If you are planning to leave Ukraine and need information about legislation, rights, temporary protection or services in a foreign country, contact us and book an online appointment on our website. Our lawyers will provide answers to your questions and help you find a solution to your problem. We understand that legal matters can create stress and anxiety, but our professionals are ready to take responsibility and relieve you and your family of unnecessary burden.
Who is this information for?
In Sweden, according to the EU Directive on temporary protection, the following categories of persons can apply for temporary protection, namely:
- Citizens of Ukraine who were residents of Ukraine until February 24, 2022
- Persons who have a residence permit as a refugee or have the status of a person entitled to additional protection in Ukraine
- Family members (eg, spouse, cohabitant, children under 18, or parent of an eligible child under 18) of any of the individuals listed above.
- Persons who have a permanent residence permit in Ukraine and lived there until February 24, 2022 and cannot safely return to their country of origin
For the directive to apply, individuals must have left the country on or after February 24, 2022. A person who needs protection, but who does not meet these requirements, can apply for asylum.
Sweden: information on immigration
What documents are required for entry?
To enter Sweden at the Swedish border, you must present a biometric passport. An entry visa is not required.
How can I enter if I do not have a biometric passport?
If you do not have a biometric passport, you can enter Sweden by presenting a Schengen visa instead when crossing the border. You can also provide a document that proves your identity, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, citizenship card or military ID, which can demonstrate the likelihood that you are eligible for protection under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. However, a valid travel document is not required if you apply for asylum at the Swedish border. You will be allowed entry and your asylum case will be forwarded to the Swedish Migration Agency, which is the processing authority.
How long can I stay in the country?
If you entered Sweden with a valid biometric passport or with a Schengen visa, you can stay in Sweden for 90 days without any permit. As long as 90 days have not passed, you do not need to contact the Swedish Migration Agency after entry.
If you have been granted a temporary residence permit, after registering for temporary protection you have the right to stay in Sweden until March 4, 2023. The temporary residence permit can be extended for a maximum of three years.
There are no entry requirements from EU/EEA countries. Entry from a non-EU/EEA country is prohibited as a general rule until March 31, 2022.
Where can I register for temporary protection?
You can apply for temporary protection either by registering your application electronically on the Migration Agency’s website or in person at one of the Migration Agency’s offices in Sweden, as indicated below.
1. Electronic application
The application is submitted on the page of the Migration Agency, where you can find instructions on how to submit it. Please note: in order to register through the electronic service, you must be a citizen of Ukraine and have (i) an email address, (ii) a mobile phone and (iii) a digital copy (photo) of the passport or identification documents of all adults, which are specified in your application. However, persons under the age of 18 who have arrived in Sweden without parents or other guardians cannot use the e-service.
Please follow the following link to the relevant web page where you can access the online service and find further instructions on how to apply:
Please note that in order to receive assistance with housing, it is necessary to visit one of the offices of the Migration Agency in person. However, filing an application online can speed up the process.
2. Application submission in person
If you cannot use the electronic service, you must apply in person to the Migration Agency of Sweden. You can apply for temporary protection at one of the following offices of the Migration Agency in Sweden:
Southern Sweden:
- Malmö – Service Center
- Gothenburg, Kollered – Point of arrival
- Norrköping – Service Center
Stockholm/Central Sweden:
Northern Sweden:
Persons staying in Sweden for no more than 90 days do not need to contact the Migration Agency.
How long do you have to wait to get temporary protection status?
It depends on the number of people applying for temporary protection status at the same time. The pressure on the Migration Agency is currently high and the processing time depends on the case, but usually does not exceed one week.
What are my rights while I am waiting for temporary protection?
Immediately after applying for temporary protection, you can get support with food and housing if you have an urgent need for it. Please note that you need to visit one of the offices listed above in order to receive this support.
What documents are required to obtain temporary protection?
National biometric passport or other Ukrainian identity document. To apply in person, such a document must be registered and presented at one of the offices of the Migration Agency of Sweden. In order to register through the online service, you must have (i) an email address, (ii) a mobile phone number and (iii) a digital copy (photo) of the passport or identification documents of all adults listed on your application. must be registered and presented at the Swedish Migration Agency. As part of the registration process, fingerprints will be taken and a photo will be taken.
What documents will I have after receiving temporary protection?
