Consulate-General Shanghai, China

If you intend to visit Sweden and are a citizen of a non-EU country, you may need a Schengen visa. A Schengen visa is a permit to travel to and stay in a Schengen country for a maximum of 90 days. If you intend to stay in Sweden for longer than 90 days you will instead need a visitor’s permit.  

Please note that a visa does not automatically mean that you can enter the Schengen area. Entry checks are always made at external border points, whereas it may be a good idea to bring along copies of the documents you submitted when applying for a visa.

You can find more information about Schengen visas here.

 Apply for a Schengen visa

We recommend all applicants to submit their Schengen visa application through VFS Global. Visit the VFS Global’s website for more information about the application centres addresses, opening hours and for other practical information.

If you for some reason cannot apply through VFS Global, you can submit your application in person at the Consulate. Applications submitted at the Consulate General of Sweden in Shanghai are by appointment only. Please note that this is only applicable for applicants who are residing within the Consulate’s jurisdiction (Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui). Kindly include information about your full name and cell phone number in your appointment request. The appointment request can be sent to the Consulate by e-mail: generalkonsulat.shanghai-visum@gov.se.

Please note that the Consulate General of Sweden in Shanghai is not authorised to process Schengen visa applications from non-Chinese nationals who do not have a valid permit for residence in the People’s Republic of China and who lack justification for lodging an application here.

The Consulate General accepts applications for national visas (D visas) and visitor’s permit from applicants who are residing within the Consulate’s jurisdiction (Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Anhui). D-visa applications can be submitted on Monday to Friday between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Please note that a national visa can only be granted if there are special circumstances.

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 Consulate General of Sweden in Shanghai. Apply and pay the application fee by using this e-service.

Follow the links below for more information about what documents are required when applying for a visitor’s permit or national visa.

Requirements for a visitor’s permit

Apply for a visitor's permit or national visa (D visa)

In order to work in Sweden, you must have a work permit. Your application for work permit should be finalised before entering Sweden.

It is the Swedish Migration Agency that processes and decides upon your application for a work permit. For a full description of what rules apply, please visit their website.

For employment that lasts less than three months, you will also need a visa unless you’re exempted from the visa requirement for entry into Sweden. Please contact the Consulate by e-mail (generalkonsulat.shanghai-visum@gov.se) for more information about how to apply for a visa and a work permit for an intended stay that won’t exceed three months.

If you are going to study in Sweden for longer than three months, you must have a residence permit. Your application should be finalised before entering Sweden. If you will be studying for less than three months, you will instead need a visa unless you’re exempted from the visa requirement for entry into Sweden.

It is the Swedish Migration Agency that processes and decides upon your application for a residence permit for studies. For a full description of what rules apply, please visit their website.

In order to join your family or close relative in Sweden, you must have a residence permit. Your application for residence permit should be finalised before entering Sweden.

It is the Swedish Migration Agency that considers your right to a residence permit. For a full description of what rules apply, please visit their website.

The fastest and most convenient way to apply for a residence permit is to use the online application service at the Swedish Migration Agency's website. Here you can also find crucial information about the application procedure for different permits, the general document requirements and current processing times.

If you have been requested by the Swedish Migration Agency to make an appointment for an interview in your application for residence or work permit at the Consulate, please contact us by e-mail generalkonsulat.shanghai-visum@gov.se with the following information:

• Full name (as in passport)
• Dossier number or control number as provided by the Swedish Migration Agency
• Number of applicants (e.g. if there are minor co-applicants)

You can submit your biometrics at the Consualte General of Sweden in Shanghai from Monday to Friday between 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. 

Please follow the link below for more information about the application fees.

 Application fees

When the residence permit card has arrived at the Consulate General you will receive an e-mail with information regarding the pick-up. Please note that we do not send out residence permit cards by mail.

You can find more information about residence permit cards here.