Sweden is a beautiful country rich in historical relevance and proud people. It makes for a very attractive option for nomads looking for a new experience, or to get away from it all. But you need to know what you’re doing before you get there. Read our guide to the top things you should know before making plans to move to Sweden.
Advertised by Starburst slot
The climate
If you’re lucky, the climate might set itself just right for a chance to see the Northern Lights. The Aurora Borealis are commonly seen around Kiruna and the far north of Sweden during the start of September and is considered one of the natural wonders of the world. I
Generally, the climate can be quite temperate throughout the year across Sweden, with its moments of extreme. The winters and summers showcase their own peaks, which make for a varied lifestyle across the country. Load up on shorts and bikinis but also scarves and jumpers.
The culture
Sweden’s culture is famously peaceful, unwilling to tolerate any hatred. This is reflected in not only their people but their government, which has forward thinking policies regarding LGBT, refugee and minority rights.
This means you are likely to be welcomed to the country as a foreigner, but any hateful opinions aren’t likely to be tolerated for long. The general national policies are based in equality and individualism and the Swedes are known to be forward in their communication. So, expect conversations concerning opinions to feel blunt and literal.
They are definitely not one for the idea that children should be seen and not heard. Teenagers are considered adults that can handle responsibility and speak for themselves. However, Swedes, in general, can be a lot quieter than other country’s citizens, but they are also known for their sense of humour.
This accepting nature extends beyond this too. The law of wanderlust allows anyone to camp, ski, swim, cycle, or skate anywhere in the country, meaning tourists and residents can have quite a free experience of the physical world of Sweden. Also, online casinos have been legal since 2002, meaning people can sign up to play the latest slot games like Starburst slot, play at an online poker table, or place bets on their favorite sports teams.
Sweden is an open country.
The pre-flight technicalities
There is obviously a lot of paperwork that comes with moving to a new country, but depending on where you’re coming from, you might be surprised at the different things you need to sign up for when moving to Sweden.
Before you arrive, you should have a checklist of things to handle that include your visa permit, gaining a personal ID number and a Swedish ID card, registering for welfare, getting your insurance, bank account and bank ID open and setting up your phone and internet.
Sweden has a national health care that is available to citizens with a residence permit and a personal ID number. It is financed through taxes, however you can occasionally be given a modest fee from certain procedures with a cap of 1,100 SEK a year.
The landing technicalities
Once you get to Sweden, you can gain support from the government and civil services available in the country to solve problems you might face, like gaining a driving license, study and career guidance, and small business support.
If you have gained your license from the EEA, you will be able to keep using it for a certain amount of time in Sweden, but if you’re coming in from outside the EU you will have to apply for a new license.
The etiquette
Swedes can seem impersonal, but it’s more an appreciation of personal space. They will not appreciate you getting too close or unnecessarily touching them. When it comes to business, keep it to a handshake that keeps eye contact and address them by their professional title and surname. Don’t go in for a hug with a client you’ve only spoke to over the phone before and hit him with “Jim!” rather than “Mr. Whatever”.
At home, things are a lot more relaxed, but hosting can also be considered a formal affair, which means being punctual. Not too early, but not fashionably late either. Dress smart, keep your hands in view at the table, and don’t eat until the host has said “varsågoda”.
Leave a Reply