Moving to...

SWEDEN

What can we help you with?

Visa
Banking & Taxes
Housing & Renting
Healthcare
Transportation & Driving

Looking for Essentials?

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VISA & Immigration

A visa is a permit that allows an individual to enter, stay and/or work in Sweden for a specified period.

Sweden is part of the Schengen Area, so the visa rules follow certain European Union guidelines. The type of visa or residence permit you need depends on the purpose of your stay, such as work, study or other reasons.

Types of Visas for moving to Sweden

    • This requires a job offer from a Swedish employer

    • It is only available for skilled workers and highly qualified professionals

    • After living in Sweden for a set period (usually 4 years) you are allowed to apply

    • Part of the Schengen visa program, allowing travel to other Schengen countries

    • For entrepreneurs wishing to start a business in Sweden

    • Requires a solid business plan and proof that your business will benefit Sweden

    • This is for people who are fleeing persecution or conflict in their home country

    • The Swedish Migration Agency assesses eligibility for asylum

    • This is available for young adults, around 18-30 years old from certain countries

    • This visa allows travel and work in Sweden for up to a year

How to apply for a visa?

After you have determined what visa you need, here are the documents and how to apply for a visa:

  • Valid passport

  • Proof of financial means

  • Health insurance

  • Employment contract (for work permits)

  • Proof of admission to a Swedish educational institution (for study permits)

Here is how to apply for a visa:

  1. Apply online for your visa on the Swedish Migration Agency website

  2. Submit all the documents mentioned above

  3. Fill out the form

  4. Pay the visa fee

  5. Wait for processing (this can take 1 - 3 months depending on the visa type)

  6. Attend an interview at the Swedish embassy (only if required)

  7. If accepted, receive your Visa!

Banking & Taxes

When you move to Sweden, the first thing you should be doing is opening a bank account. Sweden is a highly cashless, meaning most transactions happen through cards or mobile payments. In this section you will know everything about opening a bank account, to the how the taxation works in Sweden.

What do I need to open a bank account in Sweden?

Most Swedish banks require you to open a bank in person. Some banks allow EU citizens to open account online, but non-EU citizens have to visit the bank branch in person.

What documents do I need?

  • Passport or Swedish residence permit

  • Personnummer (Swedish personal identity number, this is required to open a bank)

  • Proof of address (rental contract or utility bill)

  • Employment contract (if it is applicable)

  • Income tax decision (Inkomstdeklaration)

Can i open a bank account without Personnummer?

It is difficult, but some banks do allow you to open a temporary account as a foreigner without a personnummer

How to get a Personnummer?

Here is a quick step-by-step of how you as a foreigner can get a Swedish personnummer:

Documents you need to apply:

  • A valid passport

  • Proof of residence in Sweden

  • A visa or residence permit (if applicable)

  • Possibly a job contract or proof of income if you are moving for work

How to apply for the personnummer:

  1. Register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket)

  2. Apply for the personnummer (you can apply online or at the skatteverket office)

  3. If everything is in order, the processing time is around 2-4 weeks and you will get your personnummer by mail or in person.

Healthcare

Sweden is widely recognized for having one of the most efficient and high-quality universal health-care systems in the world. offering comprehensive medical services to its residents, however the extent to which individuals can access this system is significantly influenced by their visa type and residency status, meaning not all newcomers or temporary visitors may be immediately eligible for full healthcare benefits

Healthcare in Sweden

Sweden has tax-funded healthcare, this means residents only pay small fees for doctor visits and treatments

  • If you have a residence permit and a Personnummer you can access public healthcare at subsidized rates

  • If you do not have a residence permit, you may need private health insurance for medical treatment

How to register for Public Healthcare in Sweden

If you are eligible to register for Public Healthcare, here is a quick step-by-step guide on how to do so:

  1. Get a residence permit (if it is required for your stay)

  2. Apply for Personnummer at Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency)

  3. Once you receive your Personnummer, you are automatically eligible for public healthcare

  4. Choose a Vårdcentral (local health center) Where you will see doctors for non-emergency care

If you are from the EU/EEA, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for public healthcare at local rates

Do I need Private Health Insurance?

If you are not eligible for Public Health insurance, you might be required to get private health insurance.

It is recommended for foreigners without a personnummer, and non EU citizens who do not have access to Sweden’s subsidized healthcare.

Housing & Renting

Finding housing as a foreigner in Sweden, can be challenging for foreigners due to high demand, long waiting lists and strict rental rules. Whether you are renting, buying or using temporary accommodation it is important to understand the process, costs and all the required documents.

Types of housing in Sweden

    • This requires you to sign a Permanent lease agreement (long-term, often indefinite)

    • Very difficult to get because of the long waiting lists (this can be up to several years in major cities)

    • Usually applies to public housing

    • Rent is regulated and cheaper than second-hand rentals

    • Renting from someone who already has a first-hand contract

    • Easier for expats and newcomers to find

    • Rent can be higher than first-hand contracts

    • Most foreigners moving to Sweden start with a second-hand rental while searching for a permanent home

    • Renting a room in a shared apartment (cheaper option)

    • Popular with students and young professionals

    • Foreigners can buy property in Sweden without restrictions

    • This requires a Swedish Personal Number (personnummer and a bank loan

How to rent an Apartment in Sweden

Finding and renting an apartment in Sweden can be very competitive, so make sure you have these documents ready so when it is your turn to rent, you are ready to secure a rental:

  • Passport or Residence permit

  • Swedish Personal Number (Personnummer if available)

  • Proof of income or employment contract

  • Bank statement

  • Guarantor (Borgesman) which is required in some cases if you have no Swedish credit history

Driving & Transportation

Sweden has very efficient public transportation system, but if you are planning to drive, there are important rules and procedures to follow. In this section you will learn about the public transportation, as well as obtaining a drivers license if that is needed.

Can foreigners drive in Sweden?

If you plan to drive in Sweden as a foreigner, you need to check if your current driver’s license is valid or if you need to convert it to a Swedish license:

  • EU/EEA License is fully valid in Sweden and no need to convert

  • Non-EU License is valid for 12 months after moving to Sweden, and after those 12 months you have to convert your license to a Swedish one or take a Swedish driving test

    (it is recommended for non-EU license holders to carry an International Driving Permit)

How to get a Swedish Driving License (Körkort)

If you are a Non EU resident, here is a quick step by step guide on how you can obtain a Swedish drivers license:

  1. Apply for a Learners Permit (Körkortstillstånd)

    Submit a health declaration and eyes test

  2. Take the Risk Education Course (Riskutbildning 1 & 2)

    Risk 1: (Riskettan) which covers alcohol, drugs and fatigue awareness

    Risk 2: (Halkbana) where you drive in slippery road conditions

  3. Pass the Theory Test (Kunskapsprov)

  4. Take the Practical Driving Test

  5. After you pass both tests, you will receive your license within 2 weeks!!

Public Transportation

    • Fast long distance and regional connections

    • Quickest way to travel in Stockholm

    • Available in Gothenburg, Norrkoping and Stockholm

    • Widely used in cities and rural areas

    • This connects islands and archipelagos (especially in Stockholm and Gotherburg)