Friday, September 12 | 2025
Moving to Sweden with a disability and living in Sweden with a disability takes some work but here is a guide. Leaving your homeland behind and moving to a new country can be a daunting experience. However it can be even more frightening for a person with a disability.
The Swedish Government’s disability policy aims to give equal access and participation to people with disabilities to all that Swedish society has to offer on the same terms as everyone else. Here are some organisations and services specifically designed to help disabled people live in Sweden.
The Equality Ombudsman in Sweden
If you experience discrimination on the grounds of disability, you may contact the Equality Ombudsman to file a complaint.
Försäkringskassan
Depending on the type of visa or residence permit, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (called Försäkringskassan in Swedish) offers benefits for both people with disabilities and their carers. Learn more about Försäkringskassan.
Färdtjänst in Sweden
Designed to help disabled people access the community, Färdtjänst offers subsidised transport for disabled people and their carers in the form of free bus and train travel and heavily discounted taxies. Applications for Färdtjänst are taken through your local municipality (Kommun). Search “färdtjänst” and the name of your municipaly to read specific information for your area.
Arbetsförmedlingen
The Swedish Employment Service (called Arbetsförmedlingen in Swedish) offers several programs to assist people with disabilities both to develop their skills and to find employment. They can also assist in providing adaptive technology or modifications for the workplace. Learn more about the Public Employment Service.
Samhall
Established in 1980, Samhall is a state owned company, which aims to help people with, reduced function build working skills.
Contact your municipality
In addition to these services, it is also worth contacting your local municipality (kommun) or visiting their website. Local municipalities are responsible for providing services for people with disabilities such as help with cooking, cleaning and other household activities (Hemtjänst). Monthly access to a support person (ledsagare) who helps you to access the community can also be provided. This person helps you to attend appointments, go shopping, go to the gym, to social meetings, and so on. Many kommuns also offer extra financial support for you and your carer.
Written by Louisiana Galileo Ahnström
Louisiana Galileo Ahnström is one of Sweden’s many love refugees. Originally from Australia, she moved to Sweden in 2013 to live with her Swedish partner. Galileo was born with congenital glaucoma which caused her to lose all the sight in her left eye and most of the sight in her right. She is based in Stockholm where she lives with her husband and daughter. In Australia she worked as a radio presenter for community radio in the Blue Mountains, was lead singer in a band and studied youth work and community services.
3 responses to “Moving to Sweden with a disability”
Is it possible for a Bangladeshi disabled people who has completed higher education and currently working in a bank to work in sweden?
Thank you for the information provided on this site. Can you direct me to a credible resource listing US immigration attorneys who assist US citizen clients with disabilities emigrating to Sweden?
Living in Sweden with a disability can present both challenges and opportunities. Sweden is known for its inclusive policies and accessibility measures, making it relatively accommodating for individuals with disabilities. From accessible public transportation to employment support programs, there are resources available to enhance quality of life. Additionally, the Swedish welfare system provides financial assistance and healthcare services to those in need. Despite these advancements, societal attitudes and accessibility gaps still exist, posing hurdles for full integration. However, with ongoing advocacy efforts and support networks, individuals with disabilities can navigate and thrive in Swedish society, contributing their unique perspectives and talents.