Where to apply
Sweden issues visas through the electronic system e-visa. All applications are submitted online:
- Application site: https://e-visa.al/apply (the same portal used for Albania)
- Processing authority: Consulate of Sweden in Belgrade (for residents of Serbia)
- Opening hours: Submissions are available 24/7, but the system may be unavailable from 00:00 to 07:00 CET
- Appointment: not required, everything is done online
Current situation - the system works steadily, but the submit button can sometimes be inactive due to control of the number of applications. The best time to send is early morning (around 7:00).
Required documents
Core set
- Passport
- Scan of all pages, including visas
- Scan of the main passport pages
- Validity ≥ 6 months
- Photograph
- Biometric, can be taken against a wall at home
- If rejected, it will have to be replaced
- Documents on status in Serbia
- Scan of boravak (residence permit). A temporary boravak is enough for the application.
- Proof of travel purpose
- Round-trip tickets (return tickets from Air Serbia are acceptable)
- Hotel bookings (Booking.com without prepayment)
- Short itinerary
All forms are filled out online on the e-visa.al site. Translations into English are not always required - many have received visas with documents in Serbian.
Financial documents
For employed applicants
- Work certificate or scan of the employment contract
- Bank statement with the bank's stamp and signature (ALTA Bank - 300 dinars)
- Transaction history for the last 12 months (can be exported from online banking without a stamp)
Minimum balance required
- 45 € per day for an adult
- 23 € per day for a child
- In practice, having about 5 000 € in the account is sufficient
- Sponsorship letter in English (can be drafted with ChatGPT)
- Marriage certificate with English translation (for spouses)
- Sponsor's financial documents (work certificate, account statements)
Banks and statements
- Preferably Raiffeisen Bank. An English statement can be requested at rol.support@raiffeisenbank.rs. Statements in Serbian are also accepted.
Fees and processing times
Fees
- Visa fee - 30 €
- Service fee - none (online submission)
- SWIFT transfer commission - around 2 000 + dinars
Helper services are discussed individually.
Payment methods
- SWIFT transfer via bank (Raiffeisen, ALTA)
- Through helpers (e.g., @albanialife on Telegram)
Processing times
- Officially - 15 working days from payment
- In practice - 7-14 days in most cases
- Fast cases - 1-3 days (rare)
- Peak periods - up to 15 working days
Visa types
Tourist visa (C)
- Single entry - strictly for the travel dates
- Multiple entry - usually one month from the start date (standard)
- Long-term multi-visa - six months to a year, but requires three previous entries to Sweden (from the end of 2025)
By default, a one-month multi-visa is issued.
Hacks and tips
What increases approval chances
- Existing Schengen visas in the passport
- Stable employment in Serbia
- Sufficient funds in the account
- Clear travel plan with confirmed bookings
- Correctly completed documents on the first try
Application process
- Fill out the documents online
- Wait for the payment request (1-7 days)
- Pay the visa fee
- Wait for the decision (7-15 days)
- Receive the visa by email in PDF format
Common mistakes
- Wrong order of files in the PDF
- Poor-quality photograph
- Incomplete bank statements
- Missing document linkage for family applications
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I apply with a Russian passport from Serbia?
A: Yes, list the country of residence - Serbia, not the citizenship.
Q: Are Russian bank statements accepted?
A: No, statements must be from Serbian banks.
Q: Can I pay on behalf of another person?
A: Yes, provide the applicant's details and attach supporting documents.
Q: What if the visa does not arrive on time?
A: Write to embassy.belgrade@mfa.gov.al or call the consulate.
Q: Can I travel to other EU countries with this visa?
A: Yes, it is a standard Schengen visa of type C.
Q: Is insurance required?
A: Yes, a regular travel insurance. Serbian health booklets are not accepted.
Q: What about driving rights for a road trip?
A: Serbian driver's licence is sufficient; an international licence is not required. A "green card" for the vehicle is needed.
- Consulate email: embassy.belgrade@mfa.gov.al
- Helpers for payment: @albanialife (Telegram)
- Raiffeisen support: rol.support@raiffeisenbank.rs
- Albanian expats: https://t.me/expertalbania
The procedure for obtaining a Swedish visa from Serbia is fully electronic and relatively straightforward. The main hurdles are paying the visa fee and waiting for the decision. With proper document preparation, the chances of obtaining the visa are very high.
Submission: VFS Global.