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The Swedish Authorities Guide for Newcomers

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Sweden’s public system can feel complex at first, but once you understand how it’s organised, it becomes much easier to navigate. This guide introduces the key authorities you’ll interact with as a newcomer, and what each of them is responsible for.
Swedish authorities

Swedish authorities – you have surely heard of some of them. But figuring out the responsibilities of the different authorities isn’t all that easy. Who is responsible for what? Whom should you turn to with your questions, applications and concerns? 

This guide gives you a brief overview of the different relevant Swedish authorities and their main responsibilities.

Migrationsverket

Migration Agency

Migrationsverket (Migration Agency) is the authority to turn to if you want to visit, live in or seek asylum in Sweden, or if you want to become a Swedish citizen. Migrationsverket is also responsible for the settlement of certain new arrivals and decides on compensation to municipalities and counties. You can read more on VISAs and residence permits here.

Visit Migrationsverket

Skatteverket

Tax Agency

Skatteverket (The Tax Agency) is in charge of tax matters but is also responsible for Sweden’s population register. Turn to Skatteverket when you need to do your folkbokföring (registration), apply for a Swedish ID card and last but not least pay your taxes.

Visit Skatteverket

Arbetsförmedlingen

Public Employment Service

Arbetsförmedlingen (the Public Employment Service) is the Swedish authority responsible for labour market policies, helping jobseekers (including newly arrived immigrants) find employment, and supporting employers with recruitment.

Key programs for newly arrived immigrants include:

  • Nystartsjobb (New Start Jobs): Wage subsidies for employers who hire long-term unemployed or newly arrived adults (age 20+), within three years of arrival and registered as jobseekers with Arbetsförmedlingen. Offers paid employment to increase job market participation for those with a weak labour market position.
  • Introduktionsjobb (Introduction Jobs): Wage subsidies for employers hiring adults (age 20+) who are either long-term unemployed or new arrivals. Often includes a mix of employment and language or vocational studies. Eligible participants must be registered jobseekers and often part of special guarantee or establishment programs.
  • Etableringsprogrammet (Establishment Programme): A personalized support and activity plan for newly arrived immigrants (age 20–65 who have been granted residence as refugees or are under protection, along with their immediate family) and need assistance with learning Swedish, finding employment, or education. Participants receive guidance and benefits while completing their plan.
Visit Arbetsförmedlingen

Försäkringskassan

Social Insurance Agency

Försäkringskassan is the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. It is responsible for administering most parts of Sweden’s social insurance system and ensuring that people who live and/or work in Sweden receive the benefits they are entitled to.

In many cases, Försäkringskassan is the authority that handles applications and pays out benefits, although decisions about eligibility may sometimes be made by other institutions (for example, Arbetsförmedlingen for labour-market programs).

Here are some of the most relevant benefits:

  • Etableringsersättning (Introduction benefit)
    Financial support for newly arrived immigrants participating in the Etableringsprogrammet (Introduction Programme) through Arbetsförmedlingen.

  • Bostadsbidrag (Housing allowance)
    Financial support to help families with children or young people with low income pay their housing costs.

  • Föräldrapenning (Parental benefit)
    Compensation when you take parental leave to care for your child. You are entitled to a total of 480 days per child, of which 390 days are income-based and 90 are at a minimum level.

You can find out how to register for welfare at Försäkringskassan here.

Visit Försäkringskassan

Skolverket

National Agency for Education

Skolverket (National Agency for Education) is the central authority for education in Sweden. They offer an English- language guide to the Swedish school system. They also process applications for teachers with foreign qualifications that wish to work in Sweden.

Visit Skolverket

Jordbruksverket

Board of Agriculture

Jordbruksverket is in charge of agricultural and horticultural matters in Sweden. They are the authority to turn to if you want to bring your pet (dog, cat, or others) to Sweden.

Visit Jordbruksverket

Tullverket

Customs

Tullverket (Customs) is charge of the flows of goods in and out of Sweden. Check with Tullverket when bringing or shipping goods in and out of Sweden. They have a guide in English especially for newcomers.

Visit Tullverket

Transportstyrelsen

Swedish Transport Agency

Transportstyrelsen is the central agency responsible for the administration and regulation of driving licenses in Sweden. This includes issuing licenses, setting medical and personal eligibility requirements, maintaining records, and handling renewals and international license exchanges. 

For detailed, up-to-date information on driving license regulations and the application process, you can visit the official Transportstyrelsen website.

Visit Transportstyrelsen

Trafikverket

Swedish Transport Administration

Trafikverket is responsible for the practical parts of issuing driver’s licenses and road safety. This includes administering theory (knowledge) tests, practical driving exams, and producing the official risk education and introductory training required for new drivers. Trafikverket’s website is the place to book and pay for tests, get information about required training, and find resources to help you prepare for exams. They also handle examination appointments, issue exam results, and take photographs for license issuance or renewal.

