Step by Step Guide: How to Apply for a Passport in Sweden?

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Passport in Sweden

A Swedish passport is an essential travel document for Swedish citizens who want to travel abroad, visit family, study overseas, or travel for business. Whether you are applying for your first passport, renewing an expired document, obtaining a passport for your child, or replacing a lost or stolen passport, understanding the application process can help you prepare in advance.

The Swedish Police Authority is responsible for issuing ordinary passports in Sweden. Applicants generally need to book an appointment, attend a passport office in person, provide acceptable identification, pay the required fee, and collect the passport when it is ready. Children must also attend their appointments, and applicants under 18 require consent from their legal guardians.

This guide explains how to apply for a passport in Sweden, the documents you may need, passport fees, renewal procedures, child passport requirements, and the steps to follow if your passport is lost or you live abroad.

What Is a Swedish Passport?

A Swedish passport is an official travel document issued to Swedish citizens. It confirms the holder’s identity and Swedish citizenship and allows them to travel internationally, subject to the entry requirements of the destination country.

Passport applications within Sweden are handled by the Swedish Police Authority. Swedish embassies and certain consular offices also provide passport services to eligible Swedish citizens living abroad.

A Swedish passport is different from a residence permit. Living, working, studying, or being registered as a resident in Sweden does not automatically qualify someone for a Swedish passport. Applicants must be Swedish citizens to obtain an ordinary Swedish citizen’s passport.

Before travelling, check the passport validity requirements of your destination. Some countries require a passport to remain valid for a certain period beyond the planned arrival or departure date.

Who Is Eligible for a Swedish Passport?

Swedish citizens can apply for a passport if they meet the relevant identification and application requirements. The process may vary depending on the applicant’s age, personal circumstances, and whether the application is submitted in Sweden or abroad.

You may need to apply for a Swedish passport if you are:

• A Swedish citizen applying for your first passport.
• An adult whose passport has expired or is approaching its expiry date.
• A parent or legal guardian applying for a passport for a child.
• A Swedish citizen whose passport has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
• A Swedish citizen living abroad who needs a new passport.

Non-Swedish citizens cannot obtain an ordinary Swedish passport simply by living in Sweden. Depending on their circumstances, eligible individuals may need to contact the Swedish Migration Agency about alternative travel documents.

Documents Required for a Swedish Passport Application

Preparing the correct documents before your appointment can help make the application process smoother.

1. Valid Physical Identification

Applicants must present an accepted physical identity document. Depending on the circumstances, this may include a Swedish passport, national identity card, driving licence, or another form of identification accepted by the Police Authority.

A digital identity document displayed through an app should not be assumed to satisfy the identification requirement. Check the official instructions if you do not have an accepted physical document.

If you cannot provide suitable identification, contact the Police Authority in advance to ask whether an approved person can attest to your identity and what conditions apply.

2. Your Existing Passport

If you already have a passport, bring it to your appointment if it is still in your possession. Follow the Police Authority’s instructions if the document is expired, damaged, lost, or stolen.

3. Consent for a Child’s Passport

Applicants under 18 require consent from all legal guardians. Parents and guardians should check the current procedure to ensure that the necessary consent and signatures are completed correctly.

4. Additional Supporting Documents

Some applicants may need to provide additional evidence to verify their identity or citizenship. This may be relevant if personal records require clarification or if the application is submitted through a Swedish embassy or consulate abroad.

Important: Requirements can vary according to individual circumstances. Always check the latest instructions from the Swedish Police Authority before attending your appointment.

How to Apply for a Passport in Sweden: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to understand the usual process for applying for an ordinary Swedish passport within Sweden.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

First, confirm that you are a Swedish citizen. An ordinary Swedish passport is issued to Swedish citizens rather than everyone who lives, works, or studies in the country.

If you have recently become a Swedish citizen or believe your citizenship information may require clarification, contact the relevant authority to determine whether additional evidence is needed.