You will receive a residence permit by specifying the type of residence permit you have. This certificate proves that you are allowed to live in Sweden during its validity period, that you are covered by the Swedish Asylum Seekers Act (LMA), and that you have the right to work in Sweden.
Can I become a citizen after receiving temporary protection? How long do I have to stay in the country to get legal status?
The time of residence in Sweden with a temporary residence permit cannot be included in the minimum period of normal residence required to be entitled to citizenship in Sweden. You will not be registered as a resident in Sweden, which means that you cannot be issued a personal identification number (on the other hand, you can apply for a coordination number, as described further below in the housing section).
However, in the end you can become a citizen, but before that you will have the same requirements as for other citizens of non-EU / EEA countries, which generally means that you will need to live in Sweden for n years in a row.
Can I move freely within the country and the European Union under temporary protection?
Yes, you can move around the country, and even if you leave the territory of Sweden, you will still be allowed to return to Sweden for the duration of your residence permit. Please note that you have the right to travel freely within the EU for up to 90 days within a six-month period if you have a residence permit in Sweden. However, if you leave Sweden, you may lose your right to assistance under the Swedish Asylum Seeker Act. At the same time, if you return to Sweden, you will again be entitled to such assistance, although there is no guarantee that you will be able to live in the same place as before.
Can I apply for asylum while under temporary protection?
Yes, you can always apply for asylum. However, this option is most relevant for persons in need of protection who are not subject to the rules of temporary protection. Asylum applications are a broader/longer process and the Swedish Migration Agency conducts an individual examination in all asylum cases. In addition, the Migration Agency decided to temporarily suspend the execution of asylum decisions regarding Ukraine until further notice, which means that such applications will neither be approved nor rejected. The fact that the Migration Agency has temporarily suspended its decisions in cases of granting asylum to citizens of Ukraine does not affect the possibility of granting the status of temporary protection. In addition,
How to apply for asylum?
As before, citizens of Ukraine have the opportunity to apply for asylum in Sweden in accordance with the usual asylum process. The decision to grant asylum is never made immediately; each application must be considered individually. Please note that the Migration Agency has decided to temporarily suspend the enforcement of asylum decisions regarding Ukraine until further notice, which means that such applications will neither be approved nor rejected.
In order to apply for asylum in Sweden, you need to visit the Migration Agency and submit an application. You cannot apply for asylum before entering Sweden. If you meet the border police upon entering Sweden, you must inform them of your wish to apply for asylum. Border police are located, for example, at passport control points at international airports, at ferry terminals and where trains and buses cross the border with Sweden. The border police will ask you a few questions and then direct you to the Migration Agency, where you will submit an asylum application. If you are already in Sweden, you need to contact the Migration Agency yourself. You can submit an application for asylum in one of the divisions of the Migration Agency in Gothenburg,
(Visit addresses and opening hours: https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Contact-us/Visit-us.html )
Briefly, the application procedure is as follows:
1) Proof of your identity (passport or any other identification documents you have. If you have lost your identity documents, you can present your birth certificate, family or military registration documents, marriage certificate, etc. .)
2) You will be photographed and fingerprints will be taken . (This will be added to the register of the Migration Agency and will be used on the asylum seeker card (LMAcard) that you will receive as proof that you are an asylum seeker)
3) Hold a meeting with the investigator for an interview based on the application . You will describe who you are and provide detailed information about your family, your health, etc. You will be given information about the asylum process – what is the next step and what needs to be done. You will also receive information on practical issues such as the right to housing, financial support, health care and education for your children. First of all, try to financially support yourself while you wait for a decision. If you do not earn any money and have no other assets, you can apply for financial support to the Migration Agency.
4) Research . The investigator will process your information and prepare your statement for the continuation of the investigation. If your application is to be processed in Sweden, you can stay here and wait until the Migration Agency determines whether you are eligible for a residence permit. It can take a long time before an asylum case is investigated. The waiting time can also vary from case to case.
5) (Extension of residence permit) . If you have a residence permit for a limited period and you wish to stay in Sweden, you must submit an application for extension before its expiration date. If you still need protection, you may be granted an extended residence permit. You may also be granted a residence permit if you have other reasons for staying in Sweden.
A residence permit for a person granted asylum has a time limit of thirteen months or three years.
If I have family members outside of Ukraine, can I apply for family reunification? If so, how?
