How to Move to Sweden: A Comprehensive Guide for EU and Non-EU Citizens

Considering a move to Sweden and navigating the complexities of the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) and residence permit process? As someone who has already made this journey and helped others, including guiding my husband, I can assure you that knowing how to move to Sweden doesn't have to be intimidating.

Whether you're seeking advice on visas, job hunting, finding apartments, or understanding Swedish culture, I've got the answers!

What is the Process of Moving to Sweden?

Understanding how to move to Sweden means grasping the various steps tailored to different personal and legal situations. At its core, the process typically revolves around securing the right visa, hunting for jobs if necessary, finding accommodation, and adapting to Swedish life.

Moving to Sweden for Europeans

As an EU/EEA citizen, you enjoy the privilege of the right of residence in Sweden, allowing you to work, study, or simply live in the country without necessitating a separate residence permit. This right extends to those who are employed, self-employed, pursuing education, or have adequate funds to sustain themselves in the country.

Moving to Sweden for Everyone Else

For the majority, securing a work permit is a crucial step in how to move to Sweden to both work and reside in Sweden. There are other visas available, but if you're staying longer than three months, you'll need a residence permit.

Moving to Sweden for Filipinos

The experience for Filipinos is distinct not just due to Swedish immigration norms but also because of Philippine regulations. Filipinos, irrespective of their destination, must obtain permission from their home country when migrating or working abroad, an extra layer of unnecessary procedure that might seem unusual to many but is a reality for Filipinos.

How to Move to Sweden: Step-by-Step

1

Research and Decide on Visa Type

Researching and deciding on the right visa type is one of the most important steps in figuring out how to move to Sweden. This is because different visas have different requirements, restrictions, and benefits associated with them.

Knowing which visa you need will help ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible. It will also give you a better understanding of what rights you have in Sweden, such as how long you can stay and what kind of work or study opportunities may be available.

By researching all of your options beforehand, you'll be able to make an informed decision about which type of visa best suits your needs.

If you're not from the EU and are considering visiting Sweden, it's important to choose the correct visa type. While a tourist visa may suffice for short stays of up to 90 days, it isn't adequate for longer durations or if you plan to work.

Remember, staying in Sweden without the appropriate visa not only undermines the fairness for rule-following visitors but can also lead to legal issues for you later on.

You'll need one of the following visas or residence permits to move to Sweden:Permit for work

To get a work permit in Sweden, having a valid job offer is essential. Employers who hire international talents know the legal requirements to relocate you to Sweden. But, in general, the requirements to get a work permit are:

1. You must have a valid passport.
2. Your terms of employment and salary are based on the Swedish collective agreements.
3. Your salary should be at least 27,360 SEK per month before taxes.
4. Your employer intends to provide insurance covering health, life, employment, and pension when you begin to work.
5. Your family members can also come to Sweden with you when you have a work permit. They will have to apply as your dependents (permit for moving to someone in Sweden).

Family members are a wife, husband, cohabiting partner, registered partner, and unmarried children under the age of 21.Permit for highly qualified persons to look for work or start a business

If you have completed studies equivalent to a Swedish master's degree or higher, you may be eligible for a residence permit for qualified persons. This permit allows you to come to Sweden to look for work or explore starting your own business.

You must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Sweden. Once granted the residence permit, you have six months to find employment or start your own business. After finding a job or starting a business, you can apply for a work permit. Family members can join you by applying as your dependents.Permit for studies or research in Sweden

If you plan to study in Sweden for more than 90 days, then you can apply for a residence permit.

You can find more information on Sweden's University Admissions website. You will find here the available programs, important dates and deadlines, and also information regarding scholarships. Permit for moving to someone in Sweden

If you plan to study in Sweden for more than 90 days, then you can apply for a residence permit.

You can find more information on Sweden's University Admissions website. You will find here the available programs, important dates and deadlines, and also information regarding scholarships.

1.5

Find a Job in Sweden to Obtain a Work Permit

Understanding how to move to Sweden involves several key steps, one of which is job hunting, especially if you plan to work immediately upon arrival. While some visas don't require proof of employment, securing a job and having an employer sponsor your work visa can significantly streamline your move to Sweden.

In Sweden's job market, language requirements vary by industry. For example, in IT, companies often relocate individuals to Sweden without requiring Swedish proficiency.

It's important to do your research and identify suitable job opportunities well in advance. You can start by exploring online job portals for open positions that match your skill set.

• Glassdoor
• LinkedIn Jobs
• Jobbatical
• Relocate.me
• Neuvoo
• The Local SE
• Company websites

Additionally, reaching out to recruitment agencies or pursuing internship programs can provide valuable work experience in Sweden.

If I moved to Sweden as a dependent, where can I look for a job?

If you're already living in Sweden, you can register with Arbetsförmedlingen, the Swedish public employment service. There, you'll find comprehensive support and benefits available through various programs, explore job listings, receive job-seeking tips, and much more.

Don't worry, if you don't yet have a personal identification number (personnummer)from the Tax Agency (Skatteverket) or a bank ID, you can still register using your username and password.

2

Apply for a visa and residence permit card

Once you've determined the best visa type for your needs, the next step is to navigate the process of obtaining both a visa and a residence permit card.

If you intend to stay in Sweden for more than three months, a residence permit is essential. Upon its approval, you'll need to apply for the residence permit card, which effectively serves as your "visa" to enter Sweden and allows stays exceeding three months based on the card's validity.

If you don’t need a visa to enter Sweden,you can apply for a residence permit card upon arrival. You only need to show a copy of the decision to the immigration upon arrival. Then, you can book an appointment for your biometrics.

