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Education in Sweden
Children in Sweden have a right to school, and adults can usually access language or integration courses. Contact the municipality early once you have an address.
Schools and language support in Sweden
Register for healthcare: With a personnummer you have the same rights as residents. Without one, you can still get emergency and child care. Choose a health center (vårdcentral) — Use 1177.se to list nearby centers. You can switch any time. Call 1177 for advice 24/7 — Free nurse hotline. They can speak English; interpreters available. Visit fees — ~200–300 SEK per visit, capped at 1 400 SEK/year (högkostnadsskydd). Children and pregnant women are free. School & childcare: Children aged 6–16 must attend school. Apply through your kommun. Contact your kommun (municipality) — Search '[city] grundskola anmälan'. Children get a school place within a month. Förskola (preschool, age 1–5) — Income-based fee, capped (~1 700 SEK/month). Apply online with the kommun. Free Swedish classes (SFI): Every adult resident is entitled to free Swedish lessons. Register with your kommun — You need a personnummer. Classes are daytime or evening, in-person or online. Combine with Etableringsprogrammet — Arbetsförmedlingen pays a daily allowance while you study + look for work — for refugees and family reunification arrivals in the first 2 years.
Enrolling children
Bring passports or ID, birth certificates, previous school documents, vaccination records if available, and proof of address. If documents are missing, still contact the school or municipality — children should not wait at home.
Adult language and integration courses
Learning Swedish makes appointments, work and school contact much easier. Ask integration offices, adult education centres, municipalities and NGOs about free or subsidised courses.
Education-related offices
SFI — Swedish for Immigrants: Free language classes (municipality). CSN: Student aid for adult studies. Phone: 0771-276 000.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child start school before all documents are ready in Sweden?
Yes, schools and municipalities should help children enter education even while paperwork is being completed.
Which office should I contact first in Sweden?
Start with SFI — Swedish for Immigrants. For broader newcomer help, also check Migrationsverket, Skatteverket, Försäkringskassan.
What language will offices use in Sweden?
The main administrative language is Swedish. Larger offices often offer English or interpreters, but bring translated documents when possible.
Do my children need documents to enrol in school?
Schools must enrol every child. If documents are missing, the municipality helps to sort it out — do not delay.
Can I study for free?
Public universities are free or low-cost for EU citizens and often for other residents after a qualifying period.