So. If a family member is covered by the Temporary Protection Directive, they can apply for a temporary residence permit. If you received a permanent residence permit, or a temporary residence permit as a refugee or a person in need of additional protection, due to obstacles to law enforcement or special or exceptionally unfavorable circumstances, and at the same time, if there are reasonable prospects of obtaining a residence permit on longer term, a family member can apply for family reunification .There are no specific rules regarding persons from Ukraine. In addition, it is necessary that you can provide financial support to your family and have housing of a certain standard. This requirement does not apply in every situation. Only an immediate family member can move in with you if you have a temporary residence permit (your spouse, registered partner or cohabitant, and your children under the age of 18).
Sweden: employment information
Do I need to apply for a work permit? If so, how to do it?
So. You need to register with the Migration Agency (Sw. Migrationsverket). After you have received a residence permit with temporary protection, you can register with the Swedish Employment Service (Sw. Migrationsverket). To do this, you need to visit a service center (the list is available here ). When you arrive there, you must bring (1) a valid ID identity (e.g. passport), (2) a residence permit issued by the Migration Agency (Sw. Migrationsverket) and (3) if you have: a coordination number (Sw. samordingsnummer) issued by the Tax Agency (Sw. Skatteverket). Ans. 3: if you do not have a coordination number, you can apply for one at the service center.
Am I entitled to unemployment benefits? How and where can I apply?
A mandatory condition for receiving unemployment benefits is your presence on the labor market. If, for example, you have a permanent residence permit, you can work freely in Sweden and thus also qualify for unemployment benefits.
If you have received a residence permit under the Temporary Protection Directive, you will not be able to obtain a national registration (folkbokförd) in Sweden. Then you will not be entitled to the same benefits as people living in Sweden. On the other hand, if you have applied for asylum and the Migration Agency (Sw. Migrationsverket) has issued you a residence permit, you may be registered in Sweden and entitled to benefits such as child benefit.
In addition to the requirement to be present in the labor market, you must also meet other requirements to receive compensation from the unemployment insurance fund. For example, you yourself have to join an unemployment insurance fund, such as Akademikernas a-kassa (unemployment insurance fund for university graduates).
An application to the unemployment insurance fund is submitted on the relevant website.
If you are employed, as a general rule, the fund will need the following forms:
- Form Ansökan om erättä under E-tjänster (can be found on the website of the relevant unemployment insurance fund)
- Get a reference from the employer (arbetsgivarintig) in “Minasidor”. They must prove 12 months of employment. (you can download the form on the website of the relevant unemployment insurance fund )
- Are you self-employed? If you have a company in addition to your employment, you must fill out a separate form for self-employed persons.
- Have you had more than one employer? If you have a full-time job and an additional one, the unemployment fund will check whether you can continue to work additional and still receive benefits. Provide a certificate from the employer regarding additional work.
You can also call the international office of the unemployment insurance fund. For Akademikernas a-kassa, please call 08-412 33 00 or email utland@aea.se for more information.
Are there diploma and professional programs for determining equivalency? How and where can I apply?
So. You can apply to the Swedish Council for Higher Education for evaluation and recognition of your qualifications. On average, applications are processed within 2-5 months.
Applications are submitted here . You do not need a Swedish personal identification number (Swpersonnummer) to apply. You will need to provide:
1. Your academic degree/diploma certificate(s) in the original language and a translation if the original is in a language other than English, French, Spanish, German or Scandinavian.
2. Official translations (i.e. list of courses included in the academic degree: qualification with specific details such as grades etc.) in the original language and a translation if the original is in a language other than English, French, Spanish, German or Scandinavian
3. If you are waiting to receive a residence permit from the Swedish Migration Agency (Sw.Migrationsverket) to issue a residence permit: a copy of the email stating that your application has been received.
If you have a postgraduate qualification but are unable to provide degree certificates/diplomas and/or official transcripts, there is a process you can follow which is outlined here . This process includes filling out the following form: Information document – Description of foreign qualifications.
After you have completed and saved this form on your computer, you can create an online application form from this page: www.uhr.se/en/recognition/application
and upload the form together with your identification document, any educational document and, if educational documents are not available, documents that can help prove the fact of your education (for example, photos, academic documents, membership cards of student organizations, etc.)
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information on employment?
