For you who have accepted a position at Chalmers

<h2>Before arriving in Sweden</h2>
<p>There are several things you need to arrange before you travel to Sweden to start your employment at Chalmers. </p>

<p>Several times a year we host preboarding webinars to international staff and their accompanying families before arriving to Sweden. We strongly recommend you to take part of these! The sessions offer support in planning your relocation and cover essential information on living and working in Sweden. There will also be time for addressing any questions you may have.</p>

<p>A valid passport is necessary when visiting Sweden unless you are a Nordic citizen. For EU/EEA citizens, a national ID card is sufficient. However, it is advisable to bring your passport as it is required to open a Swedish bank account.</p>
<h2>EU/EEA citizens</h2>
<p>As an EU/EEA citizen, you are entitled to work or study in Sweden without a work or residence permit. The same applies to your family members who are EU/EEA citizens if they join you. Both you and your family members have the right to begin working or studying immediately. If your family members are non-EU/EEA citizens, they should apply for a residence card at the Swedish Migration Agency.</p>
<h2>Non-EU/EEA citizens</h2>
<h3>Visa</h3>
<p>Most visitors to Sweden require a visa. A visa is a permit necessary for entry and stay in Sweden for a maximum of three months, whether for visiting relatives or friends, tourism, business, or attending conferences. A visa must be obtained <strong>before </strong>entering Sweden. For more information on the application process and where to submit an application, visit&nbsp;<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.swedenabroad.se/en/" target="_blank" title="Swedenabroad">Sweden Abroad</a></p>
<h3><strong>Researchers and postdocs</strong></h3>
<p>If your visit to Sweden for research or postdoctoral studies exceeds three months, apply <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Working-in-Sweden/Employed/Special-rules-for-certain-occupations-and-citizens-of-certain-countries/Researcher.html" target="_blank" title="Residence permits for researchers">residence permit for researchers.</a> The residence permit must be granted before your arrival in Sweden. To be employed as a researcher, you must have the qualifications for admission to doctoral studies, and your primary assignment at the university should be research. If your stay is less than three months, a visa may be required.</p>
<p>Family members can obtain residence permits for the same period as your permit. If your permit is for at least six months, your accompanying partner can also obtain a work permit for the same time.</p>
<h3><strong>Doctoral students</strong></h3>
<p>For doctoral students, planning to stay in Sweden for over three months, a <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Studying-in-Sweden/Higher-education/Residence-permit-for-doctoral-studies.html" target="_blank" title="Residence permit for doctoral students">residence permit for doctoral students</a> is necessary, and it should be granted before arrival in Sweden. For stays less than three months, a visa may be needed. Family members can obtain residence permits for the same period as your permit. If your permit is for at least six months, your accompanying partner can also obtain a work permit.</p>
<h3><strong>Exchange doctoral students</strong></h3>
<p>If you are visiting Sweden for over three months as an exchange doctoral student, apply for a <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals/Visiting-Sweden/Visit-Sweden-for-more-than-90-days.html" target="_blank" title="Visitor permit">visitor´s permit.</a> This permit can be granted for up to one year, and can´t be extended.</p>
<h3><strong>Teachers and admin/technical staff</strong></h3>
<p>If you are coming to work at Chalmers as a teacher or administrative- technical staff, you must obtain a work permit, based on the employment offer in Sweden.<br>Note that teachers at higher education institutions involved in research, teaching, and/or lecturing activities for up to three months within a 12-month period may work without a work permit. However, certain nationalities may still require a visa.</p>
<p>The main rule is to apply and secure a work permit before entering Sweden. Work permits are granted for the duration of your job but not beyond the validity of your passport, up to a maximum of two years at a time.</p>
<p>If you receive a work permit, family members can be granted residence permits for the same period. For permits lasting at least six months, family members can also be granted work permits for the same period.</p>
<p>For further information, visit <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.migrationsverket.se/English.html" target="_blank" title="Swedish Migration Agency webbplats">Swedish Migration Agency</a></p>

<p>Chalmers maintains a limited stock of single-household accommodations, which can be offered to facilitate initial housing needs. It is important to note that the demand for initial accommodation often surpasses our available stock. As a result, Chalmers cannot guarantee accommodation and can only assist a limited number of new employees.&nbsp;To be added to this list, please reach out to your department administration.&nbsp;</p>
<p>While Chalmers supports initial housing, it is imperative to proactively seek alternative accommodation. Given the housing shortage in larger cities, flexibility is key, but the standard of housing in Sweden is generally high. Once you secure your initial residence, you can continue searching for more ideal accommodations.</p>
<p>NOTE: It is mandatory for all tenants and private homeowners to have home insurance. Further information can be found under the Insurance section on this page.</p>
<p>For valuable insights and the latest information on the housing market in Gothenburg and its surrounding regions, visit <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.movetogothenburg.com/" target="_blank" title="Move to Gothenburg webbplats">Move to Gothenburg</a>.</p>

