Social orientation for newcomers in Sweden. The course “Samhällsorientering för nyanlända” provides vital information for you who are new in Sweden. In the course you learn about your rights and responsibilities, how the Swedish society is organized and practical everyday life tasks.

Quick guide to Social orientation for newcomers in Sweden in Sweden (updated for 2025).

The course is free of charge and taught in your mother tongue or another language that you understand. The course consists of eight blocks which include the following themes:

1. Arriving in Sweden
2. Living in Sweden
3. Supporting yourself and developing in Sweden
4. The individual’s rights and obligations
5. Building a family and living with children in Sweden
6. Having an influence in Sweden
7. Looking after your health in Sweden
8. Ageing in Sweden

Who can take the course?

The course “Samhällsorientering för nyanlända” is for those who are between 18 and 64 years and have a residence permit based on family ties and are registered at a Swedish municipality after the first of May 2013. You can also take the course if you take part in a so-called introduction plan (etableringsplan).

Social orientation is not offered to you who are a:

• citizen of an EU / EEA country or Switzerland
• high school student
• labour migrant
• student or guest researcher

Contact your municipality to register and take part in the course. Note that the offer is only active during your first three years in Sweden.

You can learn more about “Samhällsorientering för nyanlända” here (information mainly in Swedish).

Literature

The course is based on a book called “About Sweden” this book can be downloaded by anyone and is free of charge. It is translated into several languages, you just select the language at the top of the page.

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 just 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

Further reading

• Newbie stories
• Work in Sweden guides
• Learn Swedish

FAQs

Need more on Social orientation for newcomers in Sweden? See the resources below.