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Immigration & residence in Sweden
Moving to Sweden means dealing with Migrationsverket, the Swedish Migration Agency. This page explains the main permit types and what to do after you arrive.
Immigration offices in Sweden
Migrationsverket: Residence permits, asylum, citizenship. Phone: 0771-235 235. 1177 Vårdguiden: Healthcare advice, find clinic. Phone: 1177.
Residence steps to prioritise
Get a personal number (personnummer): Required for healthcare, banking, work and most contracts. Apply at Skatteverket once you have a residence permit valid 12+ months. Book a visit at Skatteverket — Bring passport, residence-permit card, marriage/birth certificates (translated to Swedish or English) and a rental contract. Register your address (folkbokföring) — You must be living at the address — Skatteverket can check. Update within a week if you move. Receive your number by post — Takes 2–8 weeks. With it you can apply for BankID and open a bank account. Get BankID: BankID is your digital ID for everything: doctor bookings, tax, signing contracts. You need a bank account first. Open a bank account — All major banks (Swedbank, SEB, Handelsbanken, Nordea, ICA Banken) must offer a basic 'payment account' to legal residents — bring personnummer + ID. If refused, ask for the refusal in writing and contact Finansinspektionen. Activate Mobile BankID in the bank app — Install BankID app, follow your bank's activation flow. Never share your BankID code — scammers will ask. 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.
Documents to keep ready
Prepare your passport, visa or residence card, birth and marriage certificates, address proof, health-insurance proof, job or study documents, and passport photos. In Sweden, officials may ask for originals, copies and certified translations.
If a decision is delayed or refused
Ask Migrationsverket for written confirmation that your application is pending. If you receive a refusal, read the appeal deadline immediately and contact a legal-aid organisation or migrant support office in Sweden.
Documents checklist
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Proof of purpose (job/study/family)
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient funds
Frequently asked questions
Which office should I contact first in Sweden?
Start with Migrationsverket. 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.
How long does a residence permit take in Sweden?
Processing times vary from a few weeks to several months depending on the permit type and completeness of your documents.
Can I work while waiting for my permit?
In many cases yes, especially if you already hold a work-based permit. Rules differ by category — check with the migration authority before starting work.
What if my application is refused?
You almost always have the right to appeal. Free legal counselling is available through NGOs and, in some cases, publicly funded lawyers.
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