- Migration Agency
Website: https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Contact-us.html Phone number + 46 771 235 235 - Tax Office
Website: https://www.skatteverket.se/servicelankar/otherlanguages/inenglish/contactus.4.4c5def2714bbf25766d2d6f.html Phone number: +46 8 564 851 60
- Social Insurance Agency
- Website: https://www.forsakringskassan.se/english/contact/contact-us Phone number : +46 771 524 524
- State Employment Service.
Website : https://arbetsformedlingen.se/other-languages/english-engelska/kontakta-oss Phone number : +46 771 416 416
- You can also contact trade unions in the relevant sector and get support/information from them. For example, the union theUnion (Sw. Unionen) has guest membership (see here ).
TheUnion
Website: https://www.unionen.se/in-english/this-is-unionen Phone number : +46 770 870 870
Sweden: information about housing
Can I access public/government-provided housing?
The Migration Agency of Sweden will provide you with housing. If you can afford to pay the rent, you must, otherwise this rent is free. You will be provided with housing, and you cannot choose where to live in Sweden.
Unaccompanied minors will be assigned to the municipality, which will arrange housing and assistance.
How and where can I apply for public housing?
The application for public housing is submitted at the same time as the application for a residence permit, and if you are granted a residence permit, you will also be provided with housing.
If I am staying with friends or family for an extended period, what documents do I need to fill out to make this stay official? How can I get proof of residency?
When you receive a residence permit, you will receive a residence permit card. This card serves as proof of residence.
In case of communication with Swedish authorities, the coordination number simplifies the process. A coordination number can be obtained by applying to the tax office, unless this is provided for by the government at an earlier stage, for example when applying for a residence permit.
If I want to rent a private property, what documents do I need?
There are no specific legal requirements for the private rental property process in Sweden, other than those required from the specific property owner. Proof of employment and ID are usually sufficient.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information about housing?
The Swedish Migration Agency is the main contact. There are also individual volunteers who organize housing through a Facebook group called “Ukrainian refugees in Sweden – Accommodation, Help & Shelter”.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/682101599891991
Sweden: information on education
How do I enroll my children (or myself) in school?
Admission to the school is carried out through the municipality in which you live in Sweden. Contact the relevant municipality and they will help with arrangements. An example in Stockholm is Nacka, and information about the school can be found here: https://www.nacka.se/forskola-skola/ukraina-information-forskola-skola/faq-ukraina-forskola-skola/ . The site is usually in Swedish, but there is an option to translate it at the top of the page. You must provide information about the reason for your stay in Sweden, personal information such as name, date of birth, address, whether you are the sole guardian, etc.
If I have a child with special educational needs, where can I go for help to enroll them in a special school?
The process is the same as the above school registration through the municipality in which you live in Sweden.
Do universities implement admission schemes for Ukrainians or people fleeing Ukraine? If so, can you give some examples?
Currently there are no local schemes. Swedish universities work together with ScholarsatRiskSweden ( https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/sections/sar-sweden/section-news/support-for-ukrainian-researchers-with-already-established-connections-with-a-swedish-higher -education-institution/ ) and implemented several schemes.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information about education?
For a school or special school, contact the municipality in which you live. If you are not sure which one you live in, contact the migration agency or a neighbor.
For universities, please contact each specific university.
Sweden: information on child care
How to register small children for kindergarten?
Kindergarten/preschool registration is done through the municipality in which you live in Sweden. Since the process is the same as school enrollment, the same procedure applies. An example in Stockholm is Nacka, and information about the school can be found here: https://www.nacka.se/forskola-skola/ukraina-information-forskola-skola/faq-ukraina-forskola-skola/ . The site is usually in Swedish, but there is an option to translate it at the top of the page. You must provide information about the reason for your stay in Sweden, personal information such as name, date of birth, address, whether you are the sole guardian, etc.
You are entitled to social benefits from the Migration Agency. You will receive a daily usumi allowance, which varies depending on where you live, whether food has already been provided, and whether you live in accommodation provided by the Migration Agency or not. The amount will also depend on the number of children and their ages. The amount ranges from SEK 37 to SEK 50 (EUR 3.40 to EUR 4.60) per child per day if no food is provided and SEK 12 (EUR 1.10) per child per day if food is provided. If you have more than two children, the full amount is charged for the two oldest, and half the amount for the remaining children.
Are there any benefits for pregnant and lactating women?
There are no specific benefits aimed at helping pregnant or lactating women. There is, however, the possibility of applying for special assistance if there is a very urgent need for something that is not covered by the daily allowance.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for more information about children’s needs?
