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STOCKHOLM SCHOOL
OF ECONOMICS

First steps guide

Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure, and we're here to help you navigate your first steps in this beautiful Scandinavian nation. This guide will provide you with essential information and tips to make your transition smoother.

 

  1. Work permit and Residence permit – once you have been hired


    All non-Nordic citizens or citizens outside EU need:
    - a work permit if you are to work in Sweden. For further information see migrationsverket.se and look for Work permits. 
    - a residence permit. Applications are to be made at a Swedish consulate or embassy.

    Both must be granted prior to arrival. 

  2. Apply for a personal number (Personnummer)

    If you plan to live in Sweden for a year or more, you need to visit the Skatteverket office so you can be registered in the Swedish Population Register. You will be given a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) and be registered as living in a building with an address. Your civil status and any relationship to your spouse, children or parent will also be registered. Find how to do it here. 

  3. Population registration certificate (Personbevis)

    Some authorities or organizations may request that you present a population registration certificate (personbevis) along with an application for their services. A population registration certificate is an extract from the population register showing what information is registered about you, such as your name, address, and civil status. You can order a population registration certificate at Skatteverket once you have received your personnummer.

  4. ID-Card (ID-kort)

    Once you receive your personnummer, we recommend that you apply for your Swedish ID card (ID-kort or identitetskort) at Skatteverket. It is an approved form of identification within Sweden, for example as proof of your age and identity at places such as pharmacies, banks, shops etc. However, it cannot be used as a travel document. There is a SEK 400-fee to pay for the application. More information here. 

  5. The Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan)

    It is a government authority that pays out money to individuals in various situations (child benefits, dental insurance, internship subsidies, parental leave, etc.). Once you have your personnummer and ID you can register at the social insurance agency. Read more about it and get the forms here. 

  6. Healthcare

    It is wise to register yourself at 1177. Go online to register and consult the information about your healthcare needs in Sweden.

    Healthcare abroad
    You can get emergency healthcare in the Nordic countries (Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland) by showing your Swedish ID and providing your Swedish address.

    You can get emergency healthcare in the 28 countries of the EU plus Switzerland (regardless of your own citizenship) under the same conditions as local residents thanks to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) once of course you have your personnummer and are registered with Försäkringskassan. The card is free and valid for three years but order it at least 10 days before you travel. Go here to apply.

  7. Open bank account

    In order to open a bank account you need to have your personal number (personnummer). Your salary or scholarship will be paid into your bank account. You therefore need to open an account. We recommend that you contact SEB or Handelsbanken. Both have offices not from SSE (Odenplan and Sveavägen). In most cases you need to bring your employment contract, passport, a Swedish ID card and residence permit. Please contact the bank to check if you need to bring anything else. 

  8. Bank ID and Swish

    These are two commonly used apps in Sweden, that may make everyday life in Sweden a bit easier. BankID is a citizen identification solution that allows companies, banks and governments agencies to authenticate and conclude agreements with individuals over the Internet. Swish is a mobile payment system in Sweden that allows you to easily transfer money in real time. Some shops offer payment through Swish, but it is mostly used among friends or co-workers. Start by downloading the applications to your smartphone. Once your bank account is open, ask your bank to verify your BankID and Swish. 

  9. Mobile phone

    Since there are many providers and terms change over time, it might make sense to get a pre-paid SIM card first from a provider like COMVIQ. You can simply buy a SIM card in a supermarket or shops like Pressbyrån and buy a monthly package for phone calls and mobile internet. 

  10. (Tax relief)

    Foreign citizens carrying out particularly qualified tasks or receiving a monthly remuneration above a certain level may enjoy tax relief on their Swedish earned income. Tax relief means that 25 per cent of the income is exempt from tax. Several formal conditions must be met to get tax relief and far from all applicants get approved. Read more about it and get the forms to apply here.