Reasons for Sweden Visa Rejection for Indian Nationals

11 Reasons for Sweden Visa Rejection for Indians

Despite meeting the basic Sweden visa requirements, many Indian applicants still face rejection. Here are the top reasons why your Sweden tourist visa might get denied:

Incomplete Application Form

Submitting an incomplete application form is a surefire way to for a Sweden visa refusal. Make sure you fill out all mandatory fields accurately:

• Schengen Visa Application Form
  • Form name: Harmonised Visa Application Form
  • Application mode: Print and fill by hand or type digitally
  • Form length: 4-5 pages
  • Language: English
• 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • Leaving fields blank (write “N/A” if not applicable)
  • Inconsistent information (ensure all details match your documents)
  • Incorrect passport details (double-check passport number, validity, etc.)
  • Mismatched travel dates (align with flight and hotel bookings)
  • Illegible handwriting (use block letters if filling by hand)

Insufficient Funds

You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support your stay in Sweden without working illegally or relying on public funds. Here’s what you need:

• Minimum required balance: Around SEK 450 (INR 3,300) per day
• For a 7-day trip: At least SEK 3,150 (INR 23,100)
• For a 15-day trip: At least SEK 6,750 (INR 49,500)
• For a 30-day trip: At least SEK 13,500 (INR 99,000)

Provide bank statements for the last 3-6 months, along with other financial documents like ITRs, payslips, or FDs to prove your economic status.

Suggested Read: Sweden Visa Photo Requirements for Indian

Insufficient Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for a Sweden Schengen visa. Your policy must meet these criteria:

• Minimum coverage: €30,000 (around SEK 320,000 or INR 23.5 lakhs)
• Coverage: All medical expenses, including repatriation, emergency hospital treatment, and prescription medicines
• Validity: The entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area
• 26 Schengen countries: Must be valid in all member states

Submit a copy of your travel insurance certificate with your visa application. Get Schengen-compliant insurance from a trusted provider.

Overstaying a Previous Visa

If you’ve overstayed a Schengen visa before, Sweden authorities will view your application with suspicion. Consequences may include:

• Fines: €500 to €10,000 based on overstay duration
• Deportation: Immediate expulsion from the Schengen Area
• Entry bans: 6 months to 5 years or longer, depending on the case
• Permanent record: Negatively impacts future Schengen visa applications
• Legal action: Potential imprisonment in severe cases

When applying for a Sweden visa after a previous overstay, explain the reasons for your past violation, prove your intention to comply with visa rules, and provide stronger ties to India.

Incomplete Documentation

Failing to provide all required documents is a common reason for an increase in Sweden visa rejection rate for Indians. Your checklist should include:

Mandatory Documents

• Valid passport with 2 blank pages, valid for 3 months beyond the return date
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Two recent passport-size photographs (35x45mm) with a white background
• Cover letter stating purpose of visit, itinerary, and applicant details
• Proof of accommodation for full stay (hotel bookings, rental agreement, host invitation)
• Confirmed roundtrip flight reservations
• Overseas travel insurance with a minimum €30,000 coverage
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, income tax returns, etc.)

Supporting Documents

• Employment contract or proof of enrollment for students
• Invitation letter from family/friends in Sweden if applicable
• Previous passports showing travel history
• Proof of civil status (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)

Double-check that you have all the documents before submitting your application. Provide original copies and photocopies as specified by the embassy.

False Information on Visa Applications

Providing incorrect or misleading information on your Sweden visa application is grounds for immediate rejection. This includes:

• Fake documents like bank statements, employment letters, or hotel bookings
• Incorrect personal details like name, nationality, or marital status
• Lies about the purpose of travel, itinerary, or host details in Sweden
• Forged signatures or fraudulent photographs

Sweden authorities can verify your details electronically. Misrepresentation not only leads to visa rejection but also a permanent ban or even legal action.

