Q&A about your move
Welcome to Sandviken! We’ve gathered answers to some of the common questions newcomers might have. This information will help you get started, such as exploring job opportunities and where to turn for further guidance on various topics.
Although the nearest service center is located in Gävle, our Inflyttarservice team in Sandviken is here to assist you with any questions, including work permits, navigating Swedish authorities, or anything else you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help you find the right direction!
- Helpful guide in moving to Sweden
External link.
- Sandviken service centre
External link.
- Gävle service centre
External link.
Questions about work permits and residence permits
Learn Swedish
Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) is a course for adult migrants with a residence permit who wish to learn the Swedish language.
Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) will teach you the basics of the Swedish language. You will learn to speak, read and write basic Swedish and practice conversational Swedish for use in your day-to-day social and working life.
You will be given a grade when you complete the course. Before you are given the grade you must take the mandatory national test.
You are entitled to attend SFI in Sandviken if you:
- are registered as a resident of Sandviken Municipality
- have a Swedish personal identity number and
- lack basic knowledge of the Swedish language.
You have the right to combine SFI with a job or work placement.
All tuition is free of charge. Attending SFI does not qualify you for a student grant from CSN.
10 things you need to know about living in Sweden
1. Get your personal number ASAP
Your personal number is essential for living and functioning in Sweden, so make it a priority to sort it out as soon as you arrive. You'll need it for nearly everything—even to join a gym. Having a personal number also gives you access to Bank ID, a digital identification system. With Bank ID, you can use services like online banking and Swish, an app that lets you easily send money to people or businesses straight from your smartphone.
2. Prepare yourself for the darkness
Winter in Sweden brings long periods of darkness, which can take some getting used to, especially if you're from the southern hemisphere. To help manage this, consider taking vitamin D supplements and prioritizing your mental health, as the lack of sunlight can impact your mood. A light therapy lamp can also make a big difference. Before you know it, you'll find yourself truly appreciating every moment of sunshine!
3. You’ll become more outdoorsy
During winter in Sandviken, it’s much better to embrace the outdoors and enjoy the amazing nature the area has to offer. There’s easy access to forests, lakes, and a variety of winter activities. You can go skiing, ice skating, or take a stroll along the many lit trails and hiking paths. The color-coded routes make it simple to navigate, and there’s always something new to discover!
4. The right to roam
In Sweden, we have something called Allemansrätten, or the Right of Public Access. It allows you to explore almost any land, as long as it’s not someone’s private garden. This means you can enjoy activities like walking, cycling, skiing, and camping nearly anywhere. It’s a unique freedom that few other countries offer!
5. Taxes are high
Taxes in Sweden are high, but they come with clear benefits. The subsidized healthcare system is excellent, and the parental leave benefits are among the best in the world. Public spaces are well-maintained, with smooth roads and well-kept streets and buildings. It’s evident that the country invests in its infrastructure and services, making it easy to see where your taxes are being put to use.
6. You can’t buy alcohol 24/7
In Sweden, alcoholic beverages with more than 3.5% alcohol can only be purchased at Systembolaget, the state-owned liquor store chain. These stores have limited opening hours and are closed on Sundays, which can feel quite different if you’re used to less regulated alcohol sales. It might take some time to adjust, but it quickly becomes a part of everyday life here!
7. Typical swedes
In Sweden, it’s customary to take your shoes off when entering someone’s home. This tradition keeps homes clean and is so ingrained that at parties, you’ll often see piles of shoes by the door. It also means you don’t have to worry about which shoes to wear—no one will see them anyway!
Another beloved Swedish tradition is Fika. More than just a coffee break, Fika is a way of slowing down, sharing good conversations, and enjoying a treat like a cinnamon bun. It’s a cherished part of daily life.
Sweden is also a largely cashless society, so it’s rare to find stores or supermarkets that accept cash. Visitors are often surprised to find themselves with unused cash, as most transactions are done using cards or mobile payment systems like Swish.
8. There’s great gender equality
When society is gender equal, the benefits are clear. In Sweden, parental leave is fantastic—men have the same rights to take parental leave as their partners, which is great for bonding with their children. In the workplace, there’s a strong culture of equality where everyone, regardless of gender, is treated equally. Why should it be any different? It’s an approach that fosters fairness and creates a more balanced society.
9. Work/life balance
In Sweden, there’s a strong work ethic, but it’s equally important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Employees are encouraged not to work beyond their necessary hours and are expected to take at least 20 days of vacation per year. While the dedication to quality work is high, managers often remind employees that they don’t need to be in the office all the time. This balance between hard work and personal time is seen as essential for long-term well-being and productivity.
10. Second-hand shopping is encouraged
In Sweden, environmental awareness is a key value, and sustainability is deeply ingrained in everyday life. Recycling is taken seriously, and rather than constantly buying new things like furniture or clothes, people often choose to buy and sell second-hand. During the warmer months, flea markets, known as loppisar, are popular, and there are websites like Tradera where people can buy and sell items online. This culture of reusing and recycling reflects Sweden’s commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle.