“To-Do” list – Relocating to Sweden
Posted on November 25, 2024
Here at ClickMoves, we help over 500 famillies a year relocate to Sweden. We often get asked the same questions, so we thought we’d put pen to paper and map out the key requirements for getting set up for your new life relocating to Sweden.
Residence permit
We’re working on the basis that you’ve already decided to make Sweden your new home. So, step is is the contact Sweden’s Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) and begin the process to secure the necessary residence permit required to legally reside and work in Sweden. You can make an online application through Migrationsverkets excellent website
Find somewhere to live
It all depends on where you want to live of course, but the renting property market in the big cities can be very competitive. Finding housing in Sweden is considerably more difficult than in other European countries. Renting a house or apartment in Sweden is so competitive that there is a black market for long-term leases.
You can rent ‘first-hand’ or ‘second-hand’ in Sweden. First-hand (första hand) means you sign an agreement with the owner of the building, while second-hand (andra hand) means you sign an agreement with someone who owns the flat or has the first-hand contract on the flat. Some websites that you might find useful would be https://qasa.se/en and https://www.residensportalen.com
Book a Mover
Once you book a Removals company, all the other “departing” pieces of the jigsaw fall into place – closing bank accounts, utilities, selling the car, leaving party, changing mailing addess etc etc – there’s a lot to do, and we’ve previously written extensively on this https://clickmoves.com/blog/
There are actually only a handful of Movers who can do a good job moving between the UK and Sweden, at good rates – fortunatley we are one of them. Last year alone we helped more than 500 famillies relocate between sweden and the UK, so you’ll be in good hands with ClickMoves. Contact us for an obligation free quotation
Register with Skatteverket
Registering with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) is critical, and should be on your list of things to do as soon as you land. Whilst you can book and appointment online https://www7.skatteverket.se/portal/flytta-till-sverige/
You can only finish the process face to face. Once you’ve finished the registration you will be assigned a unique personal identification number, ‘personnummer’ which is a key identifier in all aspects of getting yourself set up in Sweden and it is used for everyday official tasks such as opening up bank accounts and getting paid by your employer etc. Once you’ve got your personal identity number, obtaining a Swedish identity card (identitetskort or ID-kort) from the Swedish Tax Agency is a logical next step.
Kids
If you have children, I’m quite sure that you would have looked into schooling, but you would have needed to complete the previous 4 steps before you can finallise it.
The education system in Sweden is excellent, and studying in Sweden is free of charge for citizens of the EU/EEA and those with a permanent Swedish residence permit. There are also some private schools, which are mainly International schools such as British International School in Stockholm
Banking
This has become a lot simpler since the availbility of online banks such as Revolut which allows you to have multiple currency accounts. But many people still prefer a traditional high street style bank. Opening a Swedish bank account usually requires a Swedish ID card, or at least a Swedish personal identity number plus a valid passport.
The bank will help you obtain the necessary credit/debit cards and banking services you need. A bank account is very useful for bills and salaries, which are usually paid online.
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.
Learn the Language
Yes, most swedes speak great English, but a basic understanding of Swedish will make it easier for you to find your place in Swedish society. Once you have a Swedish personal identity number, you can sign up for free Swedish courses arranged by the government programme Swedish for immigrants (SFI).
Get a Swedish Driving License
If you’re planning to drive in Sweden, check up on whether you can use your current licence (körkort) or if you’ll need a new one. Familiarise yourself with Swedish road rules, signs and parking regulations.
After one year as a resident, you are usually required to obtain a Swedish driving licence. For that, you contact the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket).
ClickMoves is an International Moving company, with representatives in most major cities throughout the World. So if you are planning to move overseas, get in touch.