In a significant development for Pakistani citizens and legal residents, the Swedish Migration Agency has officially announced the resumption of visa services in Pakistan, starting from April 9, 2025. This move marks a major step forward for individuals seeking residence, work, or family reunification permits in Sweden.
✅ Key Update from the Swedish Migration Agency
After months of limited access to visa-related services, applicants in Pakistan will now be able to submit biometric data, verify passports, and attend mandatory interviews directly at the Swedish Embassy in Islamabad. This decision eliminates the previous requirement of traveling to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for these essential steps — a process that was costly, time-consuming, and stressful for many applicants.
]📌 Who Is Affected by This Change?
The following categories of applicants can now proceed with their immigration steps within Pakistan:
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Individuals applying for residence permits
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Professionals and skilled workers applying for work permits
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Students admitted to Swedish institutions applying for study permits
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People applying under family reunification to join relatives in Sweden
If you have already received instructions from the Swedish Migration Agency to complete biometrics, passport verification, or interviews, you may now book an appointment at the embassy in Islamabad starting from the announced date.
❌ What Is Not Covered?
It’s important to note that this resumption does not apply to short-term Schengen visa applications. If you are planning to visit Sweden for up to 90 days — such as for tourism, business meetings, or short family visits — you must continue applying through VFS Global offices located in:
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Bangkok
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Jakarta
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Kuala Lumpur
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Manila
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These applications will still be processed by the Swedish Embassy in Bangkok, as Pakistan is not yet included in the list of countries for local Schengen visa handling.
🕵️♂️ What’s Next for Short-Term Visa Applicants?
The Swedish Migration Agency has acknowledged the demand for local processing of Schengen visas and is actively assessing the possibility of restoring these services within Pakistan. Any updates or decisions will be officially communicated in the coming weeks.
🌍 Why This Matters
This policy update is a huge relief for thousands of Pakistanis who previously faced logistical challenges in completing visa formalities. By resuming operations locally, Sweden is not only making the process more efficient but also reinforcing its commitment to strengthening ties with Pakistan.
✈️ Final Thoughts
With this announcement, residents and citizens of Pakistan can now complete critical immigration steps without leaving the country, making it easier to start new lives, studies, or careers in Sweden. All applicants are advised to follow updates from the official website of the Swedish Migration Agency and the Swedish Embassy in Islamabad to stay informed about appointment slots and procedural guidelines.
📌 Stay tuned for more updates on visa services, immigration news, and international travel policies.
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