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On arrival - checklist

Arriving in a new country can be challenging. New routines, unfamiliar rules and situations that might differ from your previous experience. It is of great importance for us that you get a smooth start here and a good introduction at your new workplace.

Staying one year or longer

1. Register as a resident in Sweden

If you are staying longer than one year visit the Tax Agency to apply for a Swedish personal identity number. As soon as you have arrived in Sweden you must visit the Tax Agency´s office in person and submit your application for a Swedish personal ID-number. If you have accompanying family members you must visit the office together.

If you are a postdoctoral fellow and have a scholarship, you are considered to be living on your own resources because you are not employed.

For individuals from EU a comprehensive health insurance is required for residence in Sweden, valid for 1 year. Remember to bring an S1 certificate from your home country's insurance fund or equivalent institution, or take out your own private health insurance. If you have an accompanying family, they also need health insurance.
Adress: Kungsgatan 54

This does not apply for postdoctoral fellows from countries outside EU.

2. Visit the Migration Agency to leave biometrics 

If you have been granted a residence permit and can enter Sweden without a visa you must book a meeting at Migration Agency Office in Umeå as soon as possible after you have arrived to complete the application and leave your biometrics.
Information about residence permit card

3. Apply for a Swedish ID-card

When you have received your Swedish ID number you can apply for a Swedish ID-card. You need an ID-card to open a bank account in Sweden with full features. 
Apply for a Swedish ID-card

4. Opening a bank account

If you are staying in Sweden for a longer time we recommend that you open a bank account here.

Please read this information about opening a bank account in Sweden carefully to be well prepared.

Information about opening a bank account

5. Get a home insurance

As soon as you have your Swedish ID number you should contact an insurance company and get a home insurance. This will give you additional protection when travelling and for things in your home. Ask your HR or supervisor for information about insurance companies.

6. Provide information to the Swedish Social Insurance Agency 

To be covered by the Swedish social insurance you need to provide Försäkringskassan with information so they can assess and make a decision about your case. It is recommended that you provide them with information as soon as possible after you have arrived.  
Insurance coverage in Sweden

The access to social insurance depends on if you are working or living in Sweden, therefore the benefits you are entitled to can vary depending on whether you are employed or have a scholarship. 

Staying less than one year

1. Apply for a coordination number

Your HR at the department will help you to fill in the forms to apply for a coordination number. You do not have to visit the Tax Agency.

2. Visit the Migration Agency to leave biometrics 

If you have been granted a residence permit and can enter Sweden without a visa you must book a meeting at Migration Agency Office in Umeå as soon as possible after you have arrived to complete the application and leave your biometrics.
Information about residence permit card

3. Open a bank account

If you are in Sweden for a shorter period of time, it might be easier for you to use your bank account and credit card from your own country. Paying bills with a credit card can be done at Forex Bank.

If you want to open a bank account it is possible without a Swedish personal identification number but you must have a valid passport to identify yourself with. The bank account will have all features except BankID.

Please read this information about opening a bank account in Sweden carefully to be well prepared before you visit the bank.
Opening a bank account

4. Get a home insurance

As soon as you have got your coordination number you should contact an insurance company and get a home insurance. This will give you additional protection when travelling and for your things at home. With a coordination number you will get the basic home insurance. Ask your HR or supervisor for information about insurance companies.

5. Social security and access to health care 

If you come from another EU country you should bring with you an EHIC card that you can use if you need to visit a doctor and pay the same fees as in your home country. If you do not have an EU card you will have to pay full fee for doctors visits and similar. If your accident or illness is assessed to be covered by Kammarkollegiets "insurance for foreign visitors" you can send a claim for reimbursement. Ask your HR or supervisor for help.

When you arrive to the University

Your host Department is responsible for arranging your work space, along with an IT account that gives you access to the internet, email and the University server. 

Latest update: 2024-03-22