- English
If you are planning to visit Sweden temporarily but to stay longer than 90 days, you should apply for a visitor's permit.
The Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria handles applications for residents of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Angola, Malawi and Sao Tomé and Principe for visits longer than 90 days.
If you are planning to visit Sweden temporarily but to stay longer than 90 days, you should apply for a visitor's permit.
An application for a visitor's permit is always sent to the Migration Agency in Sweden, where the decision is made. If the application is granted, a residence permit is usually issued for more than three months and up to twelve months.
In order to be granted a residence permit to visit Sweden, the purpose of the trip must be to visit Sweden and not to settle there. You must have the means to support yourself throughout your stay, and you must possess either a return ticket or enough money to buy one. A medical travel insurance is compulsory.
Applications for visitor's permits are handed in digitally. This applies only to persons that are outside Sweden and will make your application at the Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria.
Apply and pay the application fee by using this e-service.
When you conclude your application in the e-service, you will be directed to a page where you book an appointment for a physical visit at the Embassy of Sweden in Pretoria. During this visit you will show your passport and conclude your application with an interview. You will also give your fingerprints and have your photo taken.
Applicants legally residing in Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Angola, Malawi and Sao Tomé and Principe can also apply digitally. If you cannot communicate in English or Swedish and need a translator for the interview, it is important that you send a separate email to ambassaden.pretoria-migration@gov.se directly after you book the interview online. In the e-mail, state your personal details and in what language you need an interpreter.
A national visa (D-visa) is only issued in exceptional cases. According to the law, special circumstances must apply in your case. A family visit is not considered special circumstances, or that the processing time for a visitor's permit might be longer. The fact that you have previously been granted a D-visa does not automatically mean that you can get a new one.
Applications for national visas are submitted at and decided on by the Embassy. If you have special reasons for wanting to stay in Sweden for longer than 90 days, kindly email the Embassy on ambassaden.pretoria-migration@gov.se with your personal information and we will guide you to what permit or visa to apply for.
The application form (available in English only)
All documents required to apply for a visitor's permit.
The Embassy reserves the right to ask for further documentation if needed.
The decision is made at the Embassy. You cannot appeal against the decision if it is refused.
National visa and visitor´s permit for residents in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Angola, Malawi and Sao Tomé and Principe will be handled by the Swedish Embassy in Pretoria.