Moving to Stockholm from the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you considering a move from the UK to Stockholm, the beautiful capital of Sweden? Known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and high quality of life, Stockholm has become an increasingly popular destination for British expats. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process of relocating to Stockholm, from the initial planning stages to settling into your new life in this charming Scandinavian city.

Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility to Live and Work in Sweden

Before you start planning your move, it's essential to determine your eligibility to live and work in Sweden. As a UK citizen, your rights to live and work in Sweden have changed since Brexit.

If you moved to Sweden before December 31, 2020, and have been living there since then, you might already have a residence status that allows you to continue living in Sweden. If you plan to move after this date, you'll need to apply for a residence permit.

The type of residence permit you'll need depends on your reason for moving to Sweden, such as:

• Work: If you have a job offer from a Swedish employer, you can apply for a work permit. Your employer will need to initiate the application process.
• Study: If you've been accepted to a Swedish university or college, you can apply for a student residence permit.
• Family ties: If you have a family member who is a Swedish citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a residence permit based on family ties.
• Self-sufficient individuals: If you have sufficient funds to support yourself without working, you can apply for a residence permit as a self-sufficient individual.

It's crucial to start the residence permit application process well in advance of your planned move date, as it can take several months to process. For more information on residence permits and the application process, visit the Swedish Migration Agency's website.

Step 2: Find Accommodation in Stockholm

Once you've confirmed your eligibility to live in Sweden, the next step is to find a place to live in Stockholm. Stockholm's rental market can be competitive, with a high demand for housing in popular areas. Here are some options to consider:

Renting an Apartment

Renting an apartment is the most common option for expats moving to Stockholm. You can find rental apartments through various channels, such as:

• Online rental portals: Websites like Blocket and Bostaddirekt list rental properties across Stockholm.
• Real estate agencies: Many Swedish real estate agencies, like Swedenhomes or Erik Olsson, can help you find a rental apartment.
• Facebook groups: There are several Facebook groups dedicated to housing in Stockholm, such as "Lägenheter i Stockholm" and "Stockholm Housing," where you may find rental listings.

When renting an apartment in Stockholm, be prepared to pay a deposit (usually equivalent to 1-2 months' rent) and provide references from previous landlords. Many rental contracts in Sweden are unlimited in duration, meaning you can stay in the apartment until you or the landlord terminates the contract with a notice period of usually 3 months.

Buying a Property

If you plan to stay in Stockholm long-term, buying a property might be an option to consider. However, keep in mind that the process of buying a home in Sweden can be different from the UK, and you may need to meet certain requirements, such as having a Swedish personal number and a steady income. For more information on buying a property in Sweden, consult with a local real estate agent or a bank.

Step 3: Register with the Swedish Tax Agency

Once you've secured accommodation in Stockholm, you'll need to register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to obtain a personal identity number (personnummer). This unique 10-digit number is essential for various aspects of daily life in Sweden, such as opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, and paying taxes.

To register, you'll need to visit a Skatteverket office in person and provide:

• A valid passport
• Your residence permit
• Proof of address in Stockholm
• Birth certificate (if you're registering children)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

After registering, you'll receive your personnummer by mail within a few weeks. For more information on the registration process and required documents, visit the Swedish Tax Agency's website.

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Step 4: Open a Swedish Bank Account

Having a Swedish bank account is crucial for managing your finances and receiving salary payments if you're working in Stockholm. Some of the main banks in Sweden include:

• Swedbank
• SEB
• Handelsbanken
• Nordea

To open a bank account, you'll typically need to provide:

• Your passport
• Your personnummer
• Proof of address in Stockholm
• Proof of employment or student status (if applicable)

Some banks may allow you to start the application process online, but you'll usually need to visit a branch in person to complete the process and receive your debit card and online banking details.

Step 5: Get a Swedish Phone Number and Internet Connection

To stay connected in Stockholm, you'll need a Swedish phone number and internet connection. There are several mobile phone providers in Sweden, such as:

• Telia
• Tele2
• Telenor
• Comviq

You can purchase a Swedish SIM card and choose a pay-as-you-go or monthly plan that suits your needs. For home internet, you can choose from various providers, such as Telia, Bredbandsbolaget, or Comhem. Many apartment buildings in Stockholm have pre-existing agreements with internet providers, so check with your landlord or building management to see if there's a preferred provider.

Step 6: Sort Out Your Healthcare

Sweden has a universal healthcare system that provides high-quality care to all residents. As a legal resident in Sweden, you'll be entitled to access the public healthcare system.

To access healthcare services, you'll need to register with a local health centre (vårdcentral) in your area. You can find a list of health centres on the 1177 Vårdguiden website, which provides information about healthcare services in Sweden.

If you're employed in Sweden, your employer will pay for your healthcare insurance. If you're self-employed or not working, you'll need to pay a monthly fee to access the public healthcare system.

For prescription medications, you'll need to pay the full cost up to a certain amount, after which you'll be eligible for subsidised prices.

Step 7: Understand the Swedish Tax System

Sweden has a progressive tax system, with tax rates that depend on your income level. If you're employed in Sweden, your employer will deduct taxes directly from your salary each month.

If you're self-employed or have other sources of income, you'll need to register with the Swedish Tax Agency and file an annual tax return.

It's essential to familiarise yourself with the Swedish tax system and your obligations as a taxpayer. For more information, visit the Swedish Tax Agency's website or consult with a tax professional.

Step 8: Enrol Your Children in School (If Applicable)

If you're moving to Stockholm with school-age children, you'll need to enrol them in a local school. Sweden has a comprehensive public school system that provides free education to all children from the age of 6 to 18.

To enrol your children in a Swedish school, you'll need to contact the municipality (kommun) where you live. Each municipality is responsible for providing education to children living within its boundaries.

You can also choose to enrol your children in an international school, which may offer curricula from other countries, such as the UK or the US. However, keep in mind that international schools often charge tuition fees.

Step 9: Learn the Language

While many Swedes speak excellent English, learning Swedish can greatly improve your experience of living in Stockholm and help you integrate into the local community.

There are several ways to learn Swedish, such as:

• Enrolling in a language course at a local university or language school
• Taking online courses, such as those offered by Duolingo or Babbel
• Joining a language exchange group or tandem language learning program
• Practising with native Swedish speakers in everyday situations

The Swedish government offers free Swedish language courses, known as SFI (Svenska för invandrare), to all legal residents. These courses are designed to help newcomers learn Swedish and integrate into Swedish society.

Step 10: Embrace the Swedish Lifestyle

Living in Stockholm offers the opportunity to experience a unique and vibrant culture. To make the most of your time in the city, try to embrace the Swedish lifestyle:

• Enjoy the outdoors: Stockholmers love to spend time in nature, whether it's hiking in the nearby forests, swimming in the city's many lakes, or simply having a picnic in one of the numerous parks.
• Celebrate Swedish holidays and traditions: From Midsummer to Lucia Day, participating in Swedish celebrations can help you feel more connected to the local culture.
• Embrace the concept of "lagom": Lagom, which roughly translates to "just the right amount," is a Swedish philosophy that encourages balance and moderation in all aspects of life.
• Enjoy the local cuisine: From meatballs and lingonberries to cinnamon buns and coffee breaks (known as fika), Swedish cuisine is hearty, comforting, and delicious.

Making Your Move to Stockholm Easier

Moving to a new country is always a big undertaking, but with careful planning and preparation, you can make your transition to life in Stockholm as smooth as possible.

If you need assistance with shipping your belongings to Stockholm, consider reaching out to us at Deliver1, the leading company for European removals. With our extensive experience in relocating UK citizens to Sweden and other European destinations, we can help ensure that your possessions arrive safely and on time.

From packing and loading to customs clearance and delivery, our team of experts will handle every aspect of your move, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on settling into your new life in Stockholm.

To learn more about our services and how we can support your move to Stockholm, please get in touch with us today.

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