Background & Purpose

To enhance security and control within the European Union, the shared system for sharing visa information needs to cover national long-term visas and residence permits as well.

The Decision

The Swedish parliament approved the legal changes, ensuring that Sweden connects fully to the updated EU visa system.

Does this affect you?

  • Visa applicants from outside EU: Must submit fingerprints and photographs when applying for national visas and residence permits.
  • Law enforcement authorities: Gain improved access to the central information system to conduct better security checks.
  • Immigration authorities: Must handle and register new types of biometric data and permit information in the shared EU system.

In Practice

  • People from outside the EU/EEA must clearly follow rules on when to submit fingerprints and photographs.
  • A mandatory requirement to leave fingerprints and be photographed is introduced when applying for a national visa.
  • Law enforcement authorities gain improved access to the information system for security checks.
  • Data regarding long-term visas and residence permits will now be included in the shared EU database.