Guide for Moving to Sweden and Kalix

Your first steps

Residence permit

Before starting your new life in Sweden – and possibly in Kalix – you usually need to obtain a residence permit. The Swedish Migration Agency is responsible for matters related to moving to Sweden, such as residence permits, visas, work permits, and citizenship.

If you are moving from an EU or EEA country

If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country (or Switzerland), you do not need a special residence permit to live, work, or study in Sweden. You are allowed to stay in Sweden for up to three months without any additional permits. If you plan to stay longer than three months, you must be able to show that you are employed, self-employed, studying, or have sufficient funds to support yourself (and your family, if applicable).

If you intend to live in Sweden for at least one year, you must register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to obtain a Swedish personal identity number.

If you are moving from an EU country, Norway or Iceland, you may also be eligible for help through EURES TMS Sweden. This is an EU-funded programme that aims to help jobseekers find work in Sweden, especially where there are hard-to-fill vacancies.

If you are moving from a country outside the EU/EEA

If you are moving from a country outside the EU or EEA, you will usually need to apply for a residence permit before coming to Sweden. The type of permit depends on the reason for your move – for example, to work, study, or reunite with a family member already living in Sweden.

For more information about residence permits and how to apply, visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s website.

Register yourself in Sweden

When you move to Sweden to live here for a year or longer, the next step is to become officially registered. This process is called folkbokföring – a key part of starting your new life in Sweden.

The Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) handles the population registration. They register details such as your name, address, date of birth, and marital status. Once everything is complete, you’ll receive a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) – something you’ll need for almost everything, like opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, or enrolling in school.

For more information about population registration and personal identity numbers, visit the Swedish Tax Agency’s website.

How to do it

Start by filling out a moving to Sweden notification. You can find the form on the Swedish Tax Agency’s website, with versions available for both EU/EEA citizens and people coming from other parts of the world.

After completing the application, you must visit a government service center in person – sending it in online is not enough. Everyone in your family who is moving must come with you to the appointment.

The nearest service centers are in Luleå or Haparanda. Click here to book an appointment.

Bring the right documents

What you need to bring depends on where you’re coming from and why you’re moving to Sweden. It could be your passport, residence permit, or proof of work or studies. When you fill out the application, you’ll receive clear instructions tailored to your situation.

Tip! Swedish authorities like things to be well-organized and clearly documented. Bring original documents, and preferably a translated version if they are not in English or Swedish.

Practical info

Insurance for financial security in Sweden

Sweden has a social insurance system that provides financial security at different stages of life. The system covers a wide range of situations and includes benefits for families with children, people with illness or disabilities, and the elderly.

For example, you may be entitled to compensation when on sick leave, during parental leave, or if you need to stay home to care for a sick child. The Swedish social insurance system is publicly funded through taxes and fees, meaning that everyone who works in Sweden contributes to the system and gains access to its benefits.

For more information about the social insurance system, visit the Swedish Social Insurance Agency’s (Försäkringskassan) website.

Open a bank account – Easier than you might think!

Once you’ve settled in Sweden, it’s time to open a bank account – a must for managing your finances smoothly.

To open a bank account, you usually need a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer), or a coordination number (samordningsnummer) if you are not yet registered in the population system. Most banks will require you to visit in person to register and choose the right type of account.

But don’t worry – Swedes are generally very good at English, so language is not likely to be a problem.

How do I do It?

Choose a bank – There are many Swedish banks to choose from. In Kalix, the local branches include Swedbank and Handelsbanken. Visit their websites to find an account that suits your needs.
Book an appointment at the bank – To open your account, you will usually need to schedule a meeting with a bank officer. Make sure to bring all necessary documents, such as your passport, residence permit, and proof of your address in Sweden.
Receive your bank card – Once your account is opened, you will receive a bank card and online banking login so you can manage your money online and make payments.

Sweden – A Cashless Society

Sweden is at the forefront of digital payments. Fewer and fewer people use cash, and new digital solutions are constantly emerging. Today, it’s very common to use your mobile phone to make payments.

