Laws, regulations and responsibilities

Moving to Sweden comes with some things to know, from taxes to traffic, recycling to working life. Don not worry, we have broken it down into easy bits to help you settle in.

Taxes

Sweden has transparent tax system, including income and VAT (moms). Make sure to register with Skatteverket once you get your personal identity number.

Swedish Tax Agency External link, opens in new window.

Traffic rules

Drive on the right, use seatbelts, and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists. If you plan to drive, check if your license is valid in Sweden.

Swedish Transport Agency External link, opens in new window.

Car Insurance

If you have a car, insurance (bilförsäkring) is required by law in Sweden. It covers damages to your vehicle and, depending on the type, other people’s property or personal injuries in case of an accident.

Housing rules

Wheter renting or buying, know the basics about contracts, deposits and tenant rights. For questions contact your landlord.

Work and employment

Learn about your rights, working hours, holidays, and sick leave. Unions and collective agreements are common in Sweden.

Swedish public employment service External link, opens in new window.

Social insurance and healthcare

Sweden has a strong social safety net, including health coverage, parental leave, and sickness benefits.

Försäkringskassan – English External link, opens in new window.

Environment and recycling

Swedes take recycling seriously! Sort your waste, return bottles and cans for deposit and help to keep the city green. Västerås has a convenient recycling center where you can drop off everything from paper and glass to electronics and larger items. It is a simple way to do tour bit for the environment while keeping your home organized.

Find your recycling center here (link in Swedish) External link, opens in new window.

Alcohol, tobacco and games

Know the rules on buying and consuming alcohol and tobacco, plus age limits for games of chance.

Allemansrätten, the right of public access

Swedes love nature, and allemansrätten allows everyone to enjoy it. You can walk, cycle, picnic, swim, and even camp almost anywhere, as long as you respect nature and other people. Freedom comes with responsibility.

Bringing your pet to Sweden

Moving to Västerås with a pet? There are rules you need to know about health, vaccinations and entry.

• Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket). Guidance on pet passports, microchips, vaccinations and travel rules.
  The Swedish Board of Agriculture - in English
• Swedish Customs (Tullverket). Declare your pet at the border and check required documents.
  Tullverket - in english
• Your veterinarian. Help with passports, microchips and vaccinations.

Check their websites for the latest info on bringing your pet to Sweden.