Schengen C — short-stay (90 days / 180-day period)
⚠ Visa Required — You must apply before travel
46.9%Rejection Rate
3/5Difficulty
12–21dProcessing
NGN 183,000Total (~$129)
Quick Facts
RequirementVisa Required
Visa Fee
NGN 183,000
(~$129)
Processing Time12–21 working days
Appointment Wait~3 weeks
Stay DurationUp to 90 days
Sweden Schengen visa has a moderate rejection rate (14%) for Nigerians. Stockholm is popular for business and with Nigerian diaspora.
Key Warnings
Sweden requires proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay — ensure bank statement shows adequate balance.
Ties to Nigeria must be clearly demonstrated through employment and/or property documentation.
Insider Tips
Sweden is a popular Scandinavian destination — combine with Norway (also Schengen) in one trip if visiting both.
Step-by-Step Guide
Check that Sweden is the country you should apply to
A Schengen visa is issued by one country but admits you to all 27. Apply to whichever you will spend the most nights in; if the nights are even, apply to your first point of entry. Applying to Sweden while clearly intending to spend your trip elsewhere is a common refusal ground.
Book your appointment at VFS Global Sweden - Nigeria
VFS Global Sweden - Nigeria handles these applications for Nigeria. Book online at https://www.vfsglobal.com/sweden/nigeria. Slots typically run about 3 weeks out, so book before you buy tickets. Opening hours: Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00.
Complete the Schengen application form and gather documents
You need a passport valid 3+ months beyond your return with 2 blank pages, a biometric photo, a flight itinerary (a reservation is enough — do not buy a ticket yet), accommodation for every night, 3 months of bank statements, and an employment letter, plus travel insurance covering at least €30,000. Bank statements showing a large deposit made shortly before applying are one of the most common refusal reasons — consistent income over three months matters more than the balance.
Attend the appointment, give biometrics and pay
Bring originals and photocopies. Fingerprints and a photo are taken at the centre (valid 59 months — later Schengen applications can reuse them). You pay the consular fee of ₦136,000 plus the centre's service fee of ₦41,000 — ₦177,000 in total.
Track the application and collect your passport
Processing normally takes 10–21 days, longer over the June–August peak. Track online with the reference from your receipt. The Sweden embassy (Swedish Embassy, Abuja) handles appeals and enquiries the centre cannot.
Required Documents
Valid passportMust be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date
Passport copy (all pages with stamps)
Completed Schengen visa application formMust be signed. Available at VFS Global or download from the embassy website.
Biometric passport photo (35×45mm)White background, taken within the last 6 months
Travel insurance certificateMinimum €30,000 coverage, valid for all Schengen countries. AXA, Allianz, or Europ Assistance recommended.
Flight itineraryA fare quote or itinerary reservation is acceptable — not a confirmed paid ticket
Accommodation confirmation for all nights
Bank statement (last 3 months)Minimum ₦1.5M (~€1,500) average balance. Regular salary credits required — recent lump-sum deposits are a common rejection trigger.
Employment letter on company letterheadMust confirm position, salary, and approved leave dates. Self-employed: submit CAC certificate instead.
Proof of income3 months of payslips or 2 years of audited business accounts for self-employed applicants
Recommended (Optional)
Invitation letter from Swedish hostRequired if staying with a host instead of hotel. Must be notarised by a Swedish authority.
Property ownership documentsStrongly recommended. A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Land Certificate proves ties to Nigeria and significantly reduces rejection risk.
CAC business registration certificateHighly recommended for self-employed applicants and business owners.
Tax clearance certificate (last 3 years)Issued by FIRS. Adds credibility, especially for high-income or self-employed applicants.
Why Applications Get Rejected
Sweden rejected 46.9% of applications. Avoid these mistakes:
Insufficient ties to Nigeria
Swedish consulates scrutinise Nigerian applicants' intent to return.
Fix: Include C of O, employment letter, and family documentation.
Weak financial documentation
Inconsistent bank statements or lump-sum deposits raise concerns.
Fix: 3 months of consistent bank statement credits.
46.9% rejection rate — European Commission (DG HOME) visa statistics for consulates, 2025 — all-Schengen rate for applications lodged in Nigeria (113,359 applications); Swedish authorities run no visa-issuing consulate in Nigeria
Latest Updates
2024-06
Schengen visa fee rose from EUR 80 to EUR 90
The EU raised the standard Schengen C visa fee from EUR 80 to EUR 90 on 11 June 2024 (children aged 6–12: EUR 40 to EUR 45) under the Visa Code's three-yearly review. It remains EUR 90 in 2026. VFS service fees are charged separately and vary by centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Norway with a Swedish Schengen visa?
Yes. Sweden and Norway are both in Schengen. A Swedish Schengen visa lets you freely travel to Norway and any other Schengen country. If your primary destination is Norway, apply through Norway instead.
Can I visit multiple Scandinavian countries with one Schengen visa?
Yes. Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland are all Schengen members. One Schengen visa covers all of them. Apply through the country where you'll spend the most nights.
Sweden visa cost in Naira?
€80 (~₦136,000) plus VFS service fee (~₦41,000) = approximately ₦177,000.
How do Nigerians book a Sweden visa appointment?
Applications are handled by VFS Global Sweden - Nigeria in Lagos. Appointments are booked online at https://www.vfsglobal.com/sweden/nigeria — walk-ins are not accepted. Slots run roughly 3 weeks ahead, so secure the appointment before booking flights. Biometrics are taken at the appointment itself.
What does a Sweden visa actually cost from Nigeria?
₦177,000 in total — the consular fee plus the application centre's service fee. Most sources quote only the consular fee, which is why the amount at the counter comes as a surprise. Budget separately for travel insurance and for getting to the centre.