Records in the Destination Country

If you have a history of violations in Sweden or the Schengen Area, it can negatively affect your visa chances. This covers:

• Overstaying visas or working illegally on a tourist visa
• Violations of public policy, internal security, or international relations
• Presenting false documents or misrepresenting the purpose of the stay
• Failure to depart Sweden before visa expiry in the past

Sweden keeps detailed records of visitor movements in the Schengen Information System (SIS). Any red flags can lead to Sweden visitor visa refusal, fines, deportation, or blacklisting.

Sweden Visa Rejection Refund Policy

The Sweden tourist visa fee is non-refundable in most cases, even if your application is denied.

However, you may be eligible for a partial refund of certain service charges like courier fees. Contact VFS Global or the embassy for more details.

What Should You Do After Sweden Visa Rejection?

Many people ask “If my Sweden visa is rejected when can I apply again?” If your Sweden visa is rejected, you have two options:

• Appeal the decision within 30 days if you feel it was unjustified. Provide additional documents to address the rejection reasons.
• Reapply with a fresh application, correcting any errors or omissions that led to the previous rejection. This is advisable if you need to travel soon.

Guide to Appealing Your Sweden Visa Rejection

If you choose to appeal a Sweden visa rejection, follow these steps:

• Submit an appeal request to the embassy within 30 days of receiving the refusal.
• Clearly explain why you believe the rejection was incorrect, with supporting proof.
• Provide any missing documents or additional evidence to strengthen your case.
• Pay the relevant appeal fees as specified by the embassy.
• Wait for the results of your appeal; processing can take 1-2 months.

How to File a New Application After Sweden Visa Rejection

To reapply for a Sweden visa after a rejection:

• Carefully review the reasons for refusal in the rejection letter.
• Address each point with an explanation or additional documents.
• Fill a new application form with updated information and signatures.
• Pay the visa fee again; there are no discounts for re-applications.
• Submit your application at the embassy or an authorized visa center.

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FAQs

1. What are the common reasons for Sweden visa rejection for Indians?

Common Sweden visa rejection reasons for Indians include incomplete application forms, insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, lack of strong ties to India, previous visa violations, and inconsistencies in submitted documents.

2. Does a previous Sweden visa rejection affect future applications for Indians?

Yes, a prior Sweden visa rejection can impact future applications. The details of the refusal are recorded in the Schengen Information System (SIS).

3. Can I reapply after a Sweden visa rejection?

Yes, you can reapply for a Sweden visa after a rejection. However, it’s important to carefully review the reasons stated in the refusal letter and address them in your new application.

4. How long should I wait to reapply after your Sweden visa rejection?

There is no mandatory waiting period to reapply after a Sweden visa rejection. However, it’s advisable to take sufficient time to gather additional documents, rectify any errors, and ensure your application is stronger before applying again.

5. Is there a Sweden visa appeal process?

Yes, you can appeal a Sweden visa rejection decision within 30 days of receiving the refusal letter. The appeal should be submitted to the embassy or consulate that made the decision, along with a letter explaining your reasons and any additional supporting documents.

6. How much bank balance is required for a Sweden visa?

As a general rule, you should have at least SEK 450 (approx. INR 3,300) per day of your planned stay in Sweden.

7. What is the Sweden visa rejection rate for Indians?

The Sweden visa rejection rate for Indian nationals is relatively high, at around 7% in recent years. This is higher than the average rejection rate for Schengen visa applications.

8. Can I get a refund if my Sweden visa is rejected?

No, the Sweden visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. However, you may be eligible for a refund of certain service charges, like courier fees, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.

9. How can I avoid rejection of my Sweden tourist visa?

To minimize the chances of a Sweden visa rejection for Indians, ensure your application is complete, with all required documents. Show sufficient funds, a clear purpose for the visit, and strong ties to India.

10. What are the photo requirements for a Sweden visa?

Sweden visa photo requirements include a recent, color, passport-style photo with a white background, measuring 35x45mm. Your face should be clearly visible, without sunglasses, hats, or other accessories (except for religious reasons).