<p>The insurance policies provided by Chalmers may not cover all your personal needs. We strongly advise you to consider additional private insurance coverage for you and your family.</p>
<h2>Health insurance</h2>
<h3>Staying in Sweden more than one year</h3>
<p>If you plan to stay in Sweden for one year or more, you will typically be assigned a personal identity number (personnummer). The personal identity number allows you to access the Swedish health and medical care system at reduced costs. Simply provide your personal identity number when visiting a clinic or hospital. For more details, go to the section Register with the Swedish Tax Agency and personal identity number.</p>
<h3>Staying in Sweden less than one year</h3>
<p>In this case, you may not be eligible for a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer).</p>
<ul>
<li>If you are an EU/EEA citizen, it is advisable to bring your European Health Insurance Card, granting you access to necessary health care at reduced costs. For EU/EEA citizens not qualifying for the European Health Insurance Card, Chalmers provides insurance coverage for necessary health care for foreign visitors (see below).</li>
<li>Non-EU/EEA citizens will be covered by Chalmers insurance for foreign visitors, which includes covering costs for emergency health and dental care during their stay in Sweden (see below).</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Chalmers insurance for foreign visitors</strong></h2>
<p>Chalmers offers an comprehensive health insurance to individuals without access to the Swedish national health service (international employees, trainees and scholarship holders). Registration to this insurance must be done by the department administrator. This insurance covers healthcare costs for acute illness and accidents, temporary treatment of acute dental problems, and emergency home transportation. Preventive or planned healthcare is not included.</p>
<h2><strong>Occupational life and injuries insurance for all employees</strong></h2>
<p>All employees, regardless of employment type, are covered by Chalmers’ occupational injuries insurance during study/work hours and when travelling between the place of residence and study/work locations.</p>
<p>This insurance compensates for loss of income, expenses, physical and mental suffering. Additionally, Chalmers employees are covered by the Swedish group life insurance from the National Government Employee Pensions Board.</p>
<p>Consider obtaining life and accidents insurance for your family members as part of your private insurance coverage.</p>
<h2><strong>Home insurance</strong></h2>
<p>To ensure the effectiveness of your rental contract throughout the entire rental period, valid home insurance is necessary. This insurance covers damage to the apartment (e.g. fire, water leak, theft) and personal belongings within the apartment. It can be supplemented with liability insurance, legal protection, assault cover, and travel insurance.</p>
<p>You can acquire home insurance from various companies in Sweden, such as <a href="https://www.folksam.se/kundservice/flera-satt-att-kontakta-oss/in-other-languages">Folksam</a>, <a href="https://www.if.se/privat/kundservice/in-english">If</a>, <a href="https://www.lansforsakringar.se/goteborg-och-bohuslan/other-languages/english/insurance-policy/">Länsförsäkringar Göteborg</a>, and <a href="https://www.trygghansa.se/om-trygghansa/in-english">Trygg Hansa</a>. The <a href="https://www.konsumenternas.se/">Konsumenternas</a>  website (available only in Swedish) provides information on different insurance types and allows you to compare fees between providers.</p>
<h2><strong>Unemployment insurance</strong></h2>
<p>Unemployment insurance is not part of the social insurance system in Sweden. If you pay taxes on your salary in Sweden, you are covered by the national unemployment insurance at a basic level. You can apply for limited compensation if you become unemployed. Membership in an unemployment fund (A-kassa) allows you to receive up to 80 percent of your previous salary during periods between jobs.</p>
<p>Unemployment insurance funds often collaborate closely with trade unions but are legally independent. When starting work in Sweden, look into which unemployment insurance fund suits your needs. To be eligible for income-based benefits, you must have been a member of a voluntary unemployment insurance fund for 12 consecutive months and have worked for at least six months.</p>
<p>Some trade unions also offer additional insurance against loss of income.</p>
<p>For more information, visit <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.sverigesakassor.se/unemployment-benefits-in-sweden/" target="_blank" title="Unemployment benefits">Sweden - Unemployment benefits.</a></p>

<p>To open a Swedish bank account, you will need a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) and a Swedish ID card. The process of opening a bank account can take a couple of months, so we strongly recommend that you register your foreign bank account and have your salary deposited there until you have received your Swedish personal identity number and ID card. This is the most flexible and time-efficient solution.</p>