Many shops and restaurants in Sweden are completely cash-free and only accept digital payments. This makes it especially important to have a bank card when you move here.
Services like Swish (mobile payments), Apple Pay, and Google Pay are becoming increasingly common.

Get an E-ID – For an easier life in Sweden!

In Sweden, electronic identification (e-ID) is used to log in to a wide range of online services. Everything from filing your taxes with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), accessing healthcare services, to enrolling at a university is done using an e-ID. It acts like a digital ID – fast, secure, and essential.

Freja eID – For those new to Sweden

A common e-ID in Sweden is Freja eID, a mobile version of your personal ID. It is approved by Swedish authorities and can be used to log in to over 300 public services. To get Freja eID, you need a coordination number (samordningsnummer) or a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer).

More information about Freja eID.

BankID – Once you have a swedish bank account

The most widely used e-ID in Sweden is BankID. Most Swedes use it to access both public and private services, such as their bank, the Tax Agency (Skatteverket), and the Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan). BankID works on your computer, phone, or tablet and gives you easy access to most digital services in Sweden.

How do I get BankID?

To get BankID, you need a Swedish personal identity number and an account at a Swedish bank. You can obtain BankID through your internet bank or by booking an appointment at your bank branch.

Children

Moving to Sweden with Children

Relocating to Kalix with children means more than just a new place to live – it also gives you more time, making life both easier and more enjoyable! Sweden’s welfare system is designed to support all families, whether you’re working or studying.

Parental Leave – Enjoy More Time with Your Child

In Sweden, parents are entitled to 480 days of paid parental leave per child! Even as a student, you can access benefits like preschool and parental leave. You’re also entitled to 120 paid days per year through the VAB system (care of sick child), allowing you to stay home when your child is ill.

More about parenting in Sweden on Försäkringskassan’s website.

To access these benefits and be covered by the social insurance system, it’s important to register with Försäkringskassan as soon as you arrive in Sweden.

Preschool – A Safe Place for Your Child

Sweden is known for its high-quality preschool system. Preschool is available to all children, with fees based on family income. In Kalix, the maximum monthly fee for one child in 2024 is 1,688 SEK. Fees are reduced for additional children.

Preschool offers a safe and stimulating environment while you work or study.

Learn more about preschools in Kalix on the municipality’s website.

Healthcare

Healthcare and Dental Care – How it works in Sweden

Understanding how healthcare works is an important part of moving to a new country. Sweden has a well-developed healthcare system that is available to everyone – but exactly what you’re entitled to may depend on where you come from.

Are you in an emergency? Call 112 – emergency number!

Accessing Healthcare

Do you have a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer)?

Then you have full access to healthcare in Sweden on the same terms as all other residents.

Are you from an EU/EEA country?

You’re entitled to emergency medical care in Sweden at the same cost as Swedish citizens – just remember to bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Are you from outside the EU/EEA?

You’re still entitled to healthcare – but you’ll usually have to pay the full cost yourself. That’s why it’s important to make sure you have insurance from day one!

Healthcare for children and young people

Children and young people under 18 years of age are entitled to the same healthcare and dental care as other children living in Sweden – and most of it is free of charge. Some medications are also free for children, as long as they are prescribed by a doctor. How it works may vary slightly depending on your region.

Call 1177 – Healthcare Direct

Need medical advice or help finding where to go? Call 1177, available 24/7. You can also visit 1177.se for information in multiple languages and contact information for health and medical centers. Many are also open in the evenings and on weekends.

At 1177.se you can read more about healthcare in Sweden, Norrbotten, and Kalix.

If you get sick

Your local health center (hälsocentral) is always your first stop. They help with common illnesses, chronic conditions, injuries, mental health, and child healthcare. If necessary, they will refer you to a specialist at one of Norrbotten’s hospitals.

Dental care in Sweden

If you are insured in Sweden, you are entitled to free dental care until the year you turn 20. After that, you pay for your own dental care, but you can receive a state dental care subsidy that reduces the cost. In Kalix, you’ll find both public and private dental clinics.