Best Business Visa Lawyers in Borgholm

About Business Visa Law in Borgholm, Sweden

A Swedish Business Visa is typically a Schengen short-stay visa that allows non-EU and non-EEA nationals who are visa-required to visit Sweden for business purposes for up to 90 days within any 180 day period. Business purposes include attending meetings, negotiations, conferences, trade fairs, and short non-productive training, usually without performing hands-on work for a Swedish employer.

Borgholm is a municipality on the island of Öland, but visa rules are national and EU based. Whether your meetings are in Borgholm, Stockholm, or any other Swedish city, the same Schengen and Swedish immigration rules apply. Applications are usually filed in your country of residence at a Swedish embassy, consulate, or an external service provider authorized to collect applications.

If your planned activity in Sweden involves productive work, even for a short period, you may need a work permit rather than a business visa. If you intend to run or acquire a business in Sweden on a long-term basis, you would generally need a residence permit for self-employed or another appropriate residence and work permit, not a short-stay visa.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Visa rules are technical, and the line between permitted business activity and work that requires a permit can be narrow. A lawyer can help assess your itinerary and documents so that your application matches the correct legal pathway.

Common situations where legal help is valuable include prior visa refusals or overstays in Schengen, complex travel histories that make the 90 day in 180 day rule difficult to calculate, criminal record or prior immigration violations, plans that include both meetings and short-term hands-on tasks, frequent travel requiring a multiple-entry visa, and questions about when a work permit or self-employed residence permit is required instead of a business visa.

Swedish companies in Borgholm that wish to invite foreign partners may also benefit from legal guidance on drafting invitation letters, documenting financial responsibility, and ensuring that corporate and tax details are presented in line with Swedish Migration Agency expectations. If a visa is refused, a lawyer can advise on appeal strategy and deadlines.

Local Laws Overview

Schengen short-stay visas are governed by EU rules, primarily the Visa Code and the Schengen Borders Code, alongside Swedish national law such as the Aliens Act and Aliens Ordinance. Key points that matter for business visitors to Borgholm are summarized below.

Eligibility and purpose. A business visa covers visits for meetings, negotiations, conferences, or similar non-productive activities. Productive work for or within a Swedish company generally requires a work permit, even if it lasts fewer than 90 days, unless a specific work-permit exemption applies. Exemptions are narrowly defined and depend on the activity, duration, and employment relationship.

Duration and counting days. The business visa is a short-stay C visa allowing a total stay of up to 90 days in any rolling 180 day period across the entire Schengen Area. You must track all Schengen days, not only Swedish days. The 180 day window is counted backward from each day of presence.

Documents. Typical evidence includes a valid passport issued within the last 10 years with at least two blank pages and valid for at least three months after planned departure, an invitation letter from the Swedish host company stating purpose, dates, location in Sweden, and who covers costs, proof of funds and accommodation, round-trip travel reservation, travel medical insurance with coverage of at least 30,000 euros valid for all Schengen states, and proof of ties to your home country. Requirements can vary by nationality and individual case.

Biometrics and processing. Fingerprints and a photo are normally collected and stored in the Visa Information System for up to 59 months. Standard processing under the Visa Code is up to 15 calendar days from the date the application is considered complete, which can be extended in individual cases. Apply early, especially before busy travel seasons.

Multiple entries and validity. Frequent travelers with a proven need and positive visa history may receive a multiple-entry visa with longer validity, but the 90 in 180 day rule still applies.

Visa-exempt nationals. Nationals of certain countries do not need a visa for short stays. However, visa exemption does not exempt you from work permit requirements if you will perform productive work while in Sweden.

Extensions in Sweden. Extending a Schengen business visa in Sweden is only possible in exceptional situations such as force majeure, humanitarian reasons, or serious personal reasons. Routine business needs rarely qualify.

Appeals. If a Swedish mission refuses your visa, you typically have a short deadline to appeal. Appeals are filed via the authority that issued the decision and are reviewed under Swedish administrative procedures.

Other permits. For longer business activities, paid employment in Sweden, intra-corporate transfers, or operating a Swedish business, different permits are required. Options include a standard work permit with an offer of employment meeting Swedish terms, an EU Blue Card for highly qualified work, an ICT permit for transfers within multinational groups, or a residence permit for self-employed entrepreneurs who can show viable plans, relevant experience, ownership and control, and sufficient funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as business activity on a Swedish business visa?

