Resett­le­ment

Regardless of nationality, culture, status in society or religion, as a Swedish resident, you must follow Swedish law.

In Sweden, anyone suspected of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty.

Persons who break the law may be prosecuted and sentenced. Punishments include fines, paying damages or imprisonment.

You cannot receive a lesser sentence by paying someone a bribe. Bribing an official or civil servant is a crime in Sweden. Sweden has a low level of corruption, which means you cannot pay bribes to get a job, a better grade or certificate, or faster and better healthcare.

Swedish society values personal freedom and equality greatly. Therefore, everyone in Sweden has the same rights and must be treated equally, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or disability. No one is to be subjected to violence or ill-treatment, threatened, or forced to live a life they do not want.

Everyone in Sweden has the right to choose and practise the religion or faith they want. Everyone has the right not to believe in any religion, to change their religion or to stop believing. Being able to choose which religion or faith you want is a human right. There are laws that protect these rights.

There are often big differences between cultures. It may be good to prepare yourself for new norms and values in Sweden that you are not accustomed to.

It is difficult to define what is typically Swedish or part of Swedish culture. In every part of the world, country and within ethnic groups, there are cultural values that for many, but not all, create a sense of belonging. Thoughts and ideas on what is considered to be typically Swedish for one person is therefore not necessarily shared by other Swedes.

Typi­cally Swedish?

Many may associate Sweden with Zlatan, the football player, or maybe the furniture store IKEA. Certain characteristics can be thought of as distinctive for Sweden and the Swedes. For example, most people possess a strong trust in the government and authorities. There is a high level of trust in government decisions, the judicial system and government officials. In addition, corruption is low in Sweden.

Additionally many Swedes often feel strongly that it is important to protect nature, and visitors often feel that Sweden’s environment is very clean. People from other countries sometimes experience Swedes as reserved and difficult to connect with.

Your identity are your thoughts about yourself and who you are as a person. Your identity is created by you and by what happens around you. Some parts of your identity may change during the resettlement process. Sometimes the changes may be difficult to handle and it is good to be prepared. This is normal and may happen when you encounter new social structures, traditions, values, skills, professions and hobbies.

In Sweden, the roles and responsibilities in a family or a relationship may change. For example, both men and women are expected to work and help with the household and children.

Since women are also expected to work or study, both parents need to help each other with child-rearing, cooking, cleaning, errands and shopping. It is common that partners collaborate regarding the household's finances, share costs and have their own bankcards.

All people in Sweden, regardless of gender and age, have the same rights and enjoy the same amount of respect. Women take an active role in Sweden, both in society and in the workplace. Women can have a career and a family. They can also hold high positions and be political leaders. In Sweden, it is normal and common to be a single parent. Even if the parents have separated and no longer live together, they are often friends and collaborate around their children.

Sweden is divided into three parts. The climate and nature vary in the different parts. There are towns and villages in all parts of Sweden but southern and central Sweden have more inhabitants and larger cities.

• Norrland (northern Sweden) has a lot of mountains, forests and lakes. There is not much agricultural land and there are fewer inhabitants here than in the rest of the country. Northern Sweden is known for its natural beauty.
• Svealand (central Sweden) has a lot of forests but also agriculture. Sweden's capital city, Stockholm, is located on the eastern side of central Sweden.
• Götaland (southern Sweden) has a lot of agricultural land and long beaches. The large cities of Göteborg and Malmö are located in southern Sweden.

Quota refugees are resettled in municipalities in all parts of Sweden. Regardless of whether you live in a city or in the countryside, everyone in Sweden has access to education and other services such as healthcare and childcare.

When you arrive in Sweden, you must register as a Swedish resident. You do this at the Swedish Tax Agency. This means that the Swedish Tax Agency enters your personal data in its register of Swedish residents. Registration is mandatory and a requirement for obtaining a Swedish personal identity number and an identity card. You need the identity number and identity card to use most public services.

It may take some time after you register before you receive your personal identity number and identity card. Therefore, it is important that you register as soon as possible.

