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From Arrival to Settle‑In: A Guide for Expats Living in Sweden
- August 6, 2025
- Rentaborg Team
- Blog
Moving to Sweden? Here’s What You Need to Know
Sweden is often ranked as one of the easiest countries for international professionals to call home – but only if you understand the bureaucracy behind that Scandinavian calm. Whether you are a consultant on assignment in Gothenburg or moving your family to Stockholm, your transition will be smoother when you know how to register, get the right documents and find a place that feels like home.
Registering with the Tax Agency and Getting a Personnummer
If you plan to stay in Sweden for more than a year, you need to register as a resident at the nearest state service centre. Doing so gives you access to Swedish social and health‑care benefits, and you will receive a unique ten‑digit personal identity number (personnummer). This number is the key to everyday life – it is required for everything from acquiring an identity card and home insurance to visiting a doctor.
You must apply in person to be listed in the population register, and the documents you need depend on your citizenship and whether you are moving with family. For stays shorter than a year, you may be issued a coordination number instead of a personnummer. For a practical checklist on registering and obtaining your personnummer, see our relocation guide, Relocating to Sweden – Smooth Corporate Housing. Once you have your personal identity number, you can open a bank account, sign up for utilities and access Swedish health care. Don’t delay this step — many tasks in Sweden hinge on having that number.
For a practical checklist on registering and obtaining your personnummer, see Rentaborg’s relocation guide. Once you have your personal identity number, you can open a bank account, sign up for utilities and access Swedish health care. Don’t delay this step – many tasks in Sweden hinge on having that number.
You need to register as a resident with the Swedish Tax Agency if you are staying more than a year. Visit a state service centre with your passport and supporting documents (such as your employment contract). Once approved, you will receive your personal identity number. Shorter stays may be issued a coordination number instead. See our relocation guide for step‑by‑step instructions.
Most banks ask for a valid passport, proof of Swedish address and evidence that you have a reason to open an account (such as an employment contract or enrolment letter). Many banks prefer that you also have a personal number, though it is not strictly required by law. You will need to visit a branch in person to complete the process.
Healthcare is publicly funded and available to residents, but it is not completely free. You pay a small fee when you visit a doctor, nurse or health centre. Without a personal number it is difficult to book an appointment. Once you are registered and have your personnummer, you pay the same rates as Swedish citizens and can register with a local health centre.
Corporate housing provides fully furnished apartments with utilities and Wi‑Fi included, flexible lease terms and more living space than a hotel room. You avoid long waiting lists, avoid purchasing furniture and don't have to manage utilities or landlords. Rentaborg offers homes near major business hubs, making your stay comfortable and convenient.
Start with Svenska för invandrare (SFI), the free government‑sponsored Swedish course. Your municipality can tell you how to enrol once you have a personal number. Complement classes with language cafés, language‑buddy programmes and community events. Embrace Swedish customs like fika and participate in local traditions to build connections and feel at home.
