The landing technicalities
Hej Hej! So you’re new in Sweden and probably already have a checklist on what you’ll have to do. These are my top 6 essentials in Sweden that I wished I knew when I first moved to Stockholm.
This list does not mention housing, but there are super helpful articles here to help you navigate housing in Sweden! These everyday routines are part of the basic essentials in Sweden that every newcomer should be aware of.
Essential Suggestions 1: Personal number
To be honest, I initially thought having a personal number and Swedish ID is the same thing! They are in fact two entirely different things. The flow is as such: Register yourself at the nearest Skatteverket to receive your personal number first. It took me about two to three weeks to receive my personal number. The time estimation that it takes to get your personal number (personnummer) varies, hence the tip here is to register yourself as soon as you arrive in Sweden.
Have a look at our section “Register for a personal identity number” to have more information. Please note that the requirements differ based on where you are from ( EEA / non-EEA, and more). Click here to check what you’ll have to bring based on where you’re from, under the ” Moving to Sweden” category.
Essential Suggestions 2: Swedish ID
Soon you’ll receive a letter from Skatterverket with your personal number! The format is basically as such: YYYYMMDD-XXXX ( your birth date and year plus a 4 unique digit code at the end). You’re now part of the Swedish population yay!
As soon as you receive that letter, click here to book a time for your Swedish ID card.
There is a payment of SEK 400 and bring along proof of payment, together with your residence permit card and passport. How soon you can get your Swedish ID seems to be a tricky question. My Swedish ID was ready for collection in two weeks. However, I also have friends who waited for more than two months just to get their Swedish ID. Thus, the urgency to register yourself as soon as you arrive!
Here is the link from Skatterverket on the conditions to apply for your Swedish ID.
3. Validate your University education
This is the easiest essential suggestion on my list. It is a fairly simple process that you can start before arriving in Sweden. You can upload your transcript and higher education certificate to their website here. You can apply for recognition without any Swedish personal number or ID. However, they have a long processing time. Mine took almost 3 months, hence my suggestion to submit your documents before you arrive in Sweden. While they are looking into your certificates, you’ll have a case number, which will allow you to register for SIFA classes.
4. Start learning Swedish
I can’t stress this enough! Learning the language is one of the most important essentials in Sweden, even though many Swedes speak English. Learning Swedish is definitely an essential suggestion if you intend to stay here for the long term. There are 2 available Swedish language courses, SFI or SIFA. I am currently enrolled in the SIFA program – in SFINX specifically for engineers and architects. SIFA is an intensive Swedish program for people with academic backgrounds. Each course is 9 weeks long and you’ll have a national test at the end of each course. The classes are structured and intense, and I enjoy being able to learn Swedish at this pace. It is fun to see my progress in Swedish now that I’m eighteen weeks into the program!
You can find the schedule for SIFA classes (in Stockholm) and their required documents for enrollment from this link.
5. Bank ID
I’ve found registering for a bank in Sweden is the most perplexing, especially because I was unemployed and not a student. Most major banks will not allow you to register for a bank account, citing that you have no use for a bank account if you’re not working or studying! Ah the frustration because if you have no bank account, you’ll have no bank ID. If you live in Sweden, you’ll soon find out that BankID is one of the most important essentials in Sweden for everyday life.
I managed to open a bank account with Handelsbanken, and I highly recommend them based on my experience when I opened my bank account. Remember to make an appointment via email to the Handelsbanken branch near you, and bring along your Swedish ID.
6. Register yourself for healthcare
The last, and certainly not the least essential suggestion that I have for you is to register yourself on 1177.se! It took me almost 5 months after moving to Stockholm to realize that I needed to register myself on the website. The healthcare system in Sweden is very different compared to where I’m from. I was used to going to the nearest clinic directly when I was sick !
You’ll need a Bank ID to register yourself on 1177.se. You can pick your health provider which can be a clinic or a hospital, depending on where you stay. If you are feeling unwell, you’ll have to make an appointment on the website before you see the doctor. You’ll then receive a call from the clinic, or you will receive an SMS notification from the clinic at the website to confirm your visit.
This list of essentials in Sweden is not exhaustive, but I hope it is a helpful one for you! Welcome to Sweden and I hope you’re having a great time navigating through Swedish life and culture 🙂
E-learning course: Preparing your move to Sweden
Are you already feeling a bit overwhelmed about all the stuff you need to figure out how to move to Sweden? We’ve got you covered. Over the years we’ve been repeatedly told how stressful this process can be so we created a digital course with all the information you need to move. Here you will learn about:
- Short (and long facts) about Sweden.
- The history and background of Sweden in regards to democracy, religious freedom, gender equality, social security, child welfare and LGBTQIA+.
- The types of visas and residence permits that are available plus the requirements.
- Important Swedish agencies, and trust us, you DO need to know about these ones.
- How to find a place to stay and how to avoid rental fraud.
- How to pack for your move depending on the season.
- And there will be some quizzes to make sure you are paying attention and not falling asleep at your screen.
After finishing this course, you will have a greater understanding of what has made Sweden what it is today, how you best prepare for a move here and to get your stay here started in the best manner. Sign up to your course here
One response to “6 essential suggestions when you are new in Sweden”
Hello. Thank you for your helpful article. I moved in Sweden in August 2022 for studies and have done a few of these essentials on your list. I will soon do the rest. I have lived in Lund and currently am living in Gothenburg and would like to share my experience so far. How can I be part of the newbieguide writers? Is that possible?