<p>If you have children, it is advisable to search for and apply for a place in a pre-school or school at your earliest convenience.</p>
<p>For detailed information about Swedish school system and guidance on the application process, visit <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.movetogothenburg.com/moving/preschools-and-schools" target="_blank" title="Move to Gothenburg">Move to Gothenburg.</a></p>

<h2>After arriving in Sweden</h2>
<p>Now when you have arrived in Sweden there are a couple of more things you need to do.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>If you plan to stay in Sweden for one year or longer</h2>
<h3>Personal identity number&nbsp;</h3>
<p>You must register as a resident in the Swedish population register and obtain a personal identity number (personnummer). To do this, apply in person at the nearest office of the Swedish state service centre.</p>
<ol>
<li>Prepare your visit by completing a personal questionnaire on the Tax Agency’s website in advance, accessible via the e-service <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.skatteverket.se/servicelankar/otherlanguages/inenglishengelska/individualsandemployees/movingtosweden.4.7be5268414bea064694c40c.html" target="_blank" title="Moving to Sweden">Moving to Sweden</a>.</li>
<li>After completing the e-service steps, print out your notification and bring it, along with other required documents, to the nearest service centre. Each family member, including children, must submit their own notification. You can also book an appointment in advance&nbsp;<a rel="noopener" href="https://ssc.nemoq.se/Booking/Booking/Index/SSC" target="_blank" title="Book an appointment">Book an appointment</a>.</li>
</ol>
<p>The general waiting time for a personal identity number is approximately 3-4 weeks, but it can extend to 4 months if additional information or further investigation is needed.</p>
<p>Once you have a personal identity number, you may be eligible to Swedish social and healthcare benefits. This number simplifies various transactions in Swedish society, such as obtaining an identity card, opening a bank account, purchasing home insurance, and visiting a doctor.</p>
<h3>ID-card</h3>
<p>To apply for an ID-card, you must book an appointment at the nearest Swedish state centre in advance&nbsp;<a rel="noopener" href="https://ssc.nemoq.se/Booking/Booking/Index/SSC" target="_blank" title="Book an appointment">Book an appointment.</a></p>
<h2>If you plan to stay in Sweden for less than one year</h2>
<p>You cannot be registered in the Swedish population register if you stay less than a year. However, you can receive a coordination number from the Swedish Tax Agency. A coordination number makes it easier to interact with public authorities, employers, schools, banks, etc. The Tax Agency assigns a coordination number during the processing of your tax registration application; no separate application is necessary. The Tax Agency provides <a rel="noopener" href="https://skatteverket.se/servicelankar/otherlanguages/inenglishengelska/individualsandemployees/movingtosweden.4.7be5268414bea064694c40c.html" target="_blank" title="Moving to Sweden">guides</a>, <a rel="noopener" href="https://skatteverket.se/servicelankar/otherlanguages/inenglishengelska/individualsandemployees/movingtosweden/newinswedenfilms.4.57cadbbd15a3688ff446d7.html" target="_blank" title="Skatteverket">films</a> and <a rel="noopener" href="https://skatteverket.se/foretag/drivaforetag/webbseminarier.4.18e1b10334ebe8bc80001513.html" target="_blank" title="Webinars Skatteverket">webinars</a> .</p>

<p>Once a quarter, we organise an event for new employees where you have the opportunity to meet other people who have just started working here. It is a informal way to make new contacts, share experiences and network across organisational and professional boundaries.</p>

