Moving to Sweden

Sweden has not earned the title “Venice of the North” for nothing.

The astonishing landscapes, mountain ranges and bodies of water in Sweden can truly charm even the workaholics into embracing a carefree, adventure-packed lifestyle. This backdrop, along with the Swedes' enjoyment of peace, equality and favorable work conditions fostered the influx of migrants from neighboring and non-European countries.

Sweden is located in the Scandinavian region in Europe, next to Norway, Denmark, and Finland. Divided into three regions, namely, Götaland (south), Svealand (middle) and Norrland (north), Sweden is home to the breathtaking midnight sun, pristine wilderness, stone-graves patterned after ships, rune stones, rolling hills, snow-capped mountains and azure waters.

With a low population density of 54 inhabitants per square mile, and as a result of the continuous migration since World War II, about 12% of the residents are foreign born, making this Nordic country pleasantly cosmopolitan and welcoming to migrants. In fact, Swedish language tutorials are of free charge to all long-term residents. 

Sweden is no stranger to worldwide accolades for its consistent good governance as reported by the Worldwide Corruptions Perception Index. It also remains high in gender equality according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2008.

It ranked fourth in the World Economic Forum 2009-2010 for being one of the most competitive economies in the world and ranks seventh in the United Nation's Human Development Index. With its record of zero participation in wars since 1815 and as the origin of the Nobel Peace Prize, it is no surprise Sweden annually earns Vision of Humanity's nod for its consistent display of neutrality.

The government is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The economy is of mixed government and public control, export-driven and has strong trade ties with Germany, the United States, Norway, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Finland. Unlike most European countries, Sweden has retained its own currency, the Swedish Krona (SEK).

Upon arrival, an expat's itinerary involves going to the Swedish Tax Agency, a bank and the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. Registering with the Swedish Tax Agency (known as folkbokföring) with a valid passport not only makes you a tax-paying resident, but also secures your voter's identity.

For divorced expats who bring along their children to Sweden, the children's birth certificates and your certificate proving marital status are imperative. Expats who have address and name changes due to marriage need to report the changes to the same office.

Once the Swedish ID card is taken care of, the next step is to open a bank account followed by a visit to the Swedish Social Insurance Agency, which will calculate your insurance payment amount and ensure that you receive benefits where appropriate.