Moving to Sweden
Step-by-step Immigration Guide

Sweden, known for its breathtaking scenery, friendly people, and high living standards, is a top immigration destination in Europe, attracting approximately 100,000 expats every year. While the prospect of moving to this beautiful Scandinavian country is exciting, the process can be a bit challenging for newcomers. This guide provides a step-by-step overview of what you need to know and do when planning your move to Sweden.

Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you plan your move to Sweden:

Find a Job and Obtain a Residence Permit

Your first step is securing a job in Sweden, as employment is often a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit. Identify the type of residence permit you need, whether it's for work, family reunion, or study purposes. Apply for a residence permit through the Swedish Migration Agency's website. Ensure that your employment or qualifications meet the agency's requirements for your chosen permit category.

Find a Home

Begin your search for accommodation as early as possible, as rental apartments in many Swedish cities are in high demand. Consider looking for an apartment before your move, especially in cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Malmo, where housing can be scarce. Explore both "first-hand" rentals (direct agreements with property owners) and "second-hand" rentals (subletting from current tenants). Many Swedish websites list second-hand rentals.

Open a Bank Account

After you've registered and obtained your ID card in Sweden, proceed to open a bank account. Most Swedish banks require you to present an ID card, a Swedish personal identity number, and a valid passport when opening an account. Your chosen bank will provide you with credit/debit cards and other essential banking services. Consider downloading the BankID app to your smartphone for identification purposes and the "Swish" app to make payments using BankID.

Register with the Tax Agency

As a new resident in Sweden, you must register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). Registration is essential for tax collection, personal identification, marital status monitoring, address updates, and insurance purposes. After registering, you'll receive a unique personal identification number, known as "personnummer."

This number is crucial for accessing healthcare services, opening a bank account, making online purchases, and receiving your salary. The next step is obtaining a Swedish identity card (ID-kort), which serves as a primary form of identification within the country. You can obtain this card from the Swedish Tax Agency.

Pay Taxes

Sweden's social welfare system is funded by taxes, so you'll be required to pay taxes based on your income. If you're employed by a company, taxes are automatically deducted from your monthly salary by the Swedish Tax Agency. Self-employed individuals must calculate and pay their taxes directly to the Swedish tax authorities.

Obtain a Swedish Driving License

If you already possess a driving license, check whether it's valid in Sweden or if you need to obtain a Swedish one. Familiarize yourself with Swedish road rules, traffic signs, and parking regulations. After residing in Sweden for a year, you will be required to obtain a Swedish driving license through the Swedish Transport Administration.

Learn Swedish

Learning the Swedish language is essential if you plan to move to Sweden. While Swedish may not be the easiest language to master, starting with language lessons early is highly recommended. A basic understanding of Swedish will significantly ease your experience in Sweden and help you integrate into the local community. You can sign up for free Swedish courses offered by the government program 'Swedish for Immigrants (SFI)' after obtaining your personal identity number.

Arrange Daycare or School

If you are relocating to Sweden with children, you must explore available options for daycare or school. Get in touch with the local city council to initiate the enrollment procedure for your children. The local council will provide you with detailed information about school arrangements and educational facilities for expat children.

If you're considering relocating to Sweden with your beloved pets, be sure to adhere to the following requirements:

• Ensure your pet is appropriately ID-marked with an ISO microchip.
• Verify that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies using an approved vaccine.
• Ensure your pet has a valid passport.
• Make sure your pet enters Sweden through a customs declaration post.

If you're contemplating your future home in Sweden, here are five of the most favored destinations among expats:

• Stockholm: As Sweden's capital, Stockholm is a hub of innovation and sustainability, offering a high quality of life, abundant employment prospects, and a rich cultural tapestry for expats.
• Gothenburg: Sweden's second-largest city, Gothenburg, is renowned for its proximity to stunning natural landscapes. It provides a more cost-effective living option compared to Stockholm, coupled with excellent educational and healthcare facilities.
• Malmo: Known for its picturesque parks and friendly residents, Malmo is a multicultural city known for its affordability and expat-friendliness.
• Uppsala: This elegant city boasts top-notch housing, healthcare, and safety ratings. Uppsala is an ideal choice for expats seeking an affordable yet high-quality lifestyle. It is also characterized by its liberal atmosphere and diverse population.
• Solna: Often hailed as one of Sweden's best places to live, Solna is a dynamic city brimming with employment opportunities. Its proximity to the capital city, Stockholm, makes it an attractive option for expats.

Austria offers numerous advantages and some challenges:

If you are a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you don't need a visa to move to Sweden. Similarly, nationals from the USA, Britain, Canada, Australia, Japan, and several other countries enjoy visa-free entry. However, foreign nationals from non-EU/EEA countries must apply for a residence permit to relocate to Sweden. This permit is essential for a smooth transition.

For citizens of the EU/EEA, the process of moving to Sweden is relatively straightforward. EU/EEA citizens have the right to work, study, start a business, and live in Sweden. Upon arrival, they need to contact the Swedish Tax Agency for registration in the national register and to obtain a personal ID number. To secure a residence permit, non-EU/EEA foreign nationals face a more complex process. They need to apply for a Sweden work permit or another relevant visa leading to a residence permit. This permit is typically granted if they have a job offer from an employer in Sweden.

Yes, Swedish dual citizenship is allowed. If you acquire Swedish citizenship, you have the option to maintain your original foreign citizenship if that country permits dual nationality. In cases where your home country does not allow dual citizenship, you may need to make a choice regarding which nationality you wish to retain. It's essential to be aware that regulations concerning dual citizenship can differ among countries. It's advisable to check with the relevant authorities in both Sweden and your home country to understand their specific rules and requirements regarding dual citizenship.