This comprehensive guide outlines the essential steps for expats moving to Sweden. From obtaining the necessary residence permits to securing accommodations, registering with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) for a “personnummer,” and opening a bank account, the post walks readers through key tasks they must complete upon arrival. It also covers applying for a Swedish ID card, setting up a digital identity (BankID), exploring social insurance benefits, and accessing healthcare services. Additional tips include registering with the Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen), learning the Swedish language, attending civic orientation courses, and understanding the validity of your home country’s driving license in Sweden.
Table of Contents
1. How to Apply for a Swedish Residence Permit if You’re a Non-EU Citizen (Visa)
If you’re moving to Sweden from a non-EU country, obtaining a legal residence permit is essential. The first step in this process is to apply for the appropriate residence permit based on your current country of residence, the purpose of your stay (whether for business, work, or study), and the length of time you plan to stay in Sweden.
Sweden’s Migration Agency, known as Migrationverket, is responsible for issuing these permits and can guide you through the application process. If you already have a residence permit for study, work, or business before arriving in Sweden, that’s great. However, it’s still important to familiarize yourself with the nearest Migrationverket office. You might need to visit this office for various purposes, including applying for a new permit or renewing an existing one.
For detailed information on residence permits and to find your local Migrationverket office or embassy to Sweden , visit the official Migrationverket website. Ensuring you have the right permit will help you transition smoothly to your new life in Sweden.
2. How to find accommodation in Sweden?
Congratulations on securing your residence permit! The next step is to find suitable accommodation. Securing rental housing in major Swedish cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Lund can be challenging due to high demand and supply ratio. This issue affects not only new expats but also the general population.
For Students: Many Swedish universities offer accommodation for international students. Be sure to check with your university to see if they can assist with finding a place to stay.
For Singles: If you’re single, landlords may offer you the option to share an apartment.
For Asylum Seekers: If you’re seeking asylum, you can stay in refugee camps. For more information, visit the Migrationverket website.
Long-Term Rentals: You can also look for rental apartments through housing agencies or municipal housing queues. Keep in mind that these queues can have long waiting times, potentially up to five years. However, getting a rental through these queues often results in lower rent compared to the market rate. Additionally, you might have the option to sublet the apartment, subject to the terms and conditions of the respective commune or housing company.
Short-Term Accommodation: Before your permanent move, it’s wise to start exploring accommodation options early. For short-term stays, consider service apartments or hotel rooms. Here are a few providers to help with temporary housing:
Starting your search early can ease the transition and help you secure a place that meets your needs. You explore a detailed guide on finding accommodation here
3. Registration with Skatteverket to get Personnummer (Social Security Number)
What is Skatteverket and Why It Matters for Your Move to Sweden?
Skatteverket is the Swedish Tax Agency responsible for managing civil registration, collecting taxes, and overseeing various aspects of personal and corporate tax obligations in Sweden. This includes personal income tax, corporate tax, VAT, and excise tax.
Why Register with Skatteverket?
It’s crucial to register with Skatteverket as soon as you move to Sweden. Registering ensures you are entered into the system for tax collection, personal identification, marital status updates, mailing address management, and insurance purposes.
What is a Personnummer?
After successful registration, you will receive a unique identification number known as ‘personnummer’ (similar to AADHAR in India or NIS in the UK). The personnummer serves as your legal identity in Sweden and is essential for all official matters, including health system registration, opening a bank account, and other formalities.
Bonus Tip:
Note that to obtain a personnummer, you generally need to have a residence permit valid for more than one year from your arrival date in Sweden. If your permit is shorter, you will be issued a tax coordination number instead. This number allows you to handle official matters and communicate with government and public agencies. For the latest information on personnummer and tax coordination numbers, visit the official Skatteverket website.
4. Get a Swedish ID Card (Identitetskort or ID-kort)
How to Obtain Your National Identity Card in Sweden?
Congratulations on receiving your personnummer! This unique identification number marks your official status in Sweden. The next important step is to apply for a national identity card.
Why Get a National ID Card?
While a national ID card is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. This card serves as a convenient and widely accepted form of identification throughout Sweden. It can be used in place of your passport for many daily activities. For example, you can use your national ID card to:
- Pick up parcels from the post office
- Purchase age-restricted items
- Collect prescribed medications at the pharmacy
How to Apply:
To apply for a national identity card, visit your nearest Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) office. The application process is straightforward, and having the ID card will simplify various aspects of your daily life in Sweden, offering an additional, recognized form of identification beyond your passport.
5. Open a bank account
Sweden’s Cashless Trend
Sweden is rapidly moving towards a cashless society, with a significant year-on-year decline in cash transactions. During my five-year stay, I’ve found that cash usage is minimal—it’s been months since I last carried currency notes or coins! This shift highlights the crucial role of banking and digital financial products in managing day-to-day transactions.
How to Open a Bank Account in Sweden
Opening a bank account in Sweden is straightforward. To get started, you’ll need your passport, personnummer, and Swedish ID card and other supportive documents based on your case. Schedule an appointment with any bank to apply for an account. During your visit, the bank will assist you in setting up mobile banking and other essential digital services, including BankID for secure digital identification and Swish for mobile payments.
List of some well-known banks
Tip: Be sure to book your appointment in advance to ensure a smooth process.
6. Get BankId (Digital Identiry/E-ID) / E-legitamation Id
What is E-Identification and How BankID Works in Sweden?
E-identification, or digital ID-card, is an essential tool for securely proving your identity online. This digital ID allows you to authenticate yourself on websites and apps without the need for physical documents. In Sweden, several types of e-IDs are available, including Freja e-ID, AB Svenska Pass, and BankID.
BankID is the most widely used e-ID in Sweden. It enables you to verify your identity for various online services, such as logging into healthcare platforms like 1177.se or electronically signing documents and transactions. Importantly, a signature made with BankID has the same legal standing as a traditional handwritten signature, ensuring the validity and security of your online interactions.
To obtain a BankID, you need a Swedish personal identity number, which is issued by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). Your bank will help you set up your BankID once you have this number. Having a BankID simplifies numerous online processes, making it a crucial component of digital life in Sweden.
7. The Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan)
Understanding Social Insurance Benefits in Sweden: A Simple Guide to Försäkringskassan
Once you’ve received your Swedish personal number and registered with Arbetsförmedlingen (the Swedish Public Employment Service), the next step is to connect with Försäkringskassan, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. They manage various social insurance benefits in Sweden.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Contact Försäkringskassan: Reach out by visiting their office, calling them, or using their official website. This will provide you with detailed information about the social insurance benefits you might be eligible for.
- Explore Available Benefits: Försäkringskassan offers several benefits, including:
- Child Allowances: Financial help for families with children.
- Parental Leave: Support for parents taking time off to care for a newborn or adopted child.
- Sickness Benefits: Assistance for those temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury.
- Other Benefits: Depending on your needs, there may be additional support for unemployment, disability, and more.
- Understand Eligibility and Apply: Försäkringskassan will guide you through the eligibility requirements and the application process. They can also help with any necessary paperwork.
By reaching out to Försäkringskassan early, you’ll be well-informed about the benefits available to you and can take full advantage of the support offered in Sweden.
8. Register with Healthcare center (Vårdcentralen)
Accessing Healthcare in Sweden: Visiting Vårdcentralen and Emergency Services
Get registered with nearest Vårdcentralen. If you need to see a doctor for non-emergency health issues, visit your nearest Vårdcentralen (healthcare center). For emergency situations, you can go to an emergency healthcare center .
For immediate medical advice, call 1177 or visit 1177.se, the Swedish national healthcare system website. They provide guidance and information on accessing healthcare services across Sweden.
9. Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen)
How Arbetsförmedlingen Can Help You Find Work in Sweden
Arbetsförmedlingen offers valuable support to prepare you for the Swedish job market through tailored training programs and activities. They start by assessing your skills and work experience, then recommend specific training programs or internships to enhance your employability. If you qualify, Arbetsförmedlingen can also assist you with applying for benefits and allowances from Försäkringskassan.
To get started, visit your nearest Arbetsförmedlingen office with your residence permit decision letter from Migrationverket. Registering with Arbetsförmedlingen is a key step if you’re seeking employment in Sweden.
10. Learn Swedish Language
The Importance of Learning Swedish for Living and Working in Sweden
While English is widely spoken in major Swedish cities, learning Swedish is highly recommended to better understand Swedish society, work life, and enhance job opportunities. To get started, consider enrolling in the Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) program, and you may advance to more specialized courses as you progress. For additional options, explore Swedish language courses for beginners available at Folkuniversitetet.
11. Civic Orientation Courses
Understanding Swedish Society Through Civic Orientation Courses
Civic orientation courses are designed to help you learn about Swedish society and ease your integration into the community. These courses are free and primarily available to individuals who have recently received a residence permit in Sweden.
For more information on how to participate in civic orientation courses, contact the municipality where you reside. Explore civic orientation course for Solna municipality for example.
12. Driving License
Validity of Foreign Driving Licenses in Sweden: What You Need to Know
If you possess a driving license from your home country, it might be valid for use in Sweden, depending on the country where it was issued. The recognition of foreign driving licenses in Sweden is subject to international agreements and regulations.
To confirm whether your driving license is valid in Sweden, you should contact the Swedish Transport Agency. They can provide detailed information on the acceptance of your license and any additional steps you may need to take for driving legally in Sweden.
You can get more details about how to get Swedish car driving license here
13. Education in Sweden
Sweden Education System and Admission Process: A Brief Overview
Sweden offers a robust, student-centered education system that is highly regarded for its emphasis on creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. The education system is divided into several stages:
- Pre-primary (Forskola): For children aged 1-5, this play-based learning program focuses on social and cognitive development. Enrollment is optional but common, with applications handled through the local municipality.
- Compulsory School (Grundskola): Education is mandatory for children aged 6 to 16, covering grades 1-9. The curriculum includes core subjects like math, science, and languages, and schools prioritize developing independent thinkers through group projects and student-centered teaching methods.
- Upper Secondary School (Gymnasium): After grade 9, students enter Gymnasium, where they choose between academic and vocational programs. This three-year phase prepares students for either higher education or direct entry into the workforce.
- Higher Education: Sweden’s universities, such as Lund University and Stockholm University, offer globally recognized programs, many of which are taught in English, attracting international students. The application process for universities is handled via Universityadmissions.se, with major deadlines in January and August.
Admission Process for Schools
- Public Schools: Managed by local municipalities, parents must apply via online portals such as Stockholmstad for public or bilingual schools. Enrollment is typically based on proximity and available space.
- International Schools: Expats can apply directly to international schools, like ISSR, Futura international Skolan, Stockholm International School and British International School of Stockholm, which offer English-medium and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Most of the IB schools are free in Sweden. These schools are highly sought after, so early application is recommended.
- Pre-primary (Forskola): Parents apply through local municipalities for Forskola, Stockholmstad for instance, choosing preferred schools. Confirmation is generally received within weeks.
Sweden’s education system is designed to be accessible and inclusive, offering free education through public schools and extensive support for non-Swedish speakers. With a focus on fostering well-rounded, independent learners, it provides a welcoming environment for expat families and students.