<p>Social insurance is an important part of the Swedish social security system, administered by the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan). It provides financial security for various life stages, covering families, children, individuals with disabilities, illnesses, work injuries and the elderly people.</p>
<p>To be eligible for social insurance benefits, you must either formally reside in Sweden or be employed and work here.&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Residence-based benefits</h2>
<p>If your stay in Sweden exceeds 365 days, you are in most cases entitled to residence-based benefits such as child, parental and housing allowance. Child allowance is paid from and including the month after the birth of a child residing in Sweden. The child allowance is tax free and is paid until and including the quarter that the child attains the age of 16. Parental benefit is paid out for 480 days and is equally divided between parents. The benefit allows to stay at home with the child instead of working or studying. Some part of the benefit is based on the income one has, and another is at minimal compensation rate.</p>
<h2>Employment-based benefits</h2>
<p>For those employed in Sweden, employment-based benefits include sickness and parental benefit. Pregnancy benefits are available if certain work becomes challenging during pregnancy. Temporary parental allowance can be claimed for income loss due to a child´s illness, paid for a maximum of 120 days per year until the child turns 12.</p>
<h2>Registration</h2>
<p>Registration with Försäkringskassan is necessary before applying for compensation. It is recommended to register upon arrival, as the process can be quite long. Find out more and complete a registration on the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.forsakringskassan.se/english/moving-to-working-studying-or-newly-arrived-in-sweden/move-to-sweden" target="_blank" title="Move to Sweden">Försäkringskassans website</a>. Make sure to apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) under section 6 of the form to avoid delays.</p>
<h2>Note!</h2>
<ul>
<li>If you are a doctoral student receiving scholarships or stipends you are not covered by social insurance benefits, even if staying for over 365 days.</li>
<li>If you receive a scholarship or stipend for activities other than doctoral studies, you are not required to pay taxes in Sweden. In this case, you will not be covered by employment-based benefits.</li>
</ul>
<p>Find out more about&nbsp;<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.forsakringskassan.se/english/moving-to-working-studying-or-newly-arrived-in-sweden/social-insurance-system" target="_blank" title="Sweden social insurance agency">Swedish social insurance system</a>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Tax relief for foreign nationals with particularly skilled jobs</h2>
<p>Special tax relief is available for foreign key workers (managers, experts, researchers) with income tax based on 75 per cent of income. Application should be submitted within three months of employment and eligibility is limited to a seven-year stay.</p>
<p>Read more about Swedish tax relief and apply on the <a rel="noopener" href="https://forskarskattenamnden.se/andrasprak/taxationofresearchworkersboard/abouttaxrelief.4.14dfc9b0163796ee3e7743e4.html" target="_blank" title="Research workers boards">Taxation of Research Workers Board´s website.&nbsp;</a></p>
<p>The <a rel="noopener" href="https://skatteverket.se/servicelankar/otherlanguages/inenglishengelska/individualsandemployees/workandemploymentinsweden.4.2cf1b5cd163796a5c8bb087.html" target="_blank" title="Swedish Tax Agency">Swedish Tax Agency</a> offers a guide on taxes and population registration for those who are new to Sweden and will work here as an employee.</p>

<h2>Nice tips for life in Sweden</h2>
<p>When you have moved to Sweden you might want to know more about the country and region you are living in. We have gathered some information here.</p>

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Everything you need to know about Gothenburg!

This city has that rare thing: a big city feel with the enormous advantage of comfortable distances.

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Time to start learning Swedish

While English may suffice in many situations, having a good knowledge of Swedish can ease the challenges of settling-in.

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Find social activities

We encourage participation in social activities and events at the International House Gothenburg. 

<h3>Collaboration for international employees</h3>
<p>Chalmers takes pride in its collaboration with the City of Gothenburg, the University of Gothenburg, and other prominent companies in the region. Together, we have established a safe, meaningful, and inspiring meeting place for international employees and their families in Gothenburg. Additionally, we are a proud member of the EU network EURAXESS, dedicated to career development of researchers and promoting transnational cooperation and common standards for researchers and institutions in Europe. For more information, explore the resources available through&nbsp;<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.euraxess.se/sweden/information-and-assistance" target="_blank" title="Euraxess">Sweden Information &amp; Assistance</a></p>

Benefits and conditions

International staff support

Chalmers as an employer

For job applicants

Vacancies

Instructions for compiling an application

Academic positions

Move to Gothenburg

Part time jobs for Chalmers students

Work with us

Choose subject

Course syllabus for

Subject

Each academic year contains different courses

See programme page at universityadmissions.se

Educational area

Permissible substitutions of compulsory courses

To see your programme syllabus – select the academic year in which you started the programme.

[en: page.studyprogrammepage.syllabusesview.coursesdescription]

Work with us

You have accepted a position – here is what comes next

Before arriving in Sweden

Preboarding webinars

Visa, Residence Permit and Work Permit

Housing

Insurance

Opening a bank account

Childcare and schools

After arriving in Sweden

Get your personal identity number and ID-card

Introduction-fika: network and information

Tax relief for foreign nationals

Nice tips for life in Sweden

Here is your new hometown

Time to start learning Swedish

Family friendly events

Collaboration for international employees

You have accepted a position – here is what comes next

Before arriving in Sweden

Preboarding webinars

Visa, Residence Permit and Work Permit

Housing

Insurance

Opening a bank account

Childcare and schools

After arriving in Sweden

Get your personal identity number and ID-card

Introduction-fika: network and information

Register for Swedish social insurance agency

Tax relief for foreign nationals

Nice tips for life in Sweden

Here is your new hometown

Time to start learning Swedish

Family friendly events

Collaboration for international employees