Applying for a visitor visa to Sweden can be a complicated process, especially if you or your relative comes from a country where refusals are common. Many applications are rejected due to incomplete documentation, lack of financial guarantees or uncertainty about the purpose of the visit.
What is a visitor visa to Sweden?
A visitor visa (Schengen visa) gives a person from a country outside the EU/EEA the right to visit Sweden for up to 90 days. It can apply for:
- Tourism – Visiting friends or for a holiday.
- Family visit – If you want to invite a relative to Sweden.
- Business visit – Participation in meetings or conferences.
The Swedish Migration Board is the authority that examines applications and can reject an application if they believe that there is a risk that the person is staying illegally.
How can a lawyer help with a visitor visa application?
An attorney with experience in immigration law can increase the chances of your application being approved by:
- Reviewing your application before it is submitted, to ensure that it meets all requirements.
- Ensuring that the correct documents are submitted, including an invitation, proof of support and travel insurance.
- Formulating a clear purpose for the visit, to reduce the risk that the Swedish Migration Board suspects that the person wants to stay.
- Appealing a refusal, if the Swedish Migration Board denies a visa.
Many are refused due to insufficient documentation or incorrectly completed forms. A lawyer ensures that everything is done correctly from the start.
Common reasons for refusal of a visitor visa
The Swedish Migration Board often rejects applications for a visitor visa due to:
- Insufficient financial guarantees – If the inviting person in Sweden does not have sufficient income.
- Insufficient documentation – If documents are missing or unclear.
- Suspicion that the person will not leave Sweden – If there are no strong reasons to return to the home country.
If you are rejected, a lawyer can help you understand why the application was rejected and how you can improve a new application or appeal the decision.
How do you appeal a refusal of a visitor visa?
If the Swedish Migration Board rejects an application, the decision can be appealed to the Migration Court.
Steps to appeal:
- Read through the reasons for the refusal from the Swedish Migration Board.
- Have a lawyer write an appeal arguing why the decision should be changed.
- Collect additional evidence, such as financial guarantees or new certificates.
- Submit the appeal within three weeks of receiving the rejection.
If the court considers the Swedish Migration Board’s decision to be incorrect, they can change it, and the visa will be granted.
How much does legal assistance cost when applying for a visitor visa?
Unfortunately, the price for getting help from a lawyer with a visitor visa is expensive. You will need to pay the full cost yourself. Legal fees may vary depending on the scope of the case. Typical prices are:
- Advice and review of the application: 3,000 – 6,000 SEK
- Help with writing an application or appeal: 10,000 – 25,000 SEK
Summary – How a lawyer can help you with a visitor visa
- A lawyer can ensure that the application is correct and contains all the necessary documents.
- If the application is rejected, a lawyer can write a professional appeal to increase the chances of the decision being changed.
- Common reasons for rejection are financial reasons, suspicion of illegal stay and inadequate documentation.
- Legal fees vary, but can be a valuable investment to avoid rejection and long waiting times.
