Move to Sweden

Checklist Before Moving to Sweden

Use this checklist to prepare the most important documents and practical tasks before your move to Sweden. Tick items off on screen and continue later from the same device with your progress saved automatically.

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Important: Some items depend on your nationality and reason for moving. The residence and registration section is especially important, because the exact route can differ for Nordic citizens, EU/EEA citizens and non-EU citizens.

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1. Identity and core personal documents

Collect the documents you may need repeatedly before and after arrival.

Valid passport or national ID cardMake sure it is valid for the full travel and early settlement period.

Printed and digital copies of passport / IDKeep copies in cloud storage and on your phone.

Passport photos if neededUseful for applications, ID cards or local paperwork if requested.

Birth certificateEspecially useful for family registration or later paperwork.

Marriage certificate / divorce papers if relevantBring originals if your family status may matter for migration or registration.

Children’s birth certificates and custody documents if relevantImportant when moving with children.

2. Residence basis and immigration documents

Prepare the documents that prove your right to live and work in Sweden.

Check which legal route applies to you before movingNordic citizens, EU/EEA citizens and non-EU citizens do not follow exactly the same process.

Approved residence permit or residence card documents if requiredBring decision letters, residence permit cards and application references if applicable.

Proof of right of residence if you are an EU/EEA citizenEmployment, studies, self-sufficiency or family connection may need to be documented for population registration.

Documentation of basis for residenceEmployment contract, study admission, family documents or other supporting basis.

Family member documentation if moving with spouse / childrenBring documents showing the family relationship and the main person’s basis for residence.

3. Work and income documents

Prepare the papers that make salary, tax and employer setup easier.

Signed employment contract or written job offerThis is one of the most important documents if you are moving for work.

Employer contact detailsSave HR name, company address, phone number and manager details.

Recent payslips or proof of income if relevantUseful for housing, banking or documentation questions.

CV, diplomas and certificatesBring originals or certified copies if your profession requires proof.

Professional authorisation documents if relevantImportant for regulated professions and licensed roles.

4. Housing documents

Housing paperwork is often needed very early in Sweden.

Temporary or permanent housing planKnow where you will stay during your first weeks.

Rental contract or housing confirmationUseful for registration, banking and general settlement after arrival.

Proof of Swedish address if availableBring lease, landlord statement or housing confirmation.

Consent from host if staying at someone else’s addressUseful if you are not the main tenant.

Move-in budget for deposit, rent and setup costsThe first housing payment is often larger than a normal month later on.

5. Health and insurance documents

Bring enough information to manage healthcare before your Swedish setup is fully active.

European Health Insurance Card if relevantUseful for temporary coverage if applicable.

Private travel or health insurance for the first period if neededEspecially useful before your Swedish position is fully in place.

Prescription list and medical summary if relevantBring names of medicines, dosage and diagnosis information if needed.

Vaccination records if relevantUseful for children, school or healthcare follow-up.

Enough medicine for the first periodBring what you legally can, plus prescriptions and doctor notes if necessary.

6. Money, bank and tax preparation

Prepare the financial side before arrival so your first month is easier.

Budget for the first 1–3 monthsInclude rent, deposit, food, transport, phone, furniture and unexpected costs.

International payment card that works abroadTest it before departure.

Some accessible funds for the first weeksUseful before your Swedish bank account is ready.

Prepare for employer tax and identity registrationYour employer usually needs correct registration details so salary and tax are handled properly.

Documents for later bank account openingPassport, work contract, address proof and Swedish identity number documents may be useful.

7. Family and children

Extra items to prepare if you are moving with family.

School records and report cards for childrenHelpful when contacting schools in Sweden.

Childcare / preschool documents if relevantPrepare vaccination records, IDs and previous daycare information.

Family passports and ID copies in one folderKeep all family documents together digitally and on paper.

Translated documents if neededEspecially useful for civil records, school records or special legal documents.

8. Travel and moving logistics

Handle the practical details before departure.

Travel tickets bookedFlight, train or car route confirmed.

Luggage and moving plan preparedKnow what you are bringing now and what may come later.

Important documents packed in hand luggageNever place passports, contracts or permits in checked baggage only.

Phone access ready for SwedenCheck roaming, SIM card options and two-factor login access.

Emergency contacts saved offlineKeep key numbers available without internet access.

9. Very early tasks after arrival

These are not “before moving” tasks, but they are so important that they are worth keeping on the same checklist.

Notify Skatteverket of your move if you will live in Sweden for one year or moreThis is one of the most important early practical steps if you are going to stay long term.

Get listed in the Swedish Population Register when eligibleIf approved, you are registered as resident in Sweden.

Get your personal identity number when eligibleA personnummer is central for many practical parts of life in Sweden.

Apply for a Swedish ID card when possibleThis often makes banking and other practical steps much easier.

Open a Swedish bank account and set up BankID when eligibleThis is important for salary, payments and digital everyday life.

Check your healthcare and social insurance position after registrationYour practical access to Swedish systems becomes clearer once your residence situation is in place.

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