Step 2: Check Your Existing Passport

If you already have a passport, check its expiry date and physical condition. If you plan to travel internationally, avoid leaving your application until the last minute.

Review your destination’s passport validity requirements, visa rules, and entry conditions. A passport that is valid under Swedish rules may not satisfy the entry requirements of another country.

Step 3: Book a Passport Appointment

You generally need to book an appointment at a Swedish Police passport office to submit your application.

Visit the official Swedish Police Authority website and use its appointment service to find an available location and time. Appointment availability can vary, so consider checking other offices if your preferred location has no suitable appointments.

If you have a planned trip, apply well in advance to allow time for booking, processing, and collection.

Official website: https://polisen.se/en/services-and-permits/passport-and-national-id-card/

Step 4: Prepare Your Identification and Documents

Before attending, prepare your accepted physical identification and existing passport, if applicable.

If the application is for a child, review the consent requirements for all legal guardians. If you have concerns about your identity documents or citizenship records, ask the Police Authority whether additional evidence is necessary.

Do not assume that an expired identity document or a digital copy will be accepted.

Step 5: Attend the Passport Office in Person

Attend your appointment at the selected passport office. Every applicant must appear in person, including children and teenagers.

Passport office staff will check your identity and application information and guide you through the required procedures. These may include confirming personal information and measuring your height.

Follow the instructions provided by the staff throughout the appointment.

Step 6: Have Your Photograph and Fingerprints Taken

For an ordinary passport application in Sweden, the photograph is normally taken at the passport office, so you generally do not need to bring a separate passport photograph.

Fingerprints are also collected for biometric passports, subject to applicable rules and exceptions. Follow the instructions given by passport office staff.

Step 7: Check Your Personal Details

Carefully review your name and other personal information during the application process.

Errors in personal details can create difficulties when booking flights, applying for visas, or completing border checks. If you notice an error or discrepancy, raise it with the staff before the application is finalised.

Step 8: Pay the Swedish Passport Fee

The published fee for an ordinary Swedish passport is SEK 500. Payment is made during the application process, and the Police Authority’s current payment instructions should be checked before your visit.

A provisional passport has a separate fee and different eligibility conditions.

Because fees and procedures can change, verify the latest charges on the official Swedish Police Authority website before applying.

Step 9: Wait for Confirmation

Once your application has been approved, your passport is generally sent to the passport office selected for collection.

The Swedish Police Authority has stated that a passport usually takes around six working days to be ready after approval. However, the overall waiting period can be longer if appointment availability is limited or the application requires additional checks.

Follow the notification instructions provided during your application, including any available text message or email updates.

Step 10: Collect Your Passport

When your passport is ready, collect it from the designated passport office according to the instructions provided.

Collection is generally available without a separate appointment, but you should confirm the office’s opening hours and current collection arrangements before visiting.

Bring any identification or receipt required by the office. Once you receive your passport, check the printed details carefully and keep the document secure.

How Much Does a Swedish Passport Cost?

The Swedish Police Authority’s published fees include the following amounts:

These documents serve different purposes. A national identity card is not accepted as a substitute for a passport in every destination, while a provisional passport is intended for certain urgent travel situations and may not be accepted by all countries.

Always verify the current fees and requirements on the official website before applying.

How to Apply for a Swedish Passport for a Child

Swedish citizens can apply for passports for their children, but additional requirements apply to applicants under 18.

The child must attend the passport office in person. Consent from all legal guardians is required, and parents should confirm the current procedure for submitting consent before booking the appointment.

Before attending:

1. Book an appointment for the child.
2. Check the required identification and supporting information.
3. Ensure that all legal guardians provide consent according to the official procedure.
4. Bring the child to the passport office.
5. Follow the instructions for photography, fingerprints where applicable, payment, and collection.

Do not assume that one parent can complete the application without the other legal guardian’s consent. If guardianship arrangements are unusual or a guardian is unavailable, contact the Police Authority before the appointment.