Read more about starting your life in Sweden External link.

After your arrival in Sweden, you will be offered a health examination, with an interpreter present. This is voluntary and free of charge.

It is important you provide information about any medical conditions or health problems that you may have, both physical and mental, so that you can receive the correct help and care. The doctor and the interpreter are required by law to keep all information about your health and your private life confidential. This means that they cannot share such information with anyone else without your permission, not even with your family members.

You must provide information about any medication that you need as soon as possible, either during your health examination or to municipality staff when you arrive. In order to buy certain medicines in Sweden, you must speak to a doctor first.

All adults between the ages of 20 and 64 are covered by the establishment programme, which you participate in through the Swedish Public Employment Service.

The establishment programme includes various activities, and the goal of the programme is for you to learn Swedish as quickly as possible, find a job and support yourself.

The programme includes studying Swedish for Immigrants (SFI), participating in a social orientation course and undergoing education at various levels. You may need to develop or build on your skills, validate your qualifications or previous work experience, possibly get an internship, or receive support when looking for a job.

You normally participate in the programme full-time, which means five days a week, Monday through Friday, for eight hours per day. You can participate for a maximum of two years. All quota refugees attend the programme regardless of gender, previous education or work background.

If you have a child under the age of one, you will not participate because you will be at home caring for your child. When your child starts preschool, around the age of one, you can start or resume the introductory programme.

It is possible to take part in the programme part-time, for example, if you have an illness or disability.

Read more about the establishment programme External link.

Many quota refugees need financial support at first in order to meet their living expenses. The goal is that you will eventually be able to support yourself and you are expected to be active in finding work.

The most common form of financial support for adult newly-arrived quota refugees is establishment allowance. You can receive this allowance if you participate in the Swedish Public Employment Service's introductory programme. An application for the allowance is made to the Social Insurance Office. The allowance will only cover your most basic needs, such as rent, food, doctor's appointments and medicine, some clothes and travelling by public transport.

There are other forms of financial support in Sweden. What support and how much you are entitled to depends on, for example, if you have children and what your housing costs are. Allowance payments are usually paid out once a month and require you to have a bank account.

In Sweden, most support is paid separately to each adult person in the household. This means that every adult needs to have their own bank account and needs to submit their own application for financial support. The municipality can guide you in how to open a bank account and how to apply for support.

In Sweden, financial support and public services are financed through taxes. Everyone who lives in Sweden participates in the welfare system and is required to pay taxes. Residents of Sweden are also expected to do their best to contribute to society and create good conditions for themselves and others. How much you pay in tax differs among municipalities, but the average tax is 32 percent of your income.

Read more about establishment allowance External link.

Read more about and apply for establishment allowance (in swedish) External link.

If you are over 65, you will not participate in the introductory programme. If you are over 65, you will receive financial support from the government. You are not prevented from working; on the contrary, in many ways, it is an advantage for you if you can work. Work provides a better financial situation and a good opportunity to be active and learn the Swedish language.

Even if you do not work, there are many things you can do, for example, learn Swedish, find hobbies and make friends. You can ask your municipality for information about activities and groups that could be of interest to you.

The municipality you are moving to will arrange accommodation for you during your first two years in Sweden. Usually, you will be offered an apartment in an apartment building but you could be offered a room in a residence that you share with other people, or accommodation in a dormitory or barracks. In these cases, you will share the kitchen and bathroom with other people but have your own bed to sleep in.

Municipalities take into account, when possible, the needs and size of the family when arranging accommodation for quota refugees. Sometimes, the municipality will allow you to stay there for longer than two years. In other cases, you will have to find somewhere else to live after two years. It is important to know that there is a shortage of rental housing in Sweden. Therefore, it is recommended you start planning for your next home as soon as you have arrived.

You will only be given one offer of accommodation from your municipality. If you decline this offer, you will need to arrange your own accommodation.

In most residential buildings, there are rules that everyone must follow.

