c/o stockholm guide
Moving to Stockholm guide
moving to stockholm guide
What to know
Whether you are moving with your family or solo, we have created this guide for you to find answers to your most asked questions about settling in our beautiful city of Stockholm.
SECURITY / SAFTEY
Swedish authorities & health care
What is the emergency number in Sweden?
112 – Urgent mattersThe emergency number in Sweden is 112. Call 112 in case of emergencies, such as urgent medical conditions, active crimes or fires. You can also reach the air, sea and mountain rescue, as well as on-call priests and the poisons information hotline. Only call 112 in emergency situations. If you have non-urgent questions, use one of the phone numbers listed below. For more information, go to SOS Alarm.
113 13 – Information number in case of accidents and crisesCall 113 13 for information about major accidents and crises in Sweden. If calling from abroad or from foreign cell phones in Sweden, call +46 77 33 113 13.
114 14 – Police number for non-urgent mattersCall 114 14 for all non-urgent police matters, such as providing information or reporting crimes that are not ongoing. If you are calling from abroad or from a foreign mobile in Sweden, call +46 77 114 14 00. Information in English about the Swedish police. |
I need to visit the emergency department (akutmottagning) / need an ambulance!
For an ambulance, call the emergency number 112 from a landline or mobile phone anywhere in Sweden. One call will put you in contact with all the emergency services such as ambulance, fire or police services. All SOS operators speak Swedish and English.
Or – Visit akuten / akutmottagning. We have several larger hospitals in the Stockholm area where you can visit if you have a health emergency. Please note that the waiting time is calculated on the severity of your health emergency. We also highly suggest that you call 1177 beforehand if possible. If you have a life threatening situation, always call 112.
Emergency departments in Stockholm (Akutmottagningar)
S:t Görans akutmottagning, Sankt Göransplan 1, 112 19 Stockholm,
Open 24 hours
Södersjukhusets akutmottagning (SÖS), Sjukhusbacken, 118 83 Stockholm, Open 24 hours.
I want to find a health care provider in Stockholm
Call 1177 and they will match you with a health care provider. Ask for a doctor (läkare in Swedish).
I need a pharmacy (Apotek)
There are several Apotek (pharmacies) you can visit all over the city. You can either visit a physical store or order online. The signs are often green, usually with a cross sign.
List of pharmacies
Pharmacies open 24 hours in Stockholm
Apoteket Scheele, Klarabergsgatan 64, 111 21 Stockholm (near T-centralen, central station)
I'm feeling ill, where should I go? (non-urgent matters)
1177 – Healthcare advice
Call 1177 for non-urgent healthcare issues. Operators answer your questions about illness or healthcare, and provide information about where you can find the nearest clinic. You can get information in some other languages during certain hours of the day.
If you are calling from abroad or from a foreign mobile in Sweden, call +46 771 1177 00. For more information in English about Swedish healthcare, go to 1177 Vårdguiden
I need advice, do you have help lines in Sweden?
Yes we do, and they are all free!
In the following list you find several important phone numbers good to note down and keep in your wallet when in Sweden.
Access the full list here.
Where do I call in case of a fire?
Call 112 in case of emergencies, such as urgent medical conditions, active crimes or fires. You can also reach the air, sea and mountain rescue, as well as on-call priests and the poisons information hotline.
Can I drink the water in Stockholm / Sweden?
Absolutely! Tap water in Sweden is of high quality and perfectly safe to drink. All residents drink the tap water and so should you. 
PAYMENT METHODS & CURRENCY
Swedish money
Which currency do you use in Sweden?
The Swedish currency is kronor (SEK).
How do I open a bank account in Sweden?
Most banks require a personnummer (social security number). Visit this guide for updated information.
How do I get a personnummer in Sweden?
Personal Identity Number (personnummer)
If you are planning to stay in Sweden for a year or more, you and accompanying family members will need to visit Statens Servicecenter in person once you arrive in Sweden, in order to register for a ten-digit Swedish personal identity number (personnummer). Find out what you need to bring and fill in the form below before your visit.
Find out what you need to bring to Statens Servicecenter
Online form to fill out before your visit Statens Servicecenter
Visa/Residence Permit for EU/EEA Citizens
If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country, you and your family members do not need a Visa nor a Residence Permit, just make sure you have current passports. You will need to visit Statens Servicecenter once you arrive, in order to apply for a personnummer, as above. Make sure you are traveling to Sweden with your blue EU health card, regardless of how long you plan to stay in Sweden. You will need to get this card in the EU country you are currently residing in, and it should be valid for one year, from your arrival in Sweden
How do I get a Swedish ID card?