Migration agency.
Save the Children (SavetheChildren).
+46 8-698 90 00
kundservice@rb.se
Sweden: information on medical care
Can I use the services of the public health care system?
If you have a temporary residence permit under the Temporary Protection Directive, as an adult you have the right to emergency medical care, emergency dental care and care that cannot be delayed. It is the health care service that decides which type of care cannot be delayed. You also have the right to midwifery (childbirth) care, abortion, contraceptive advice, maternal health care and care for infectious diseases.
Children and young people under the age of 18 are entitled to the same medical and dental care as other children living in Sweden. Childcare is generally free.
Forced migrants from Ukraine can get a free vaccine against covid-19 in Sweden.
Do I need to register for health insurance, and if so, how do I do it?
Yes, you must apply for temporary protection or asylum in order to access the above services.
What does the state health care system cover?
See above for information on public health care available to refugees under the Temporary Protection Directive.
Do I need additional private health insurance in addition to the state insurance policy?
Not for the health care mentioned above – for further medical care, it is necessary to consider the options of contacting private clinics. There are no government schemes, discounts or anything similar for private health insurance.
Which governmental and non-governmental bodies can I turn to for additional information regarding access to health care system services?
To the Migration Agency or to service 1177, the national medical information service in Sweden
Sweden: mental health information
Can I get free mental health support from the public health system?
No, unless it is urgent as stated above or if not paid for separately.
Is there any additional administrative process required to access mental health support?
Access to non-urgent medical care in the field of mental health care is provided to everyone who has a residence permit. IDPs are not covered under the Temporary Protection Directive unless their needs are urgent.
What government and non-government agencies can I contact for more information about services for people with mental health problems, especially trauma?
Call 1177 or your local medical center if it’s urgent.
SwedishNationalAssociationforSocialandMentalHealth (RSMH in Swedish)
Sweden: access to legal aid and human rights information
If I have a legal question and need to hire a lawyer, can I get legal aid? How to find a lawyer?
This depends on the legal issues and circumstances at hand and is determined by the Swedish courts or the Swedish Legal Aid Office. For matters of a less complex and administrative nature, such as declarations, wills and marriage contracts, there is usually no right to legal aid at all. In addition, in some cases there may be resources available other than legal aid, such as union support in employment-related matters (if the employee is a member of any such union), the right to access a defense lawyer or a claimant’s lawyer in criminal cases and legal expenses insurance.
For general questions about legal aid, you can contact the Swedish Legal Aid Office at phone number: 060-13 46 00 or by email: rattshjalpsmyndigheten@dom.se .
If you need free legal advice, you can contact one of the lawyers listed on the website of the Swedish Bar Association, who co-ordinate consultations for Ukrainian refugees in various locations in Sweden: https://www.advokatsamfundet.se/om-advokatsamfundet/ukrainakriget /advokathjalp-engelska/ .
You can also use the search tool (unfortunately only in Swedish) on the same web page to find a lawyer in a specific area of law. However, please note that such advice is usually not free: https://www.advokatsamfundet.se/om-advokatsamfundet/ukrainakriget/advokathjalp-engelska/ .
Is there a human rights ombudsman in the country? What is the best way to contact the Ombudsman?
Although there is no official ombudsman in Sweden, there are separate government agencies (ombudsmän) for different categories of rights, such as anti-discrimination, children’s rights and justice. Please see brief descriptions of some of them:
Parliamentary Ombudsman
A complaint to the Parliamentary Ombudsmen (JO) can be made by anyone who believes that he or she or anyone else has been treated unfairly or unfairly by a public authority or an official employed by the Civil Service or a local authority.
Complaint form: https: // www.jo.se/en/How-to-repeach/Skarga-forma/ .
Equality Ombudsman
The equality ombudsman is obliged to promote equality of rights and opportunities and fight against discrimination. If you have been discriminated against and would like to file a complaint, you can do so using the online form: https://www.do.se/diskriminering/anmal-diskriminering/gor-en-anmalan-om-diskriminering .
The online form is presented in Swedish, but can be completed in any language. Whether this or that event is discrimination or not depends on the specific situation. Please go to the web page for more information: https://www.do.se/choose-language/english/what-is-discrimination .