• There are rules to prevent fires. You cook on the stove and in the oven. Never leave the stove and the oven unattended. You may only grill or make up fires in designated places outside. You may light candles indoors but make sure you blow them out before leaving your home or going to sleep. Children must never play with fire, matches or lighters.
• Most rental companies do not allow smoking in their buildings and this rule applies to the apartments as well as common areas.
• Most residential buildings have rules about noise, especially in the evening and at night. The rule is that it must be quiet after a certain time in the evening and during the night.
• All housing has designated places where residents dispose of garbage. You must not leave garbage or garbage bags outside in common areas or outdoors. In Sweden, it is the norm to sort and recycle your household waste, that is, separate different waste materials.
• Many residential buildings have shared laundry rooms and washing machines that all residents may use. Usually, you must book your laundry time in advance. It is everyone’s responsibility to take care of the laundry room, and it must be left in a clean condition after it has been used.
• You are responsible for notifying the rental company if anything belonging to the apartment breaks or is damaged, for example the floor, refrigerator or a door. If you move out, the residence must be in the same condition as when you moved in. If it is not, you may be responsible for the cost of repairs.
• You are responsible for notifying the rental company if you discover pests in the home.
• When you move into your home, it is your responsibility to take care of it. If you do not follow the rules in the rental agreement or do not pay your rent on time, you may lose your home.

Since you are moving to Sweden, you need to learn Swedish. Swedish is the official language and is spoken everywhere. Learning Swedish as soon as you arrive will help you integrate (fit in). Understanding and speaking Swedish will help you find work, receive education and training, gain access to various public services and to get to know people. As a newly arrived person in Sweden, you will study Swedish as part of the establishment program. In addition, there are many digital tools that you can take advantage of, as well as so called language cafés, where you can practice.

Here you can see what different options there are for learning Swedish External link.

Sweden as a society is becoming increasingly dependent on digital technology. The use of technology can be found everywhere; at school, in the workplace and during leisure time. Most occupations require basic computer skills. In many Swedish families, children have their own smartphones or laptops. Adults use smartphones to pay bills, access banking services, book various appointments, buy tickets and for electronic identification. Learning to use digital services is important to adapt to everyday life in Sweden.

You use the Internet to search for information. It is important that you use reliable sources, such as official government websites, since there is a lot of false and misleading information and rumors circulating in social media and on the internet. If you do not have a computer or an internet connection, you can go to the public library and use a computer without any cost. In some public places, you can also use the internet without charge, by connecting your smartphone or laptop.

If you need support in how to use digital aids or various digital services, libraries, voluntary organizations or the municipality can usually offer help or introductory courses.

Moving to a new country involves many changes and challenges. It may also mean that you need to change your lifestyle. To make sure that you feel well, it is important to take care of your physical and mental health. There are things you can do to increase your well-being, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy and exercising.

If you have a health condition that requires medical treatment, you can make an appointment to visit a doctor's office. The doctor can prescribe medications or other treatment.

Leisure activities give you an opportunity to pursue your interests, get to know people, and participate in society. It also provides an opportunity to practice the Swedish language.

You can participate in most leisure activities regardless of age and gender. There are activities that are intended for a certain age group or a certain gender, for example different study circles for pensioners or swimming for women. Leisure activities for children are adapted to different age groups.

The availability of leisure activities varies in different municipalities. Some activities are free while others may cost money. You can visit most public places without any cost. These can be, for example, football facilities, outdoor gyms, skate areas as well as green areas and parks, where many people hang out in their spare time or exercise.

Traveling by public transportation, for example by bus, train or subway, is common in Sweden and many people do it every day to get to work or school. Public transportation is safe, easy and more affordable than traveling with your own car. Buses or trains link all towns, and in the slightly larger cities, there is a train, tram or subway.

You need to buy tickets for public transportation before boarding. You can buy tickets in smaller shops or ticket machines in connection to public transportation. Often, you can also buy a ticket through an app on your smart phone. Note that you will be fined if you travel without a ticket.

