Sweden business visa from India: the official document checklist, decoded

The checklist, as published

Condensed from the official document linked above; wording is the mission's, shortened. Where the mission names an official form it is listed under "Forms". Always download the current version from the source link on the day you apply.

1. Application for Schengen Visa (No. 119031) with 1 photograph not older than six months, white background (3.5x4.5 cm)
2. Original and copy of passport or valid travel document; extension/observation page copies; handwritten passports not accepted
3. Previous passports available, irrespective of condition (if lost, a note is required)
4. Personal invitation from the inviting company/organisation/event with purpose, period, place, expense guarantee if the host pays, and proof of business relationship
5. Civil servants on mission: original travel order; official/service passports: original Note Verbale
6. For conferences or training: confirmation of enrolment and, if applicable, proof of payment of enrolment fees
7. Document from employer certifying travel to Sweden, signed by an authorised signatory
8. Proof of lodging such as hotel booking for the entire duration of the Schengen stay
9. Flight reservation of a return ticket; intra-Schengen flight, train itinerary or car rental if several states
10. Overseas travel medical insurance valid for all Schengen countries, minimum EUR 30,000, all risks, covering arrival and departure dates
11. Documentary evidence of professional activity (employees: 3 months pay slips, contract, holiday approval; student; self-employed PAN plus bank statements; pension)
12. Proof of financial means: 3 months bank statements; income tax declaration last two assessment years; proof of sponsorship if sponsored
13. Is applicant's travel accompanied? If yes, mention number and names of co-travellers

Forms named by the mission

• Application for Schengen Visa form No. 119031
• Power of Attorney (Migrationsverket 107011) if a representative submits

Notes the mission attaches

• Same checklist footer as tourism (additional documents or interview possible; fee non-refundable; affidavits not accepted as evidence).
• Processing: a decision on your application will normally be available within 15 calendar days.

What each item is for

Every Schengen checklist is Article 14(1) of the Visa Code made specific: (a) purpose of the journey, (b) accommodation, (c) means of subsistence for the stay and the return, (d) information enabling an assessment of your intention to leave before the visa expires. Read the list above with those four heads in mind: bookings and invitations answer (a) and (b); bank statements, salary slips and tax returns answer (c); employment, business, family and property papers answer (d). Our documents guide explains each head, and the cover-letter guide shows how to make them agree.

For business the counterpart's letter is the anchor: who is inviting, why, for how long, and who pays. Consulates verify it by phone; a counterpart who cannot be reached is the classic route to ground 12 on the refusal form.

Processing time, as stated by the mission

"A decision on your application will normally be available within 15 calendar days. Applications can be lodged no more than six months before the start of the intended stay (nine months for seafarers)." (source) The Visa Code sets 15 calendar days from an admissible application, extendable to 45 (Article 23).

Sweden's record for applications lodged in India

In 2025 Sweden decided 32,536 applications lodged in India and refused 11.4% (all-India average 15.7%); 28.1% of visas issued were multiple-entry. Its consulates: New Delhi (11.4%). Which one handles you depends on your state of residence: see the Sweden country page.