Hiring international talent is one thing, helping them relocate and feel at home in Sweden is something else entirely. This guide is for HR professionals who want to ensure a smooth relocation process and a strong start for their new employees.
Housing & Schools
When relocating families, schools and housing are often the most complex parts. International schools not only follow different languages and curriculums, but also different academic calendars. In many countries, the school year is divided into three terms instead of the two-term system, common in Sweden. Interestingly, there are now two schools in Sweden that also follow a three-term model. Many families appreciate this, especially parents who find the traditional 10-week summer break challenging to fill. For families with relatives far away, shorter but more frequent breaks make it easier to visit loved ones.
When it comes to housing, proximity matters, a lot. Back in 1995, when Nimmersion’s founder Lena Rekdal published The Newcomer’s Practical Handbook to Sweden, she recommended that expats look for homes in Djursholm, inner-city Stockholm, or Bromma. This advice stirred some controversy, with a journalist from Svenska Dagbladet criticizing it as steering expats toward the most affluent neighborhoods. What was left unsaid, however, was the practical logic behind it: British Primary School is in Djursholm, the German School in Östermalm, the French School on Stora Essingen near Bromma, and so on. The recommendation was never about status, it was about proximity to key international schools.
When relocating families, schools and housing are often the most complex parts. International schools not only follow different languages and curriculums, but also different academic calendars. In many countries, the school year is divided into three terms instead of the two-term system, common in Sweden. Interestingly, there are now two schools in Sweden that also follow a three-term model. Many families appreciate this, especially parents who find the traditional 10-week summer break challenging to fill. For families with relatives far away, shorter but more frequent breaks make it easier to visit loved ones.
Finding housing in major cities like Stockholm is still a challenge, and international schools often have long waiting lists. Planning early is critical.
Registration on Arrival
One of the first things to take care of upon arrival in Sweden is registration with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to receive a personal identity number (personnummer). Life without this number is complicated as it affects everything from healthcare to banking. At Nimmersion, we’ve accompanied thousands of newcomers to the Tax Agency shortly after arrival. There are always small hurdles: differences in how the Migration Agency and the Tax Agency handle certain characters or even units of measurement, like incorrectly converting feet to centimeters, can cause errors that delay the process. If children are involved, both parents must be physically present for the registration.
- Swedish Tax Agency: Personal identity number or coordination number
- Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan)
- Setting up a bank account, mobile subscription, and ID documents
Onboarding & Cultural Adaptation
Relocation is about much more than packing moving boxes. A basic understanding of the Swedish language and culture can make everyday life significantly easier and reduce the risk of culture shock. Services like Care to Translate offer instant translations for healthcare visits and other essential appointments, which can be incredibly helpful during those first weeks.
Nimmersion also provides a wealth of resources to support newcomers beyond the workplace. Our Expat Success Program, included for all relocation clients, features over 30 short videos with advice from Swedish HR professionals, expats who’ve made the move, and tips for preparing both practically and emotionally for life in Sweden.
New employees are stepping into a society built on independence and digital-first solutions. Understanding the culture, healthcare system, and workplace expectations is key to successful integration.
What HR Needs to Keep in Mind
Relocation isn’t just logistics – it’s a strategic tool for retention. A poor first impression can cause valuable talent to leave before they’ve even settled in.
Want to ensure a smooth onboarding for your international hires?
Download our guide The Ultimate Overview to Relocation and Work Permits in Sweden or contact us at Nimmersion to learn how we can support your global onboarding processes.