Travel by bicycle

For shorter distance travel, a bicycle is a common means of transportation in Sweden. In cities, there are assigned bicycle lanes.

You need to know the rules that apply in traffic, for example that you drive on the right side of the road (right-hand traffic). By law, the bicycle must have lights and reflectors when it is dark. For safety reasons, children under the age of 15 are required to wear a helmet, but it is important for everyone.

It is important to use reflectors so that you can be seen when it is dark and to be careful when the roads are frozen and slippery.

Driving a car

If you want to drive a car in Sweden, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driving license. Everyone traveling in a vehicle must wear a seat belt, and children shorter than 135 cm must use an approved safety device (baby seat, car seat or booster seat). Children under the age of 4 must have a rear-facing car seat when traveling in a car.

In Sweden, right-hand traffic is the rule, which means that all vehicles drive on the right side in traffic.

Read more about which driving licenses are approved in Sweden and how to get a Swedish driver's license External link.

In Sweden, you usually shop for food in various indoor stores. Smaller stores usually only sell food, while larger stores also sell clothes, electronics and tools.

Grocery stores that specialise in food from other parts of the world are usually found in medium-sized and larger cities. In many larger towns, there are shopping malls with shops selling food, technology, clothes and shoes. Often, you can also find, for example, hairdressers, cafés and restaurants.

In Sweden, everyone is expected to take responsibility for the environment and to live in an environmentally friendly way for a sustainable future.

It is common to reuse material from waste when new material is manufactured. This is called recycling. Most homes have recycling rooms where waste is sorted into different barrels or containers, which are then picked up by a recycling truck. The municipality and the property owner are responsible for making sure that the waste is collected. It is the residents of the building, however, who sort the waste.

For Swedes, recycling is an important environmental issue. In the common recycling room, you will find containers and bins for food waste, glass, paper, cardboard, metal, plastic and electronics. If you live in a home where there is no shared recycling room, you need to bring the waste and sort it at recycling centers.

In Sweden, it is common for materials and goods to be reused, for example by buying used clothes and furniture. There are shops in most places where you can buy and also drop off used items. This is a way to save money and it is also good for the environment.

In Sweden, it is common to spend time outside in nature for various activities. Through a law on the right of public access (Allemansrätten) you are allowed to spend time in nature without any special permit. For example, you can walk, run, cycle, ride, ski or camp in nature. However, you may not, for example, stay in someone's yard or walk on cultivated land. You must not litter or destroy anything in nature, and not harm or disturb the wild animals that live there.

There are laws that protect animals, which means that animals must be treated well and protected against unnecessary suffering and disease. Animals have an important place in many people's lives. For example, it is common to have dogs or cats indoors and they are treated as members of the family. Animals also have the right to a good life without physical or mental violence, therefore it is punishable by law to hit or kick an animal, for example.

Working is part of the Swedish lifestyle. By working you provide for your family, get a sense of belonging and create a social network. Working also creates new opportunities in life and promotes lifelong learning and personal development. There are various jobs available in Sweden and in many sectors there is currently a shortage of labour.

Some of these professions require higher education in the form of a university degree or other qualifications. Professions that require a university degree are for example midwives, doctors, nurses, engineers and teachers. Qualifications may also be needed for professions such as electricians, cooks, carpenters, assistant nurses or mechanics.

If you are looking for a job where education is not required you can work in various service professions, for example as a cleaner, a dishwasher and a restaurant assistant. If you want a practical job you can work as a labourer or an apprentice in the construction industry. Getting a job in a sector that is in need of labour is usually easier than getting a job where there is no shortage of labour.

In Sweden there are many laws and agreements that apply to employers and employees. Employees have special rights regarding working hours, salary, safe working environment, equal treatment and protection against discrimination. These rights apply to all employees.

When you work in Sweden you pay taxes on the money you earn, a so-called income tax. How much you pay in tax depends on your salary and which municipality you live in. Usually taxes are 29-35 percent of your total income. If you receive sickness benefit (money you can apply for if you are unable to work for an extended period of time) or a pension you also have to pay income tax.

