Obtain a residence permit

All non-EU/EEA citizens are legally required to obtain a residence permit before they move to Sweden. Even if you already have a job offer or family in Skåne, you have to apply for and receive your residence permit from Migrationsverket (Sweden’s Migration Agency) before you can live and work here. EU/EEA citizens, however, have the right to work, study, or live in Sweden without a residence permit.

Get in-person support

Foreign talents in Skåne can get in-person support with relocation, taxes, social insurance, and residency at The National Government Service Centre.

Register with tax authority

Once you are in Sweden (either with a residence permit or as an EU/EEA citizen), you will need to register with Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency). This not only puts you in the system for tax collection, but it assigns you a ‘personnummer’ (Swedish personal identity number), which you need in Sweden to identify yourself when communicating with Swedish government authorities, open a bank account, or work legally.

Get Swedish identity card

Once you have obtained your Swedish personal identity number, you can then get your identitetskort (Swedish ID card) from the Swedish Tax Agency. An ID card will be your primary form of identification in Sweden and is necessary for everything from banking and medical appointments to filling out paperwork, picking up packages at the post office or even showing that you are over 20-years-old if buying a beer!

Housing

Finding a place to live in Skåne can be a competitive process, especially in larger cities like Malmö, Lund, and Helsingborg. While the region offers a variety of living environments—from urban centers to serene countryside—you’ll need to plan ahead to secure a place to stay.

In Sweden, most rentals are managed through either first-hand leases or subleases. A first-hand lease is a permanent contract directly with the landlord, while a sublease often involves renting from an existing tenant, usually for a shorter term. First-hand leases are highly sought after and often have waiting lists​ in the larger cities.

Popular platforms for finding rental properties to sublease in Skåne include Blocket, and Samtrygg. You can also try local real estate agencies or community groups where expats often share listings​. Helpful tip: check your chosen municipality for a list of rental companies in the area.

Build your social circle

Moving to a new place is exciting, but building a social network takes time. In Skåne, you can meet people through local events, hobbies, or professional groups.

Join clubs, sports teams, or language exchanges to connect with like-minded people. Many municipalities also host social activities for newcomers.

For professional networking, check out coworking spaces, industry meetups, and business events—Skåne’s cities have thriving communities for newcomers and entrepreneurs.

Visit an event

Attending an event for international talents is a great way to build your network and make new friends.

Schools

In Sweden, education is compulsory for children aged 6-16. Education is free of charge, even at university level. To enrol your child in a Swedish school, the first step is to register with the local municipality. They will guide you through the process of choosing a school.

Skåne has several international schools. These schools can be a great option for expatriate families, as they offer education in English or other languages​, sometimes with an international curriculum.

Contact your local municipality to find out the specific registration process for your children’s school. The process usually involves submitting necessary documentation, including proof of residence, vaccination records, and previous school records. Each municipality typically provides detailed instructions on their website​.

Healthcare

Sweden has a high-quality, publicly subsidised healthcare system, available to both citizens and long-term residents. To access this, you must first obtain a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) from the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) once you have registered your residence. ​Once registered, you can access primary healthcare, including visiting general practitioners (GPs), at reasonable fees depending on the region.

Public healthcare is subsidized, but you may pay small out-of-pocket costs, and there is a high-cost protection system to limit your total annual spending​.

For more details on finding healthcare providers in your area, visit 1177 Vårdguiden, which offers information on medical centers and referral processes specific to Skåne​.

Public transport & driving in Sweden

Skåne has an efficient public transport system operated by Skånetrafiken. The network includes buses, trains, and trams connecting cities, towns and countryside, with an easy-to-use app for planning routes and purchasing tickets​.

If you plan to drive in Sweden, ensure you have a valid driver’s license. EU/EEA citizens can use their existing license, while non-EU/EEA citizens may need to exchange their license for a Swedish one after a certain period, consult the Swedish Transport Agency for details. Remember that Swedish roads can be icy in winter, so it’s essential to adjust driving habits accordingly.

Learning Swedish

Learning Swedish is highly recommended for both social integration and professional opportunities. Most Swedes speak English well but knowing Swedish will significantly enhance your experience. You can attend free Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) courses provided by municipalities, which are a great way to start. Your employer may also offer to send you to private Swedish classes (so don’t forget to ask). Additionally, private language schools and online courses like Duolingo or Babbel offer flexible learning options​ – why wait? Start today!

Becoming a Swedish citizen

After living in Sweden for a sufficient period (typically 5 years, or 3 years if married to a Swedish citizen), you can apply for Swedish citizenship. The process involves proving your identity, your permanent residence status, and your ability to support yourself financially. You must also have a good conduct record. Once granted, you will be able to enjoy the full benefits of citizenship, including voting in parliament elections​.