Acceptable activities include attending meetings, negotiations, conferences, trade fairs, and fact-finding visits. Activities must be non-productive and not involve performing hands-on work for a Swedish entity. If you will actually work, even briefly, you likely need a work permit or must fit a specific work-permit exemption.

Do I apply for a business visa in Borgholm or elsewhere?

You apply in your country of residence at a Swedish embassy or consulate, or via an authorized visa application center. You do not apply in Borgholm. The visa covers entry to all Schengen states including Sweden, but your main destination should be Sweden if you choose Sweden as the issuing country.

How long can I stay in Sweden on a business visa?

You can stay up to 90 days in any 180 day period in the Schengen Area. The 90 day cap is total for all Schengen countries combined. You must calculate stays using the rolling 180 day window.

What documents should my Swedish host in Borgholm provide?

Your host should provide an invitation letter on company letterhead with contact details and Swedish corporate ID number, stating the purpose of the visit, dates, locations, and who will cover expenses and accommodation. Supporting documents can include a copy of the host company registration, meeting agenda, and proof of business relationship.

Do I need travel medical insurance?

Visa-required nationals must show insurance covering at least 30,000 euros for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid for all Schengen states for the entire stay. Visa-exempt travelers are not legally required to have it but it is strongly recommended.

Can I work in Sweden on a business visa?

No. A business visa permits non-productive business activities only. If you will perform productive work or services in Sweden, you typically need a work permit unless a specific legal exemption applies.

Can I bring my family with me?

There is no dependent status on a business visa. Each accompanying family member who is visa-required must submit their own application and provide their own justification for travel. Family members who are visa-exempt must still meet Schengen entry conditions.

Can I switch from a business visa to a work permit while in Sweden?

As a general rule, you cannot switch from a short-stay C visa to a residence or work permit inside Sweden. Most applicants must leave and apply from abroad unless a limited exception applies under Swedish law.

What if my visa application is refused?

The refusal letter explains the reasons and how to appeal. You usually have a short deadline to appeal in writing via the authority that made the decision. A well prepared appeal can address specific refusal grounds with targeted evidence.

How much does a Swedish business visa cost and how long does it take?

The standard Schengen visa fee is commonly 80 euros for adults and 40 euros for children aged 6 to 11, with some nationalities subject to different fees. Processing is typically up to 15 calendar days after a complete application is lodged, but it can take longer in busy periods or complex cases. Apply well in advance of travel.

Additional Resources

Swedish Migration Agency Migrationsverket for rules on visas, work permits, and residence permits, including self-employed requirements and work-permit exemptions.

Swedish embassies and consulates for application filing, interviews, and decisions on Schengen business visas.

Swedish Police Authority for information related to passports and certain identity procedures.

Swedish Tax Agency Skatteverket for coordination numbers and tax registration issues that may arise for longer stays or for companies inviting foreign visitors.

Bolagsverket the Swedish Companies Registration Office for company registrations and extracts that hosts may need to provide when inviting foreign business visitors.

Business Sweden and regional business promotion bodies in Kalmar County for practical support with trade fairs, meetings, and local business contacts in and around Borgholm.

Kalmar County Administrative Board Länsstyrelsen i Kalmar län for regional regulatory guidance that can affect business activities beyond short visits.

Next Steps

Clarify your purpose and activities in Sweden. If you are only attending meetings or similar non-productive events in Borgholm, a business visa or visa-free entry may be appropriate. If you will perform work or intend to run a business, speak with a lawyer about the correct permit.

Assess timing and eligibility. Check your travel history against the 90 day in 180 day rule. Confirm that your passport validity, insurance, and documentation meet Schengen requirements. Plan to apply well before your trip.

Coordinate with your Swedish host. Ask your Borgholm host company to prepare a clear invitation letter and supporting corporate documents. Align your itinerary and evidence with the stated purpose of travel.

Prepare a complete file. Include proof of funds, accommodation, round-trip travel plans, business relationship documents, and any additional items required for your nationality. Consistency across documents is important.

Seek legal help when needed. If you have prior refusals, complex facts, or uncertainty about whether your activities require a work permit, consult an immigration lawyer experienced in Swedish and Schengen rules. If refused, act promptly within the appeal deadline.

Stay compliant after entry. Respect the conditions of stay, track your Schengen days, and avoid any work that your visa does not permit. If unforeseen events affect your plans, get legal advice before overstaying or changing activities.