Visit Trafikverket

Kommunerna

Municipalities

Sweden’s municipalities (kommuner) play a key role in supporting newcomers and providing public education. They are responsible for language and civic education, local schooling, and the reception and housing of new arrivals. Each person belongs to the municipality where they are officially registered (folkbokförd), which determines where they can access municipal services.

Here are some of the most relevant responsibilities for newcomers:

  • SFI (Swedish for Immigrants)
    Municipalities offer Svenska för invandrare (SFI), a free Swedish language programme for adult immigrants. You must be registered in the municipality to apply, and many offer online or part-time options. More info on SFI here.

  • Komvux (Municipal Adult Education)
    Komvux provides adults with opportunities to complete their education, prepare for higher studies, or gain vocational qualifications. Courses are organised and managed by each municipality. More info about Komvux here.

  • Samhällsorientering (Social Orientation)
    Municipalities arrange samhällsorientering, a course that introduces newcomers to Swedish society, rights, responsibilities, and everyday life, often in your native language. More info on Social Orientation here (in Swedish).

  • Education (Childcare, Preschool, and School)
    Municipalities are responsible for childcare, preschool, and primary and secondary education. They employ school staff, allocate resources, and ensure educational quality in their area.

  • Receiving and Housing Newcomers
    Under the Settlement Act (SFS 2016:38), municipalities are required to receive and house certain newly arrived refugees assigned by the Swedish Migration Agency. They also provide practical support for settlement.

  • Financial Support for Newcomers Outside State Schemes
    Municipalities offer social assistance (ekonomiskt bistånd) to those not covered by state introduction benefits under Law (2010:197). This ensures that newcomers outside national programmes can still receive basic financial support when needed.

List of all Municipalities' websites

Länsstyrelserna

County administrative boards

Länsstyrelserna (the county administrative boards) represent the government in the county. Their task is to coordinate and supervise the work of the different actors and authorities and thereby ensure that national goals and objects are achieved. It is Länsstyrelserna’s task to ensure that the municipalities are prepared to receive newcomers, but also help the municipalities coordinate the SFI teaching and the social orientation.

Visit Länsstyrelserna

Regionerna

Regions

Sweden’s regions (regioner, formerly landsting) are responsible for healthcare and public transport. They manage hospitals, health centres, maternity and dental care, and psychiatric services, but as a resident, you’ll usually access these services through 1177.se, the national healthcare portal.

On 1177 Vårdguiden, you can find information about healthcare, book appointments, renew prescriptions, and contact your vårdcentral (local health centre).

Visit 1177.se

Servicekontor

Services office

Servicekontor are local service offices where several Swedish authorities share one customer service desk — usually Skatteverket (Tax Agency), Försäkringskassan (Social Insurance Agency), and Pensionsmyndigheten (Pensions Agency). In some locations, you’ll also find representatives from other authorities, such as Arbetsförmedlingen (Public Employment Service) or Migrationsverket (Migration Agency), but not always.

 

At a servicekontor, you can take care of many administrative tasks in one visit — like registering your address, applying for benefits, or getting help with ID cards and tax questions.

 

You can check which services your nearest servicekontor offers before visiting.

Visit Servicekontor

Swedish authorities: conclusion and further resources

Sweden runs on structure — and once you understand how that structure works, everyday life becomes much easier to navigate. Each authority has a specific role, and they often overlap less than you might think.

Keep this page bookmarked: you’ll come back to it more than once, whether you’re applying for an ID, registering a new address, or finding your local healthcare centre. 

For more information, check out our Administration and Legal page!

Preparing your move to Sweden
Preparing your move to Sweden

Feeling overwhelmed about your move to Sweden?

 

We get it — there’s a lot to figure out. That’s why we created a digital course that walks you through everything you need to know before you arrive.

 

Learn about Swedish society and values, visa and residence requirements, essential agencies, housing and rental safety, and how to pack smart for every season.

 

By the end, you’ll understand what makes Sweden tick — and how to start your new life here with confidence (and maybe even enjoy the process).

Sign up to your course here
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Career Sweden Team
The Career Sweden Team brings together experts in recruitment, communication, and relocation, all working toward one goal: helping international talents find their place in Sweden. We create clear, reliable guides and articles about Sweden’s job market, recruitment, and work culture — as well as practical, fact-based resources on everything that shapes life and career here.
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The Swedish Authorities Guide for Newcomers

Swedish authorities
Sweden’s public system can feel complex at first, but once you understand how it’s organised, it becomes much easier to navigate. This guide introduces the key authorities you’ll interact with as a newcomer, and what each of them is responsible for.
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