The aim of this article is to give you a helping hand for a smooth landing in Sweden, and arm you with the knowledge for a strong and comfortable start of a new life in Sweden.
To that end, we want to give you useful information to get you started immediately and familiarise you with some of the quirks of living in Sweden that you might not be aware of yet.
Freja – Your Digital Identity
If you used Freja to complete your identity check at Migrationsverket then you’re already familiar with the concept of Freja.
Freja is a digital identity. If you’re going to need to get used to something in Sweden then digital identities (e-legitimation – here’s your first important Swedish word to learn) are it.
Sweden Is a Highly Digitised Society
Sweden is one of the most digitised countries in the world. It is practically a cashless society (expect ‘We don’t accept cash’ signs in stores), and the vast majority of services are offered digitally. Not just offered, preferred.
Sure, shopping online or getting your food delivered are quite prevalent in most countries. Even government e-services are on the rise. However, the scale at which everything in Sweden has been digitised may take you by surprise.
Things you might not be used to in your home country: booking a doctor’s appointment, filing your taxes, receiving your post, paying your bills, applying for unemployment benefits, getting a time slot at the police for a driving licence and many, many more are all done digitally.
All of this is made possible by strong digital identities, the lifeblood of Sweden’s digitisation.
Important Services that Are Good to Know
Now that we have established why digital identities are important in Sweden, let’s familiarise you with some services in Sweden you will be using.
Billo – Your Digital Mailbox
Let’s start with an easy one. You’re going to need a digital mailbox if you’re going to live in Sweden, end of discussion. In Sweden, this is the preferred method of receiving all mail (even from the government), paying your bills and rent etc.
Create an account with Freja and use Billo. That’s it, you’re done.
Skatteverket – The Swedish Tax Agency
Chances are, you are already familiar with this one. Apart from taxes, this government institution is also important for you it responsible for the Swedish Population Register and issues coordination numbers to foreigners with a residence in Sweden.
If you are moving to Sweden, you must notify the Swedish Tax Agency of your arrival via their portal where you can log in with Freja.
Arbetsförmedlingen – The Swedish Employment Agency
Learn about working in Sweden, getting a job, registering for unemployment insurance and more. All accessible with Freja.
1177.se – The Swedish Healthcare Agency
This is Sweden’s online portal for all things related to healthcare. Unfortunately, you cannot access this service as a foreigner in Sweden, but it is still good for you to be familiar with it. Swedish citizens can access 1177.se with Freja.
This is how healthcare works in Sweden for foreigners.
Looking for a Place to Live? Use Freja
Freja is partnered with a company called Vitec that manages hundreds of rental websites. While we cannot guarantee for all of them, you will be able to use Freja for login when looking for a place to live.
Are You Studying in Sweden?
If you are coming to study in Sweden, make sure to create an eduID as it will provide access to services and organisations related to higher education. One app, access to everything. You can easily create an eduID with Freja.
Many Universities in Sweden support Freja for foreigners e.g. Lund University, Uppsala University, the University of Gothenburg etc.
The Local – Our Recommendation
In the spirit of helping you come and live in Sweden we have partnered with The Local, a portal for migrants with multiple international awards. What is The Local? In their own words:
“The Local’s goal is to give you all the news and essential information you need about Sweden. Whether you are a foreign resident, a frequent visitor, someone with family in Sweden or are planning a move to the country, our aim is to provide what you need.”
– The Local
In this Explore section of Freja there are several articles that The Local has graciously let us share with you for free. Please check them out, they are worth it.
Also bear in mind that this is only a small fraction of the topics and content available for readers of The Local including but not limited to:
- Learning Swedish
- Practical advice about living in Sweden such as:
- Visas, permits, licences
- Getting Swedish citizenship
- How taxes work in Sweden
- And many, many more
- Easily understandable daily news so that you are up to date with what is happening in the country
- Podcasts covering relevant topics
- Listings for English-speaking jobs in Sweden
Trust us when we say that our blogpost doesn’t do them justice. The Local is an incredible resource for people coming to work, live and study in Sweden.
We’re Always Here for You
If you need help with anything Freja related, our friendly chatbot can always offer assistance in the app.
If that doesn’t work, our support team can assist you in Swedish and English every day between 08-22 CET.
You may reach them at: +46 8-38 88 58 or send an email: support@frejaeid.com.