How to Renew an Expired Swedish Passport

If your Swedish passport has expired or is approaching its expiry date, you can apply for a new passport through the ordinary application process.

Start by checking your passport’s expiry date and the entry requirements of any country you plan to visit. Then book an appointment, prepare your acceptable physical identification, bring your existing passport if you still have it, and attend the appointment in person.

Passport renewal is not automatic. You must meet the current identification requirements and complete the required application procedures.

If your name has changed or your identity documents contain inconsistencies, check whether additional information is needed. Applying early can help reduce the risk of travel disruption.

What to Do If Your Swedish Passport Is Lost or Stolen

If your Swedish passport is lost or stolen, report it to the Swedish Police Authority as soon as possible. A reported passport will be blocked to help prevent misuse.

Follow the police’s official instructions for reporting the loss. If you later find a passport that has already been blocked, contact the police rather than assuming that it can be used again.

You will generally need to follow the replacement application process and meet the relevant identification requirements.

If your passport is lost while you are abroad, contact the nearest Swedish embassy or consulate for guidance on obtaining a replacement or an appropriate temporary travel document.

If your departure date is approaching, explain your circumstances when contacting the relevant authority. Do not assume that a provisional passport will automatically be issued or accepted by your destination.

How to Apply for a Swedish Passport While Living Abroad

Swedish citizens living outside Sweden may be able to apply for a passport through a Swedish embassy or consulate that provides passport services.

Applicants must establish their identity and Swedish citizenship. Depending on their circumstances, they may be asked to provide additional documents or information.

Before visiting an embassy or consulate:

• Confirm that the office provides passport services.
• Check the appointment procedure and current fees.
• Review the required identity and citizenship documents.
• Ask whether additional supporting records are necessary.
• Confirm the estimated processing time and collection arrangements.

Procedures, fees, and appointment availability may differ from those at Swedish Police passport offices. Contact the relevant Swedish mission directly for guidance specific to your situation.

What Is a Provisional Swedish Passport?

A provisional Swedish passport is intended for certain urgent travel situations. It is not simply a faster version of an ordinary passport available to every applicant.

You may need to explain why the travel is urgent and meet the applicable eligibility conditions. Not every passport office provides provisional passports, so check where and how you can apply.

Before travelling, confirm that your destination and any transit countries accept the document. Do not assume that a provisional passport will be accepted everywhere or that it will have the same validity conditions as an ordinary passport.

Case Studies: Common Swedish Passport Application Situations

The following examples are illustrative scenarios. They are not real individual cases and do not guarantee a particular outcome.

Case Study 1: Applying for a First Swedish Passport

Situation: Alex is a Swedish citizen who has never held a passport and plans to travel abroad for a holiday.

Approach: Alex reviews the official identification requirements, books an appointment, and brings an accepted physical identity document. At the passport office, Alex completes the required procedures, has a photograph and fingerprints taken as applicable, pays the fee, and waits for confirmation.

Lesson: Preparing the right documents and booking early can help avoid preventable delays.

Case Study 2: Applying for a Child’s Passport

Situation: Sara wants to obtain a passport for her 10-year-old child before a family holiday.

Approach: Sara checks the rules for applicants under 18, confirms that all legal guardian consent requirements are satisfied, books an appointment, and takes the child to the passport office.

Lesson: A child must attend the appointment, and the legal guardian consent requirements must be followed carefully.

Case Study 3: Replacing a Lost Passport Before Travel

Situation: Erik cannot find his passport shortly before an overseas trip.

Approach: Erik reports the missing passport to the police and asks about the replacement procedure. Because his departure date is close, he also checks whether he may qualify for a provisional passport and confirms whether the destination accepts it.