Ombudsman for children in Sweden
The Children’s Ombudsman undertakes to promote and promote the rights and interests of children in Sweden based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Although they do not work on cases involving individual children or groups of children, they can provide guidance on where to go for support.
The Children’s Ombudsman can be contacted as described on the website at https://www.barnombudsmannen.se/english/contact-us/ .
The Migration Agency and the Swedish Gender Equality Agency have also compiled information on who to contact in different situations due to the increased risk of violence etc. when many people are fleeing armed conflict:
https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/About-the-Migration-Agency/The-situation-in-Ukraine.html
If you are a victim of human trafficking, you should contact the local authorities, primarily the police, either by visiting the police station or by calling: 114 14. In an emergency, call 112. You can also contact the Service victim support in Sweden by phone: 116 006 or by e-mail: fraga@boj.se for free help
Sweden: bank account and tax information
What documents are required to open a bank account?
To open a bank account in Sweden, it is necessary to provide an identity document and a coordination number. It would also help if you could provide proof of employment, but this is not a requirement. To open a bank account, visit a branch of one of the banks.
Examples of the largest banks and their websites:
– Swedbank ( www.swedbank.se )
– Handelsbanken ( www.handelsbanken.se )
– SEB ( www.seb.se )
– Nordea ( www.nordea.se )
– Danskebank ( www.danskebank.se )
When will I be liable for tax in the country and what do I need to do to pay it?
When will I be liable for tax?
For individuals, there are three alternative criteria by which a person is considered to have unlimited tax liability in Sweden. These criteria are as follows:
(i) resident (permanent residence) in Sweden – persons who have an actual residence in Sweden, i.e., as a general rule, all those registered here or those who spend most of their time here are considered to be residents of Sweden. A person living in Sweden is always considered an unlimited tax payer, even if the person lives abroad or is a foreign citizen.
(ii) permanent residence (residence) in Sweden – according to Swedish Case Law, a continuous period of residence of six months or more means that a person is permanently resident in Sweden. The stay in Sweden may depend on interruptions during the stay.
(iii) significant connection with Sweden – a person who moves from Sweden but still has a significant connection with Sweden is subject to unlimited tax liability even after moving abroad.
If you are considered to have unlimited tax liability in Sweden, this means that you will have to pay Swedish taxes on your worldwide income. However, there are tax benefits in both domestic and international law through tax treaties that may apply. An individual assessment is necessary to determine your tax liability in Sweden.
A person may be subject to Swedish taxes even if the criteria for unlimited tax liability are not met. Instead, such a person may have limited tax liability and thus be taxed only on income from Sweden (and not from any other country).
What do I need to do to register for taxes?
If you have a temporary residence permit from the Swedish Migration Agency (Sw. Migrationsverket ), issued in accordance with the EU Protection Directive, you have the right to work in Sweden. To be able to work in Sweden, you need to be registered for tax purposes. You or your employer must notify the Swedish Tax Agency so that they can register you for advance taxation (i.e. income taxes). This can be done through the agency’s e-service or by completing form SKV 4402 (Notification of advance taxation) and sending it to the Swedish Tax Agency ( https://skatteverket.se/privat/etjansterochblanketter/blanketterbroschyrer/blanketter/info/4402en.4.3810a01c150939e893f29bf2.html ).
After registration, the Swedish Tax Agency assigns you a so-called coordination number (Sw. samordingsnummer ) for identification purposes. This number is used in contact, for example, with government bodies, hospitals, banks and companies.
You can always visit one of the offices of the Swedish Tax Agency for advice and assistance in tax registration, declaration and other matters related to taxation. Depending on your stay and work situation, you may have to visit the Swedish Tax Agency’s office to register.
What should I do to pay my taxes?
The employer is responsible for withholding income taxes from your wages and paying these taxes to the Swedish Tax Agency. The employer is also responsible for paying social contributions.
If you have income other than work income, you generally must pay and report these taxes yourself. Payments to the Swedish Tax Agency can be made via bank transfer or Swish (a digital payment service).
Taxation
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. All the facts of the relevant situation are taken into account, and the assessment is made on an individual basis.
Generally, if an individual qualifies for unlimited tax liability, that individual’s income in any country will be subject to Swedish tax in accordance with Swedish domestic law.
A person may be subject to Swedish taxes even if the criteria for unlimited tax liability are not met. Instead, such a person may have limited tax liability and thus be taxed only on income received in Sweden (and not on income from other countries).