If you need a visa,you need to have a residence permit card first before traveling to Sweden. This usually takes up to 4 weeks before you get your residence permit card.

1. Reach out to the embassy: Contact the Swedish embassy in your home country to inquire about obtaining photographs and fingerprints for the residence permit card.
2. If your local embassy doesn't provide this service, they may direct you to another nearby embassy or consulate.
3. No appointment needed: Typically, there's no need to book an appointment. You can visit the suggested location without prior arrangements.
4. Wait for notification: After your submission, wait for up to 4 weeks. The embassy will likely inform you via email when your residence permit card is ready.
5. Pick up your card: Once notified, visit the specified embassy or consulate to collect your residence permit card.

3

Find an Apartment in Sweden

Finding an apartment in Sweden is a crucial step in beginning your new life there. Although the process may initially seem daunting, a good understanding of the rental market can simplify it.

If you are relocating to Sweden for work, your employer often collaborates with a relocation agency, which can assist you in finding suitable accommodation.

A Swedish personal identity number (personnummer)is typically required for renting. However, platforms like Samtrygg allow you to sign contracts without one.

Click here for a more detailed guide on how to find an apartment in Sweden.

4

Learn and Adapt to the Culture

Before immigrating to Sweden, it's crucial to understand the pros and cons of living there. Swedish culture, known for its emphasis on equality, work-life balance, and sustainability, is fundamental to integrating smoothly into your new environment.

Acquainting yourself with common Swedish phrases is beneficial for everyday communication. You can start learning Swedish now through apps like Duolingo or iTalki.

Additionally, a grasp of Swedish culture and business etiquette is important for professional success, providing an advantage in the local job market.

Lastly, familiarizing yourself with Swedish laws and regulations is essential to ensure you adhere to local standards.

5

Prepare for the cost of living in Sweden

Before immigrating to Sweden, understanding the cost of living, which varies depending on the city, is essential. When planning how to move to Sweden, especially to cities like Stockholm, as the most expensive city in Sweden, requires careful financial preparation and realistic expectations.For insights into Stockholm's living expenses, consider reading my detailed blog post where I break down the expenses.

Being informed about various expenses, including rent, food, and additional services, is crucial to ensure financial readiness. Adequate planning and staying up-to-date with potential costs are key to a seamless transition to life in Sweden.

6

Get a Travel Insurance

When you move to Sweden, you still, of course, need to deal with legalities and essential documentation, which might mean waiting months before you're registered in the system and have access to public healthcare.

While registered residents can readily access Sweden's healthcare system, newcomers often face challenges, as you'll need to cover medical expenses out-of-pocket until you obtain your Swedish personal number (personnummer).

In this case, consider opting for international health insurance providers like SafetyWing,World Nomads, or AXA to ensure healthcare coverage during this interim period.

7

Start Packing

Packing for a big move is always a blend of excitement and challenge. When heading to Sweden, it's more than just fitting your life into a suitcase; it's about discerning what's essential for your new adventure.

Lucky for you, I've put together a comprehensive moving abroad packing list to help you figure out what to bring and what's best left behind.

8

Get Settled and Plan the Next Steps after Arriving in Sweden

When you move to another country, the challenging process is just beginning. Settling in involves handling necessary paperwork.

This includes registering your move with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), obtaining a Swedish personal number (personnummer), and opening a bank account, among other steps.

While the process may seem overwhelming, my blog offers a comprehensive checklist to guide you through what to do as soon as you land in Sweden. Check out the Moving to Sweden Checklist for detailed guidance.

How to Migrate to Sweden from the Philippines

Navigating the bureaucratic maze before migrating to Sweden from the Philippines was, for me and many I know, the most challenging aspect of understanding how to move to Sweden.

For Philippine passport holders planning to work abroad, obtaining the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)from the POEA is a must. This certificate acts as your official exit clearance.

While the OEC acquisition process might seem frustratingly slow and even redundant, it's an indispensable document. The airport's immigration office will require it when you leave the Philippines.

If you're a skilled professional, you'll need to provide a specific set of documents, which you can find here. Be prepared for the POLO verification phase to be time-consuming, often stretching to a month. Since Sweden lacks a POLO office, you can have your documents verified at the Philippine Embassy in Sweden.

It's not uncommon for the POEA office to ask for changes to your contract or provide differing instructions. So, patience is key.

Even with all the required documents in hand, the entire process can span a month or more. In my experience, it took me from January to April to get my OEC. It's essential to manage your expectations. Some might have a quicker experience, but delays aren't uncommon.

A word of caution: Not every employer is patient enough to navigate this process. There's a possibility they might rescind the job offer.

This can cause delays, so you should start gathering information about the OEC once you get a job abroad. There is a helpful Facebook group where you can ask questions or clarifications regarding your OEC.

Once you've gone through this extensive process, there's a fee at the end — approximately $100. Plus, as a bonus, you get exempted from the travel tax and terminal fees at the airport. This perk partly compensates for the time spent, though it might not entirely offset the delay in starting your overseas job.

FAQs About How to Move to Sweden

Final Thoughts: How to Move to Sweden

The journey of how to move to Sweden may seem complex, but with the right information, it becomes manageable. From understanding the visa process to finding a job, apartment hunting, adapting to Swedish culture, managing living costs, getting health insurance, packing wisely, and settling in, this comprehensive guide has covered it all.

Moving to Sweden offers a unique experience, and with proper preparation, you can embark on this adventure with confidence. I hope this guide on how to move to Sweden gave you clarity on the processes.