We pay taxes to create a better society together where everybody receives the same support and have equal opportunities. It is important that all adults, regardless of their gender and background, work and pay taxes. The taxes are for example used to pay for education, healthcare, social services, childcare, elderly care, roads, public transports and environmental work. Even the reception of refugees and the services that new arrivals use are tax-funded.

Most adults who come to Sweden need to register at the Swedish Public Employment Service. If you are between 20-64 years of age you can participate in the Establishment Programme. The Employment Service functions as a platform for job-seekers and supports people in their search for a job or other activity. They also give guidance on how to proceed if you want to validate your previous professional experience or education and how to get your foreign degree approved in Sweden.

Working undeclared means that you have a job where the employer does not pay taxes and where your rights as an employee do not apply.

Most people in Sweden have a declared job, which means they thereby earn a pension and have the right to paid parental leave and sickness benefits.

Read more about the consequences of undeclared work and how it can affect you directly (in swedish) External link.

Anyone who wants to start their own business in Sweden can do so but there are certain rules that need to be followed. You need to register your business with the Swedish Tax Agency for taxation purposes and ensure that the accounting is done correctly. If you want to start your own business there is guidance and other resources to help you. The Employment Service and other organization, for example ALMI (ALMI Företagspartner AB) External link. provide support and guidance to self-employed persons. Starting your own business usually requires that you have your own financial resources but you can apply for a loan from the bank to be able to finance your business at the beginning. You can also find investors or apply for grants and loans from the public sector.

In Sweden you usually work or study until you have reached the age of 66 but you can work even after that age. After you stop working you receive a pension. The national public pension is the money you receive from the state when you leave your working life. There are also other types of pensions. The occupational pension is paid by your employer and you can also have your own pension savings.

Read more on the Swedish Pensions Agencys website External link.

Using previous experience and education

It is important that you bring documents that prove your education or degree to Swedish employers and schools. If you want to use your previous education or your degree certificate in Sweden you must first contact the Swedish Council for Higher Education. On their website you can make a free assessment of what different foreign educations are equivalent to in Sweden. You can also apply for the Swedish Council for Higher Education to assess your educational documents.

Read more about assessment of foreign education. External link.

If you have a profession that requires a specific degree or certification you apply for the right to practice that profession from the competent authority in Sweden. You may only start to work after you have received a permit. Which authority you need to contact to get the permit varies depending on the profession and the field of work.

Regulated education – Swedish Council for Higher Education (in swedish) External link.

Educational opportunities in Sweden

If you want to work in a profession that requires a specific degree there are several options. You can attend a post-secondary vocational education, a university of applied sciences, a folk high school, a college or a university.

In order to be accepted there are different requirements regarding which subjects you must have studied, depending on the education you are applying for. Initially you will study Swedish for Immigrants (SFI).

You can choose from different courses depending on what you want to study, if you have studied before and which way of studying suits you best.

Read about several different courses for adults. External link.

Childcare and preschool

From the age of one year, children can start preschool. You apply for a place from the date you want your child to start preschool. This allows both parents to work or study.

Children’s development benefits from participating in preschool activities. The preschools are staffed with trained personnel who meet the needs of children through daily activities. As a legal guardian, you pay a fee for your child to attend preschool. The fee is based on your family’s joint income. The children receive meals at preschool.

Open preschool

Open preschool is a meeting place where parents or other adults can meet and socialise with their children, if they do not attend preschool. At the open preschool you can meet other parents and children and thus also practice your Swedish language skills. Open preschools have staff who organise activities that take place there, but you are also involved and are responsible for your child. Open preschools are available in most municipalities in Sweden and they are free of charge.

Compul­sory primary school

Children start primary school with kindergarten at the age of six and must attend school until ninth grade. Primary school is compulsory in Sweden. Swedish schools follow a national curriculum, which means that all children receive the same education throughout the country. Education from primary school up to and including the university level is usually free of charge.

