Moving to...
SWEDEN
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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. So if you are planning to study in Sweden for more than 90 days, you need a Student Residence Permit for studies. But this is only appliable for Non-EU students.
EU/EEA Students require no visa, but they must register with the Swedish Tax Agency
How to apply for a Student Residence Permit
If you need a student residence permit, here is a quick step-by-step on what documents you need and how to apply for it:
Documents you need:
Passport copy
Admission letter from the university
Proof of paid tuition fees
Bank statements showing at least $950 to cover living expenses
How to apply:
Get accepted into a Swedish university
Pay the first tuition fee installment (if applicable)
Apply online at the Swedish Migration Agency website
Submit documents mentioned above
Wait for approval, which can take up to 1-3 months
Collect your residence permit card at the Swedish embassy or upon arrival in Sweden
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 as a student, and how the taxation works in Sweden.
What do I need to open a bank account?
As a student, you need quite a few more documents than a residence or a foreigner moving to Sweden.
Here are all the documents you are going to need to open a bank account:
Passport
Residence Permit (for non EU students)
Personnummer (Swedish personal identity number) or Coordination number
Proof of university enrollment
Proof of address
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:
Register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket)
Apply for the personnummer (you can apply online or at the skatteverket office)
If everything is in order, the processing time is around 2-4 weeks and you will get your personnummer by mail or in person.
How to get a Coordination number?
A coordination number is a personal identification number given to individuals who reside in Sweden for a short time, such as international students.
Documents needed to apply:
A valid passport or national ID
Proof of admission to a Swedish educational institution (acceptance letter or a student ID)
Proof of residence in Sweden
Proof of health insurance (if required)
How to apply:
Get accepted to a Swedish Educational Institution
Register with Skatteverket (this is to get your coordination number issued)
Bring all the documents mentioned above
Visit Skatteverket in person
Complete the necessary forms for registration
Wait for processing (this can take a few weeks)
Recieve your Coordination number!
Healthcare
Sweden has one of the best universal healthcare systems in the world, but access depends on your visa and residency status.
Do students get free Healthcare?
Yes, some students do get free healthcare but it depends on your nationality, here is the list of who gets free healthcare and who does not:
EU/EEA students: Covered by EHIC (European Health Insurance Card)
Non-EU students who are studying for more than 12 months: Covered by Swedish Public healthcare
Non Eu students who are studying less than 12 months: Must buy private health insurance
How to apply for Public Healthcare Insurance
There is no application process for public healthcare in Sweden, the only option is to apply for a Swedish Personnummer from Skatteverket. And once you receive your Personnummer, you are automatically covered by Sweden’s public healthcare system
How to apply for Public Healthcare Insurance
If you do not qualify for public healthcare, you will need to apply for private healthcare insurance. Here are all the documents you need and a step-by-step guide on how you apply:
Valid passport
Swedish residence permit
Proof of address in Sweden
Proof of employment/student enrollment
Payment details
Now that you have all your documents in order, here is the step-by-step guide on how to apply:
Choose a plan that meets your needs
Submit an online application on the chosen insurer website
Upload the required documents mentioned above
Pay the required fee (either monthly or yearly)
Receive your insurance certificate!
Housing
Finding housing as a student in Sweden can be very challenging, specially in major cities like Stockholm where the demand is extremely high. In this section you will know the type of housing is offered in Sweden and how to apply for the specific one you end up choosing.
Student housing options in Sweden
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These are managed by universities or private student housing companies
Usually located close to campus
Rend includes utilities like water, electricity and internet
Furnished or unfurnished options are available
This is the cheapest option for students
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Renting a room in a shared apartment with other students
Shared kitchen, bathroom and common areas
Cheaper than renting a private apartment
A lot more flexible contracts
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Renting a private apartment, studio or 1-bedroom apartment
This is the most expensive option for students
This requires a rental contract and often a deposit (1-3 months of rent)
Can be very difficult to find in big cities due to extremely high demand
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This is a good option while you are looking for permanent housing
This is available in most university towns
More expensive than student apartment but available immediately
Documents needed to rent as a student
When applying for housing, landlords or student housing agencies are going to ask you for a little more documentation than normal, here are the documents they are going to ask for:
Passport or residence permit
University admission letter
Proof of income or student grant
Personnummer (only if you are renting from a private landlord
Deposit payment (only for private rentals)
If you do not have a Personnummer, some landlords may still accept your rental application with proof of university admission and a residence permit
Driving & Transportation
Most students that move to Sweden do not get a car, this is because Sweden has excellent public transport. But if you do plan to drive, there are some rules and regulations you need to be aware of before you do.
Can students drive in Sweden?
If you plan to drive in Sweden as a student, 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:
Apply for a Learners Permit (Körkortstillstånd)
Submit a health declaration and eyes test
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
Pass the Theory Test (Kunskapsprov)
Take the Practical Driving Test
After you pass both tests, you will receive your license within 2 weeks!!
Public Transportation
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Fast long distance and regional connections
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Quickest way to travel in Stockholm
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Available in Gothenburg, Norrkoping and Stockholm
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Widely used in cities and rural areas
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This connects islands and archipelagos (especially in Stockholm and Gotherburg)