Moving and Living Essentials in Sweden

Nov 15, 2024

Insider's Guide to Moving and Living in Sweden

Overview

  • Introduction to Sweden, its culture, and history.
  • Sweden's sustainable identity and equal rights.
  • Essentials for moving and living in Sweden.

Swedish Culture and Lifestyle

  • Freedom to roam and digitalization are integral to Swedish life.
  • Flat organizational structures and high trust in authority.
  • Important traditions like fika (coffee breaks with pastries).
  • Seasonal variations with extended daylight in summer and long nights in winter.

Essentials for Moving to Sweden

  1. Digital Setup: Obtain BankID, Freja e-id, and Kivra.
  2. Legal Requirements:
    • Apply for a work permit and citizenship via migrationsverket.se.
    • Register with Skatteverket for a national identity number.
  3. Financial Setup:
    • Open a bank account and connect to Swish for payments.
  4. Employment and Education:
    • Find a job through arbetsformedlingen.se.
    • Arrange daycare or school for family.
  5. Social Integration:
    • Learn Swedish and engage with local communities.
    • Participate in local traditions and holidays.
  6. Transportation:
    • Check the need for a Swedish driver's license.

Important Contacts

  • Emergency: 112
  • Non-urgent police: 114 14
  • Healthcare advice: 1177
  • Crisis information: krisinformation.se/en

Swedish Language Basics

  • Common phrases include "Hej" (Hello), "Tack" (Thank you), and "Fika" (coffee break).

Swedish Bucket List

  • Explore fjäll (mountains) and major cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg.
  • Visit archipelagos and vast Swedish countryside.
  • Experience Swedish nature preserves and national parks.

Traditional Swedish Food

  • Köttbullar: Swedish meatballs with lingonberry jam.
  • Sill: Pickled herring, often served during festive seasons.
  • Surströmming: Fermented herring, known for its strong odor.
  • Seasonal traditions like crayfish parties (kräftskiva).

Swedish History

  • Key historical milestones such as the Age of Vikings and the Protestant Reformation.
  • Social progress: gender equality, democratic rights, and environmental leadership.

The Swedish Royal Family

  • Sweden's constitutional monarchy, led by King Carl XVI Gustaf.

Swedish Icons

  • Influential figures: Alfred Nobel (Nobel Prize), Astrid Lindgren (author), and Greta Thunberg (climate activist).
  • Renowned companies: Volvo, IKEA, Spotify.

Life in Sweden

  • Importance of work-life balance and parental leave.
  • Renting vs. buying homes: Hemnet for real estate.
  • Social integration through clubs and associations.

Work in Sweden

  • High demand for global tech talents.
  • Networking and learning Swedish important for career.
  • Flat organizational structures with a focus on individual responsibility.

Conclusion

  • Encourages embracing Swedish lifestyle, including outdoor activities and social traditions.
  • Sweden offers a transparent and safe country for education and career opportunities.