Lesson: Reporting a lost passport promptly and checking official travel-document rules is safer than assuming that a replacement will be available immediately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Swedish Passport

Avoid these common errors to help make your application process smoother:

• Booking too late: Appointment availability and processing times can affect your travel plans.
• Bringing only digital identification: Check the requirements for accepted physical identification before attending.
• Forgetting your existing passport: Bring it if you still have it and follow the official instructions.
• Overlooking guardian consent: Applications for minors require consent from all legal guardians.
• Confusing different travel documents: Ordinary passports, national identity cards, and provisional passports have different uses.
• Ignoring destination requirements: Check passport validity, visa rules, and transit requirements before travelling.
• Trying to use a blocked passport: A passport reported lost or stolen should not be assumed valid if it is later found.
• Relying on outdated fees or timelines: Confirm current information with the Swedish Police Authority.

Swedish Passport Application Checklist

Before Your Appointment

• Confirm that you are a Swedish citizen.
• Check which physical identity documents are accepted.
• Book an appointment at a passport office.
• Bring your existing passport if you still have it.
• Arrange the required guardian consent for applicants under 18.
• Verify the current fee and any additional requirements.

During Your Appointment

• Attend in person.
• Follow the instructions for photography and fingerprinting.
• Check your personal information carefully.
• Pay the required fee.
• Confirm how you will receive notification when the passport is ready.

After Your Appointment

• Wait for confirmation before collecting the passport.
• Follow the collection instructions.
• Check the details printed in your passport.
• Review the entry and passport-validity requirements for your destination.

FAQs

1. How do I apply for a passport in Sweden?

Confirm your Swedish citizenship, book an appointment with the Swedish Police Authority, prepare accepted physical identification, attend in person, complete the required procedures, pay the fee, and collect your passport when it is ready.

2. How much does a Swedish passport cost?

The published fee for an ordinary Swedish passport is SEK 500. Check the official fee information before applying because charges may change.

3. Can non-Swedish citizens apply for a Swedish passport?

No. An ordinary Swedish passport is issued to Swedish citizens. Eligible non-citizens may need to explore alternative travel documents through the Swedish Migration Agency.

4. Do I need an appointment to apply for a Swedish passport?

Yes. You generally need to book an appointment at a Swedish Police passport office. Check the official booking service for available locations and times.

5. Do I need to bring a passport photograph?

For a standard application at a Swedish passport office, the photograph is normally taken at the office. Follow the current instructions provided by the Police Authority.

6. How long does it take to get a Swedish passport?

The Police Authority has stated that a passport usually takes around six working days to be ready after approval. The overall process may take longer because of appointment availability or additional checks.

7. Can I apply for a Swedish passport for my child?

Yes, if the child is a Swedish citizen. The child must attend in person, and applicants under 18 require consent from all legal guardians.

8. Can I renew my Swedish passport before it expires?

Yes. You can apply for a new passport before your existing passport expires. Applying early is recommended if you have international travel planned.

9. What should I do if my Swedish passport is lost?

Report the loss to the Swedish Police Authority as soon as possible. The passport will be blocked, and you can follow the official instructions for obtaining a replacement.

10. Can I apply for a Swedish passport from abroad?

Swedish citizens living abroad may apply through Swedish embassies or consulates that provide passport services. Requirements, fees, appointment procedures, and processing times may differ.

11. What is a provisional Swedish passport?

It is a travel document intended for certain urgent travel situations. Check the eligibility rules, issuing locations, fees, and destination-country acceptance before applying.

12. Can I collect my Swedish passport without an appointment?

Collection is generally handled without a separate appointment, but arrangements may vary. Check the opening hours and current instructions of the passport office where your passport will be collected.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Swedish passport becomes easier when you understand the requirements and prepare in advance. The main steps are to confirm your Swedish citizenship, book an appointment, bring acceptable physical identification, attend the passport office, complete the required procedures, pay the fee, and collect your passport when it is ready.

Families applying for children’s passports should pay particular attention to guardian consent. Swedish citizens living abroad and applicants replacing lost or stolen passports may need additional guidance.

Fees, appointment availability, and individual requirements can change. Always check the latest information from the Swedish Police Authority or the relevant Swedish embassy before making travel arrangements.

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