First, you will need a personal number (personnummer) to apply for an ID card.
Do you need a Swedish ID card?
Yes. You may need the ID card to open a bank account, among other things. You must book an appointment beforehand and apply in person, at Statens Servicecenter.
Do you use cash in Sweden?
We do! At the same time many places don’t. We suggest that you always bring a debit or credit card, since many stores or cafes do not accept cash.
Where can I exchange currency?
There are some currency exhange stores in Stockholm, for example Forex, X-Change and Svea Exchange. You can also visit a bank, but keep in mind that not all banks handle cash.
Paying bills without a Swedish bank account
If you need to pay a bill but don’t have a bank account in Sweden, you can take your bill to a Forex Bank to handle the payment for you. Forex is located in many places around Stockholm; for more information, see their website. Please be aware that many banks in Sweden no longer handle cash.
Which are the largest Swedish banks?
SEB
Swedbank
Nordea
Handelsbanken
Länsförsäkringar Bank
Skandiabanken
Where can I find an ATM?
Machines to withdraw money are in Sweden called Bankomat or ATM. These can usually be found in banks, railway stations, shopping malls or large supermarkets.
MOVING WITH CHILDREN
Swedish childcare & Education
Do you have any international schools?
Yes, there are multiple ones in Stockholm, for example Europaskolan and Stockholm International School.
Depending on the age of your children, contact the appropriate school for more information how to get your child(ren) enrolled.
When does school start and end in Sweden?
See this link for terms in local schools. In private schools these dates may differ, contact your private school for more information.
Are the schools in Sweden of good quality?
Absolutely. Contact a local school near you to get your child(ren) enrolled. An international school could also be a good start because of the language.
My child has special needs.
Read more what applies on the page for The National Agency for Special Needs Education and Schools (SPSM) here.
SPSM ensures that children, young people and adults – regardless of functional ability – have adequate conditions to fulfil their educational goals. This is done through special needs support, education in special needs schools, accessible teaching materials and government funding.
European co-operation takes place through our assignment with the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education. International contacts, including networks in our fields of competency, are important, especially in areas of less well-known disabilities.
Do you have school buses / shuttle to and from school?
No. You need to take the subway, bus or go by car.
Can you recommend a babysitter / nanny service?
There are many to choose from with bilingual options. See list below!
How can I find a tutor?
The most popular ones are:
Studybuddy
My Academy
What are the Swedish names for schools?
Pre-school or Kindergarden (Förskola) – 0 years
Lågstadiet – Year 1 to 3. (Children 6 to 9 years)
Mellanstadiet – Year 4 to 6. (Children 10-11 years)
Högstadiet – Year 7 to 9. (Children 12 – 14 years)
Upper secondary school (Gymnasiet) – Year 10 to 13.
Note that education is Sweden is compulsary ages 6 to 16. This means that your child must be enrolled in school.
FOOD, GAS & OTHER
Everyday life in Sweden
What gas stations can I choose from in Sweden?
There are naturally multiple several gas stations (bensinmackar) in the Stockholm area, the largest chains being Circle K, Shell, OKQ8, Preem and St1.
My car broke down! Where can I find car service in Stockholm?
We have several service stations (bilverkstad) in Stockholm. You can either visit a service center for your car brand or a general car service as Speedy or Mekonomen.
How can I get to know Swedes?
Swedes are in general super-friendly and kind. They can also be perceived a bit reserved (you might have heard of Jantelagen, “the law of humbleness, not being better than anybody else”). Good places to network can be:
Co-working spaces
Bars
Sports, hobbies, courses and other activities
Apps (dating apps or friend apps)
Local and expat Facebook groups
Names of the most common supermarkets for shopping groceries?
ICA
COOP
Hemköp
Citygross
Willys
Lidl
Can you recommend a cafe, restaurant or other places near me?
Yes! Welcome to visit our Stockholm City Guides https://costockholm.com/links/ for recommendations based on your location.
WORK & CAREER
Work in Sweden
I'm a digital nomad. Where can I find co-working spaces in Stockholm
Where do I apply for work?
The Swedish Public Employment Service is called Arbetsförmedlingen. Read more on Arbetsförmedlingen to find a job, about work permits, Sweden´s social security system and more.