EU FAMILY MOVE TO SWEDEN: 3 SELF-SUFFICIENT FUNDS

Do you want to move to Sweden with your EU family members and self-sufficient funds? This guide outlines three critical steps for a smooth transition.

Introduction

Moving to another country, especially with your family, is a big decision. This article focuses on EU family members planning to move to Sweden and relying on a self-sufficient fund to support themselves.

Sweden, a Scandinavian country known for its natural beauty and high quality of life, attracts many expats, including those from the EU. By 2023, an estimated 1.3 million expats will call Sweden home.

The process is generally more straightforward for EU citizens considering moving to Sweden than non-EU citizens. This article outlines the three key steps involved in moving to Sweden with a self-sufficient fund, specifically for those who are EU citizens.

We’ll look at the documents you’ll need, the authorities you’ll need to visit, and the potential benefits you’ll receive once you’re settled. By following these steps and planning carefully, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new life in Sweden.

The necessary documents to move to Sweden

You must gather certain documents if you plan to move to Sweden as an EU family member with your financial resources. Here’s what you’ll need:

Proof of citizenship

Both you and your partner will need to prove who you are by having your nationality verified. This can be done with one of two documents: a passport or an EU national ID card.

If you are an EU citizen, you can prove your citizenship with an EU ID card issued after 2021. However, we strongly recommend that you use a passport instead of an EU ID card, as all institutions in Sweden widely accept it.

Meanwhile, as a non-EU citizen, a passport is the only option you can choose. In some cases, you may also need a visa to enter Sweden. It applies mainly to countries that don’t have free entry regulations.

Financial Proof

As you are moving to Sweden at your own expense, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family. You can demonstrate it through bank statements, pension statements, employment contracts, or salary statements from other countries.

Tip: The amount required varies, but some suggest 200,000-300,000 SEK (for couples without children). However, it’s best to contact a Swedish agent for personalized advice.

Tenancy agreement

It is a necessary document to prove that we have a place to live in Sweden. We know some of you may still struggle to find Swedish accommodations since you may consider price to location.

We have a tenancy agreement for at least five months, but we will move to another accommodation in May. How did we find this accommodation in Sweden? You can read our article about how to find Swedish accommodation.

Health insurance

Health insurance is compulsory for those who want to move to Sweden. Suppose you already have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). In this case, you can use it as proof of health insurance. However, some institutions in Sweden may require comprehensive private insurance, regardless of whether health care in Sweden is affordable.

Marriage certificate (optional)

If you are already married, bringing your marriage certificate may help speed up the processing of your documents. We have received this information from one of the Swedish representative institutions. Additionally, if you don’t have a marriage certificate in English or Swedish, you may need to translate it.

Tip: Cohabiting partners can alternatively provide proof of living together in another EU country for at least 6 months (ideally 2 years).

Visiting government agencies for self-sufficient funds

We can prepare the necessary documents as soon as we know the requirements. Now it’s time to talk to the Swedish agency about registering and reporting that we are moving to Sweden, from immigration to insurance.

Migrationsverket (Migration Agency)

One of the Swedish agencies we must visit as an EU family member from a non-EU country move to Sweden is Migrationsverket.

At this agency, you apply for a residence card offline or online. However, we recommend using their website to apply for your residence card. It will take about 1 to 3 weeks to get your fingerprints and photos taken.

For both fingerprints and photos taken, you need to book in advance and choose the nearest immigration office. In our case, we decided on Malmö since we live in Skåne area. The decision can take additional time, but you can legally stay, work, and study in Sweden during this process.

Skatteverket (Tax Agency)

As EU family members move to Sweden, you may need a personal or coordination number since it is crucial for various services, such as joining SFI and opening a bank account.

You can apply online or visit your nearest Skatteverket office,  but you must make an appointment before visiting this office. In this office, you can also ask about your specific financial requirements as proof of self-sufficient funds.

It will take around 4 to 14 weeks to receive your number. In our case, we get it in 4 weeks after our applications. Next, you can apply for an ID card (ID-Kort), which will cost you a 400 SEK fee after you are granted your number.

You also need an appointment to apply for your Skatterverket ID card. Additionally, non-EU spouses must be present when applying for an ID card. This process will take about two weeks.

Registering with Försäkringskassan (Social Insurance Office)

As EU family members moving to Sweden, you should also consider applying to Försäkringskassan for basic health insurance in Sweden, similar to the EHIC. You can apply in person at the nearest Försäkringskassan office.

The processing time varies from weeks to months, depending on the case. In our case, we decided to apply for this document after we had received our number, as our priority was to apply for a residence card and get a personal number.

Remember: Planning is the key. You should ensure as well that you have all the necessary documents and follow the correct procedures for a smooth transition to your new life in Sweden.

Benefits Based on Residence

Registering with Försäkringskassan gives you access to certain benefits, such as health insurance. As an expat with self-sufficient funds, this may be your main benefit. However, you may be entitled to other benefits, such as parental benefits, if you decide to acquire Swedish citizenship. Here is the complete list of the benefits.

• Adoption allowance for a child who does not live in Sweden or is not a Swedish citizen.
• Compensation for work and sickness in the form of guaranteed benefits.
• Care allowance.
• Child benefit and extended child benefit.
• Car allowance.
• Housing allowance.
• Housing allowance.
• Compensation under the reciprocal health agreement.
• Minimum and essential parental benefit.
• Disability allowance.
• Rehabilitation, allowance for aids at work, special allowance, and special rehabilitation allowance.
• Exceptional sickness benefit and housing benefit.
• National dental allowance.
• Maintenance allowance.
• Childcare allowance.

Conclusion: Planning for a New Beginning

The decision to move to Sweden as an EU citizen and bring our family with us involves several steps, from preparing the necessary documents to dealing with Swedish agents. It is vital to plan carefully to ensure that we meet all the requirements and follow the correct procedures.

Once we have completed these steps, we can enjoy the benefits of living in Sweden, a country renowned for its quality of life and friendly atmosphere. The process is more straightforward for EU citizens if we move to Sweden for work, study or family reasons. With proper preparation, we can move to Sweden, our new home, faster and smoother.