Moving to Sweden from The UK

Trick or Treat — it’s Easter in Sweden

When you’re moving to Sweden from The UK you may find it quite odd to observe a halloween setting during Easter. Folklore states that Easter was the time when witches stole the household brooms and flew to the (imaginary) Blue Mountain (somewhere in Germany) to consort with the devil. Now, children dress up as Easter witches. They paint their cheeks red and wear headscarves, then go from door to door with a copper kettle, asking for treats.

Sweden joined the EU in 1995 and has been a member of the Schengen area since 1986. The capital city is Stockholm and the currency is the krona (SEK) (£1=SEK 11.07 in May 2014).

In the south, the land is agricultural, there being more forests the further north you go. There are at last 17 000 indigenous Samis, who rely on reindeer for an income, in the north.

Moving to Sweden from The UK with Pets

Pets require their own pet passport, microchips, rabies vaccinations within 1 year, but not closer than 21 days from departure, and up-to-date routine vaccinations. You can email the pet’s helpdesk for details: hundochkatt@sjv.se

If you intend to bring the pet back to the UK you must ensure that you keep the rabies vaccinations are up to date.

Swedish Customs

Although Britain is not a member of the Schengen area, and therefore customs formalities apply, because we are members of the EU, there is little of consequence to concern the average Briton relocating to Sweden.

There are no restrictions on the amount of currency you may bring in; medication must be for personal use only and you are allowed up to a year’s supply for non-narcotics. There are no alcohol and tobacco restrictions, although large amounts can raise a question with the officials. Coats, fur and leather shoes made of protected animals will need special authorisation. You need a permit for firearms. You can find details at http://www.iatatravelcentre.com

Registering Essentials

As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Sweden provided that you can support yourself, either by work or by other independent means.

Population Registration in Sweden – all explained in a pdf document at: Skatteverket

You will need to register your right of residence in Sweden and apply for a Swedish ID number at the local tax office (Skatteverket).This applies to family members, as well. You will get a Swedish ID number which will enable you to obtain the Swedish ID card.

You will need:

Passport;
Swedish ID number;
Proof of registration for right of residence;
Marital status documents, if applicable.

Then you pay a fee to the tax authority before visiting the office to register with the Swedish Population Register, and get your Swedish ID card. Use your personal identity number as payment reference when you pay the application fee. The cost at present is SEK 400, paid to the tax authority. You need to visit the office taking with you:

Passport
Proof of registration with the Swedish
Migration Board marital status documents

Save the payment receipt. You must take the payment receipt with you and present it when you apply for an ID card. This fee for an ID card is non-refundable.

Next you must visit the tax office (Skatteverket) in person to apply for your Swedish ID card. This is a necessary part of daily life in Sweden as it is used in all transactions with authorities, shops, estate agents, banks, etc. At the office, you will be required to complete an application form and you will also have your photograph taken. Expect it to take around two weeks for your card to be produced.

When the card is ready, you will receive a letter from the Skatteverket. This will tell you that in five days, you will be able to collect your card from the office where you applied for it. They will hold it for no more than 2 months.

You must collect your card in person and take your letter from the Skatteverket. If you lose your card, you must immediately call: 020-32 32 62.

You can find further information on the Swedish Tax Authority website.