MOVE TO VÄRMLAND
Do you dream of a life in Sweden? With our high quality of life, fantastic nature, and innovative job market, Sweden is an attractive destination for many Europeans. Here are ten important steps to make your move here as easy as possible.
1. Get a residence permit or work permit
EU citizens have the right to live and work in Sweden, but some professions require a permit. Sweden’s Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) handles issues relating to immigration, visas, permits and citizenship.
2. Register with the Swedish Tax Agency
The most important requirement for anyone moving to Sweden is to register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). Register when you arrive to get a Swedish personal identity number. Your legal identity in Sweden hinges on this key number and it is used for everyday official tasks such as opening up bank accounts and getting paid by your employer.
3. Find housing
The housing market is competitive. Start looking early and consider smaller towns as well. If you are considering buying a house or an apartment, one of the biggest websites in the housing market is Hemnet (in swedish). If you wish to rent your place, many municipalities have a housing company you can turn to. There are also several private housing companies. Search online or contact the municipalities directly.
4. Get a Swedish ID
When you’ve got your personal identity number, obtaining a Swedish identity card (identitetskort or ID-kort) is the next step.
A Swedish ID card is your primary form of identification around the country. It is used for opening bank accounts, using credit cards, picking up packages from the post office, at doctor's appointments and much more.
5. Open a bank account
To receive your salary and pay bills, you need a Swedish bank account. Banks usually require an ID card and proof of employment.
Also, make sure to download the BankID app onto a smartphone and order a BankID from the Swedish bank you've chosen. The BankID is pretty much crucial to getting by in Sweden as plenty of online identification is built around it.
6. Get a job or start a business
Sweden has a strong job market, especially in tech, health, and sustainability. LinkedIn and the Swedish Public Employment Agency (Arbetsförmedlingen) can be good resources.
Verksamt.se is a useful website if you want to start a business in Sweden.
7. Arrange daycare or school
If you are moving with your family, contact the municipality to get a place in school or daycare for your children.
8. Learn Swedish
Swedish is not a requirement, but a basic understanding of the language will make it easier for you to be a part of the Swedish society. SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) is a free course arranged by the government. You can sign up for it as soon as you have a Swedish personal identity number.
9. Pay taxes in Sweden
Sweden has a social welfare system based on taxes. The Swedish Tax Agency is responsible for collecting taxes, which vary upon income. If you’re employed by a company, taxes are automatically deducted from your salary every month. The Swedish Tax Agency has an overview in English.
For the self-employed, the tax structure is slightly more complicated. The Tax Agency has more information on taxes for businesses.
Read more about Swedish social insurance at Försäkringskassan – the Swedish Social Insurance Agency.
10. Get a Swedish driving licence
EU driver's licenses are valid in Sweden, but if you come from a country outside the EU/EEA, you may need to exchange it after one year. For that, you contact the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen).
Also remember to familiarise yourself with Swedish road rules, signs and parking regulations.
For more information about moving to Sweden, visit:
sweden.se/work-business/moving-to-sweden
Source of information on this page: sweden.se