School uniforms are not used in Sweden; children can wear whatever clothes they want at school. This also includes religious clothing such as veils or other religious symbols.

The relationship between teachers and pupils is important, and the teacher’s task is to give students the opportunity for good learning. The teacher guides children in school and follows their development. Teachers have the right to verbally reprimand children who do not contribute to ensuring a calm environment. However, a teacher must never punish children, neither physically nor psychologically.

Health and medical care

You have the right to seek treatment at a health centre. The health centre employs physicians and nurses who can help you directly or send a referral to a specialist if necessary.

It is important that you talk to a healthcare professional about what illnesses you have and what medicines you take. This will help ensure that you get the right help at the right time. Healthcare professionals have a duty of confidentiality, which means they are not allowed to share information about your health with anyone else without your approval. This also applies to your family members.

You have the right to get help from an interpreter if you do not speak Swedish, and this service is free of charge. If you are injured or seriously ill, you have the right to seek emergency care at the nearest hospital.

In the Swedish healthcare system, you may encounter healthcare professionals who specialise in treating various illnesses. This can mean that, when seeking care, you may need to book several different appointments with different physicians.

In the Swedish healthcare system, discrimination is not permitted. Everyone who seeks care should receive care.

The Swedish healthcare system is good, but it is overloaded. This means that there can be long waiting times. There is a certain order of priority in healthcare, which means that those who are most in need of care receive help first.

Mental health

In Sweden, mental health is considered to be as important as physical health. It is therefore important that you maintain healthy habits in your daily life that promote both your mental and physical health. Examples of such habits include getting enough sleep, eating a good and varied diet, and being physically active or exercising.

If you experience mental health problems such as difficulty sleeping, stress, anxiety, panic attacks or depression, help is available. You can often get support or treatment at your health centre. For example, you may be offered advice, counselling, or psychological treatment. Some treatments are also available by phone or computer. You may also be treated with medication. Sometimes you can get a referral to a psychiatric clinic from a physician at the health centre, but you can also contact a psychiatric clinic directly.

Address, telephone number and opening hours of various clinics (in swedish) External link.

Maternal health

As a pregnant woman, you are offered regular visits to a midwifery clinic to examine and follow up your development and that of your unborn child. It is important to contact a midwife clinic if you are pregnant, even if it is voluntary to do so. It costs nothing to visit a midwifery clinic.

You will usually visit the clinic between six and ten times during the course of your pregnancy. The number of visits may be expanded if necessary, depending on how you feel and how the fetus is developing. All pregnant women are offered an ultrasound examination during their pregnancy. When it is time to give birth, you have the right to choose the hospital where that will happen.

It is the pharmacies that administer and sell prescription medications in Sweden. In order to buy and pick up certain medications, you need a prescription, which is usually written by a physician. A nurse or midwife may prescribe prescriptions for certain medications.

In pharmacies, you can also buy over-the-counter medications. Pharmacists are trained and used to providing advice about medications, but it is physicians who are responsible for the actual treatment of diseases.

A large proportion of dental care in Sweden is preventive. This means that you visit the dentist’s office regularly for examination and follow-up of your oral health.

Children and young people are entitled to free dental care until the year they turn 23 and are summoned to regular visits to the dental clinic. Adults must make an appointment and pay for dental care. In some cases, adults who cannot afford to pay for dental care can apply for reimbursement from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, so-called “dental care support”.

The social services can help and provide support to children, young people, families and the elderly. For example, they provide family counselling and family moderated conversations if you need such help. The social services also provide support if you or someone in your family has an addiction. They can also mediate contact with local women’s shelters and provide assistance with temporary sheltered accommodation. You can apply for financial support from the social services if you are unable to support yourself.

Various government authorities are responsible for the safety and security of the country’s residents. Police, emergency services and ambulance personnel are trained, and they are tasked with helping everyone living in the country. The public has great faith in these authorities and their staff. The ambulances in Sweden are well-equipped and accessible to the public.