The ultimate guide for Norrland newcomers

Moving to another country can be exciting – but also riddled with obstacles. Luckily, those hurdles can usually be tackled if you have the right resources. Vicky Taylor details the most important resources, websites and phone numbers you’ll need when you first arrive in Sweden.

Important phone numbers

Here are some of Sweden’s most important numbers to have on hand for emergencies. Save them on your phone, keep them in your wallet – or both!

112 – Emergencies. In an emergency call this number to reach the police, an ambulance or the fire department.

1177 – Healthcare advice. If you have a health concern, but it is not an emergency, this is the number to call. You can also get information about your nearest health center, as well as medical advice, on their website, 1177.se.

113 13 – Information on accidents and crises. Call this number to leave or receive verified information about major crises or large-scale incidents within Sweden.

114 14 – Police for non-emergency matters. This is the number to call if you need to reach the police, or report a crime, when it is not an emergency.

010-456 6700 – Poisons Information Center. Call this number in non-emergency situations for clinical toxicology advice.

020-50 50 50 – National women’s helpline. This is the national helpline for women subjected to threats, violence or sexual assault. Your call is always anonymous.

020-22 22 33 – Äldrelinjen. This number leads to a support line for people over 65 years of age who feel like they need somebody to talk to.

Another important resource is your kommun (municipality). You can get a lot of information and support from your municipality, and you often have access to many useful e-services on their website. This includes reporting a concern about a child’s welfare, applying for economic support or booking a slot at the sports hall.

Must-visit authorities upon arrival

There are a few inevitable stops you’ll have to make to get your Swedish life started. These government agencies are central to living in Sweden.

Migrationsverket – The Swedish Migration Agency. One of the first appointments many people book after arriving in Sweden is a visit to a Migration Agency office. This is where you will apply for or extend your visa or residence permit. Read more at Migrationsverket.se.

Skatteverket – The Swedish Tax Agency. New residents in Sweden will also have to become acquainted with the Swedish Tax Agency. First of all, you’ll have to go through the registration process called folkbokföring to add you to the Swedish system for e.g., tax collection and personal identification. After this registration you’ll receive your personnummer (personal ID number). Check Skatteverket.se.

Bank accounts and phone plans

When you have a Swedish ID card, you can open a bank account. Just go to the bank of your choosing (SEB, Swedbank, Nordea and Handelsbanken are some popular options), provide the necessary documents and fill out the paperwork. Tip: Apply for a mobile BankID while you’re at it. It opens the door to many services, including the mobile payment app Swish.

You will also need a Swedish phone number. Two of the more common options are prepaid (kontantkort) or contract (abonnemang). Some popular mobile operators you can choose from include Comviq, Telenor, Tre, Tele2, Telia, Halebop, Hallon, and Vimla. Look them up and compare their offers to find the best option for you.

Job hunting

Here are a few websites to check out if you are looking for work in Sweden.

Arbetsförmedlingen.se – Swedish Public Employment Service. You can find job listings and apply for jobs here, but also get information and job-seeking support.

Jobb.blocket.se – Blocket. Blocket is Sweden’s leading second-hand market, and also offers this popular platform for job seekers.

Ec.europa.eu – EURES/the European jobs network. Find job listings from EU/EEA countries here.

Renting an apartment or buying a house

If you’re looking for a new place to live, whether it’s a rental or your forever home, these are some useful sites.

Hemnet.se – Hemnet. Sweden’s largest platform for property listings.

Booli.se – Booli. Sweden’s largest selection of houses and apartments for sale.

Qasa.se – Qasa. Qasa lists houses, apartments and rooms for rent, and the site is also available in an English.

Bostad.blocket.se – Blocket. Blocket also offers this platform for rentals. You can find both first-hand and second-hand rentals on the site, which is very easy to use.