1
Job offer & work permit
Non-EU/EEA citizens: your employer applies to Migrationsverket. Allow 4–10 weeks. Family permits go in parallel.
The moving checklist
Every step,
in order
Four phases from job offer to feeling at home. We've broken Sweden's relocation paperwork into the steps that actually matter — and the order they happen in.
Phase 1 · 3–6 months out
Before you arrive
2
Shortlist neighbourhoods
Use the housing guide. Decide between central walking-distance, riverside Lindholmen, or a family-friendly tram suburb.
3
Book temporary housing
Most people start with 1–3 months in a serviced flat or company relocation apartment while they search.
4
International school applications
ISGR and Lycée Français have waiting lists. Apply the moment your move is decided.
5
Plan your shipping
EU movers usually arrive in 7–10 days. Overseas can take 6–10 weeks by sea. Budget accordingly.
Phase 2 · Days 1–7
Week one in Gothenburg
1
Folkbokföring (civic registration)
Visit Skatteverket with passport and proof of address. Your personnummer arrives by post in 2–6 weeks. Everything depends on this.
2
Open a Swedish bank account
SEB, Handelsbanken, Swedbank, Nordea. Bring passport, employment contract, address. Some banks need the personnummer first.
3
Get a Västtrafik card
Buy at any 7-Eleven or Pressbyrån, or use the app. A monthly pass for the whole city is about 720 SEK.
4
Register with 1177
Choose a vårdcentral (health centre) near your home. Care is capped at 1,400 SEK per year — including specialists.
5
Set up Swedish phone number
Telia, Tele2, Telenor, Comviq. Prepaid SIM works without a personnummer; contracts need one.
Phase 3 · Weeks 2–4
First month
1
Order BankID
The digital ID you'll use for everything: banking, healthcare, contracts, government. Activated through your bank's app once you have a personnummer.
2
Apply for ID-kort
A Swedish photo ID from Skatteverket or the police. Easier than a passport for daily life. Around 400 SEK.
3
Join housing queues
Boplats, Poseidon, Familjebostäder and any private landlords. Free, takes 10 minutes per queue, queue time only starts counting from registration.
4
Enrol kids in school / preschool
Apply at goteborg.se. Bring your personnummer and proof of address. Allow 4 months for preschool.
5
Register for SFI Swedish lessons
Free state-funded Swedish for adults. Sign up at goteborg.se as soon as you have a personnummer.
Phase 4 · Months 2–6
Settling in
1
Exchange your driving licence
EU licences valid forever. Other countries: most can swap within a year, otherwise you take a Swedish test.
2
Home insurance
Hemförsäkring covers contents, liability and travel. About 100–200 SEK / month. Folksam, IF, Trygg-Hansa are the big names.
3
Join associations and clubs
A sports club, a choir, a parents' group — the fastest way to make friends with both Swedes and other internationals.
4
Set up Skatt for taxes
Your employer handles withholding, but log in at skatteverket.se in spring to review and submit your declaration with BankID.
5
Find your fika spot
Not strictly admin. But choosing your local café is the moment you become a Gothenburger.
Get the printable checklist
One PDF with every step, every deadline and every link. We'll email it to you and add you to the monthly newsletter for new Gothenburgers — unsubscribe whenever you like.
Who can help in person
International House Gothenburg
City-run, free. One-stop shop for paperwork, networking and partner support. Drop-in or book a slot online.
Learn more →Migrationsverket Service Centre
For work and residence permits in person. Book ahead — walk-ins rarely work.
Learn more →Relocation agencies
Nordic Relocators, Alfa Mobility, Crown Worldwide. Your employer may already have a contract — ask before paying.
Learn more →The newsletter for new Gothenburgers
A short monthly roundup: housing tips, events, local favourites and honest guides.
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