of more than 3 months

Key features:

• arranged through the Swedish Migration Agency

• usually applied for online

• requires proof of enrolment

• you must prove sufficient funds

How to apply

1. Choosing the type of visa

• study of up to 90 days → category C visa

• study of more than 90 days → residence permit (category D)

2. Submitting documents

• short-stay visa: through accredited visa centres

• long-stay visa: through the Swedish Migration Agency's online portal

• submission is by prior appointment

3. Biometrics

• fingerprints and a photograph are required

• provided at a visa centre or consulate

• some applicants are exempt if they have provided biometrics before

Core set of documents

• international passport

• completed visa application form

• photographs to the required standard

• proof of the purpose of the trip (invitation or enrolment)

• proof of accommodation

• proof of sufficient funds

• health insurance (for a category C visa)

• educational documents (for a student visa)

• any further documents on request

Processing times

• category C Schengen visa: approximately 15–45 days

• residence permit: timeframes can be considerably longer (depending on workload and the type of application)

Submitting documents

• you must attend in person to provide biometrics

• submission is by prior appointment only

• long-stay applications are best submitted online

Important points

• the decision rests with the consulate or the Swedish Migration Agency

• submitting documents does not guarantee that a visa will be issued

• complete and accurate documentation is required

• long-term study requires a residence permit

• further documents may be requested

Summary

• Tourism and short-term study → category C visa

• Long-term study → residence permit (through the Migration Agency)

• Submission → visa centres or online

• Biometrics are mandatory

• Key factors → proof of purpose, finances and documents