If a person’s liability is limited and the person stays in Sweden for six months, he can choose between two tax alternatives. Or
(i) special income tax for individuals residing abroad (SINK); or
(ii) standard income tax, i.e. taxation under a scheme similar to the taxation of a person resident in Sweden under the Swedish Income Tax Act.
SINK taxation is carried out on a statement that is created by an employee or an employer on behalf of an employee. If the application is not filed, the employee will be subject to standard progressive taxation. In the SINK regime, the employer withholds a flat tax of 25 percent. Another advantage of the SINK rules is that the employee does not have to file an income tax return, however, the employee is not allowed to make any deductions from income, such as deductions for travel to and from work.
Under the standard taxation rules under the Income Tax Act, the income tax rate is progressive with a maximum marginal tax rate of 55 percent. An employee may be required to file annual income tax returns and may be entitled to tax deductions such as expenses related to commuting to and from work.
In case the income is subject to double taxation, Sweden has entered into so-called double taxation treaties with other countries in order to reduce or eliminate double taxation. The purpose of treaties is to decide in which country the income should be taxed. In order to assess the situation, it is necessary to look at the specific tax treaty between Sweden and another country, as well as the type of income.
As for social security contributions in the case of remote work, social security contributions are generally paid in the country where the work is carried out, in other words, where the employee physically performs the work (there is an exception). This means that if a person chooses remote work abroad in another country, social security contributions must be paid in that country. In some cases, the employee may have an A1 certificate (or an equivalent certificate for non-EU nationals), which shows that the person belongs to the social security system of their country. In such cases, the employer must pay social security contributions to the person in the home country. The employer bears full responsibility for the payment of social contributions, unless a so-called social insurance contract has been concluded with the employee. The A1 certificate is obtained by applying to the social insurance authority of your country. The Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Sw.Försäkringskassan ) has offices that you can visit if you need any advice or help with social insurance.
Social benefits in Sweden
Benefits related to accommodation:
Housing benefits include, for example, child benefit, housing benefit, minimum and basic parental benefit and dental benefit. In order to be entitled to benefits related to residence, you must meet the requirements to be considered a resident in Sweden. The basic rule of the Swedish Social Security Law is that a person is considered a resident if he intends to live here for more than one year.
Job related benefits:
Employment benefits are compensation for those who are employed or have been employed. This type of benefit is paid, for example, in case of illness or parental leave. In order to receive work-related benefits, you must be or have been employed in Sweden for a salary that can be used as a basis for sickness income. In some cases, income from work in other EU/EEA countries (including Switzerland) may also be the basis for compensation.
Taxation of social benefits
Social security benefits may or may not be taxable. An assessment of the benefit received must be made to determine whether tax is applicable or tax exempt.
Sweden: other services
Where can an unaccompanied minor get help?
The Migration Agency is responsible for general assistance. Any unaccompanied minors will be received by representatives of the local municipality who will arrange housing/accommodation and services such as school etc. Any unaccompanied minor will receive detailed information from local municipalities upon arrival, as exact actions may vary between regions and municipalities. Local volunteers are also on site and happy to help with questions, translation, etc.
How and where can I apply for disability benefits?
Not available to displaced persons under the Temporary Protection Directive.
If you do not have your own funds, you can apply for financial support from the Migration Agency of Sweden. The money you receive from the Swedish Migration Agency is intended to cover your expenses for food, clothing and personal needs. Find out more about what financial support you can get.
You can apply for daily cash assistance by filling out the following form . You will also find more detailed information about the daily allowance, conditions and amount here .
More information for people arriving in Sweden from Ukraine can be found here .
Can you name 3-4 public organizations that conduct language classes and other integration programs for Ukrainians?
- ABF Stockholm – free Swedish language courses for persons seeking asylum in Sweden or Ukrainian refugees – https://abfstockholm.se/svenska-for-asylsokande/ .
- Språkkraft – A Swedish NGO that focuses on learning Swedish through mobile apps for immigrants, refugees and people who have just arrived in Sweden – https://sprakkraft.org/about/ .
- Medborgarskolan – a course for beginners learning Swedish is free for asylum seekers from Ukraine – https://www.medborgarskolan.se/arrangement-sok/svenska-swedish-for-ukrainska-asylum-seekers-svenska-for- ukrainska-asylsokande-1331051/
