The Swedish Migration Agency recently took a major step forward in modernising its visa application process. After a successful pilot scheme in 2024, Sweden is now rolling out digital passport checks to citizens of 74 visa-free countries, covering applicants for both work and study permits.
No More Embassy Visits for Many Travellers
Until recently, anyone applying for a residence permit had to show their passport in person at an embassy or consulate. This often led to long waits, few appointment slots, and sometimes required international travel for those who didn’t have a consular post nearby.
Now, for eligible applicants, the process can be done entirely online. Instead of booking an appointment, travellers receive a personal link to the Digital Passport Check service, where they can securely submit their passport data from home.
Who Can Use Digital Passport Control?
The digital passport control system currently covers:
- Applicants from 74 visa-exempt countries or territories
- People applying online for a work or student residence permit
- Applicants holding an e-passport with a biometric chip
If you meet these conditions, you will be offered the option of a digital check automatically during the application process.
What You Need to Complete the Process
To use the digital service, applicants need a few things in place:
- A personal link emailed by the Swedish Migration Agency
- A valid e-passport (with the chip symbol on the cover)
- A smartphone or tablet
- The Freja app, which acts as a secure e-identification tool approved in Sweden
The Freja app allows applicants to scan their passports and transfer the required information digitally to the Migration Agency.
Countries Now Eligible
The expansion of Digital Passport Control includes passport holders from various regions, including Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Oceania. Here is the complete list of all 74 countries and territories that are eligible for digital passport control:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Bermuda
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominica
- East Timor
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- USA
- Vatican City
In total, travellers from 74 visa-free states and territories are now able to use digital passport verification, saving many from the hassle of visiting consulates in person.
The Bigger Picture
For Sweden, this isn’t just a convenience. It’s part of a larger digital transformation aimed at accelerating the migration process, making it more efficient, and reducing reliance on consular delays.
If the system continues to function well, it may serve as a model for other European countries seeking to update their visa and permit processes.
What This Means for Applicants
If you’re planning to study or work in Sweden, this new system could save you weeks of waiting and an expensive trip to the nearest consulate. It’s a small but significant change that makes the permit process more straightforward for international students and professionals.
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