Make sure you have a valid, up-to-date passport before travelling. Nordic citizens are free to live and work in Sweden as they please. Citizens of EU/EEA states can live and work in Sweden without any permit or visa for up to three months, after that they will have to apply for a residence certificate. This is available to employees, self-employed people, service providers, students and those who are otherwise able to support themselves, including family members of EU/EEA citizens. Swiss citizens and non-EU citizens who have resident status in an EU member state have similar rights to EU/EEA citizens.

If you’re a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country and none of the above situations apply to you you’ll have to apply for work and residence permits before entering Sweden at least two months in advance. The Migration Board is responsible for issuing visas to Sweden when needed. Please consult their website for more information about the rules and regulations concerning visas and residence permits:

• http://www.migrationsverket.se

Note that if you have children and you’re planning to stay in Sweden for an extended period it will be very helpful to have copies of their birth certificates.