Moving to Sweden is popular because it offers salaries above the average, good quality of life, and many social benefits. It is a fairly simple process to relocate to Sweden for citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area. Otherwise, a Swedish residency permit must be obtained after moving to Sweden.
Read on to find out what you need to know about moving to Sweden and how to find a job, apply for a visa, and open a bank account.
How to apply for a visa/permit in Sweden
You do not need a visa to live and work in Sweden if you are an EU, EEA, and Switzerland citizen. Otherwise, a visa is not required for visiting Sweden for up to 90 days. If you want to stay longer or work, you will need a long-stay visa and a temporary residence permit.
Visa
You should apply for a visa before entering the country – between 3 months and 15 working days. Visit the embassy website to download the application form and fill in your personal information, the reason for your trip, and other relevant details. Present a valid passport, a recent passport-size photograph of yourself, proof of residence for your home country, proof of travel arrangements, proof of employment, proof of financial means to support yourself, and proof of medical insurance. Depending on the type of visa you seek, additional documentation may be required.
Work Permits
You should already be offered a job in Sweden to be able to qualify for a work permit. You can not apply for a Swedish work permit from Sweden. The salary must be at least SEK13,000 per month, and your employer should provide life, health, pension, and employment insurance.
The first stage must be done by the employer, after which you should complete the application form and provide copies of your passport and documentation for any family members who will join you.
The work permit fee is SEK2000 ($204), and the processing time varies according to the industry and circumstances.
How to open a bank account in Sweden
Each bank in Sweden has its own procedure, and the process will differ, so it is recommended to just go in person and find out the information face to face. Prepare your personal identity number, proof of address, passport, and employment details. You will need to fill in the paperwork provided by the bank to open a bank account.
The personal identity number (personnummer) is important, and you will not be able to open an account without it. It can be obtained when you have a residence number.
Once you complete the process, you will receive a debit card in the post.
The main Swedish commercial banks are Swedbank AB, SEB (Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken), and Nordea Bank AB. Local banks are Resurs Bank and Sparbanken Lidkoping. Most banks in Sweden do not offer specific services or accounts for expats, and few offer online banking, telephone banking, and statements in English.
Banking hours are usually Mon-Fri from 10 am to 4 pm, and on Thursdays, banks are normally open until 6 pm.
