Practicals for expats

Moving to Sweden involves a few important administrative steps. While the system may seem complex at first, most processes are digital, well‑structured, and supported by public authorities. Getting the right permits and registrations in place early will make everyday life much easier.

Residence Permit (Uppehållstillstånd)

If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA, you generally need a residence permit to live and work in Sweden. This permit is issued by the Swedish Migration Agency and depends on your reason for moving, such as work, studies, or family ties. EU/EEA citizens do not need a residence permit but must meet right‑of‑residence requirements, such as working, studying, or being self‑sufficient.

Personal Identity Number (Personnummer)

The personnummer is a key part of life in Sweden. If you plan to stay for one year or more, you should apply for a personal identity number through the Swedish Tax Agency. This number is used in almost all aspects of daily life—healthcare, opening a bank account, signing contracts, employment, and dealing with authorities. Without a personnummer, many services can be difficult or impossible to access.

Healthcare and Insurance

Once registered in Sweden and assigned a personnummer, you are generally included in the public healthcare system. Healthcare is tax‑funded and heavily subsidized. Until registration is complete, it’s important to have private health insurance. EU citizens should also bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for temporary coverage.

Banking, ID, and Digital Services

To fully participate in Swedish society, you will usually need:

– A Swedish ID card (issued by the Tax Agency)

– A bank account

– BankID, a secure digital identification system used for banking, healthcare, and government services

These steps often require patience and multiple appointments, but once set up, they make daily life smooth and efficient.

Registration of Address and Other Essentials

When you move to Sweden, you must register your address with the Tax Agency. This ensures you receive important mail and are correctly registered in public systems. Other practical steps may include registering children for school or preschool.