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Fast-track work permits still available

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The Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) is still accepting fast-track work permits for your international recruits under their certified system.

The current certified system is set to be removed by the end of 2023 but it is still possible to submit applications for both first-time work permits and extensions.

Applications for accompanying family members can also be processed within the fast- track system if submitted together with the main applicant.

Our fast-track service offers the following major advantages:

– Faster processing times
– Concrete answers to questions about your employee’s particular circumstances
– Assurance that your employee’s application will be flawless, which is the key to ensuring the fastest possible processing time; Any problem or oversight with an application means much longer waiting times.

For more information about first-time applications and extensions for your international talents, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Relocate to Sweden provides expert advice and hands-on help for companies recruiting internationally or transferring staff to Sweden. We help your international recruits with the entire relocation process including immigration, home finding, tax consultancy, registration with Swedish authorities, schools, health care and intercultural training. Email us at info@relocatetosweden.com or call us on +46 8 361011 if you would like help. You can also read more about our relocation services at www.relocatetosweden.com or follow us on social media for tips and advice.

Experience Swedish Culture This Summer

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Every summer, Park Theatre (Parkteatern) in Stockholm offers concerts, dance and theater on outdoor stages in parks and green spaces around the city. These events are completely free and no tickets or pre-booking are required. This unique cultural concept provides a broad spectrum of events for all ages and venues include both city centre and suburban locations. As music, dance and circus performance transcend language barriers, this is for everyone, even if some events are in Swedish only.

In addition to the broad slice of culture that Park Theatre performances offer, the concept offers some valuable insight into Swedish culture and values; well organized and planned events, open to everyone on equal terms, and a celebration of summertime held in the open air, whatever the weather

Printed program brochures can be picked up at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern’s box office and at many of the libraries within the city of Stockholm. As unplanned changes can occur, checking  the venue and times on the website https://kulturhusetstadsteatern.se/parkteatern before your visit is recommended. The full program is also available there for download.

Kulturhuset (Culture House) in Stockholm organises the events and the whole program is sponsored by the City of Stockholm.

Enjoy!

Relocate to Sweden provides expert advice and hands-on help for companies recruiting internationally or transferring staff to Sweden. We also offer private relocation services. We help with the entire relocation process including immigration, home finding, tax consultancy, registration with Swedish authorities, schools, health care, language and intercultural training. Email us at info@relocatetosweden.com or call us on +46 8 361011 for more information. You can also read more about our relocation services at www.relocatetosweden.com or follow us on social media for tips and advice.

7 things that people who successfully relocate to Sweden do differently

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Photo Credit: Helena Wahlman/imagebank.sweden.se

Relocating is always challenging. Finding a place to call home, dealing with bureaucracy and adjusting to a new country, all while trying to master a new job, is enough to send anyone’s stress levels skyrocketing. Careful management of the relocation process, however, greatly helps to reduce stress and increase the chances of a happy and productive time in Sweden. After many years helping international talent move to Sweden, we see the following common behavioural traits amongst those who relocate most successfully.

1. They do their research and plan
Relocating smoothly requires finding out what needs to be done in time. For example, checking immigration requirements and the time frames involved is key, as the whole relocation plan can depend on this. Gaining an understanding of what to expect from the Swedish rental and property market is also essential for setting realistic expectations.

2. They get advice & ask for help
A lot of information is available online. This information can, however, be confusing, contradictory or incorrect. Reaching out for expert advice on the quickest and smartest way of going about things is always a good idea, especially when it comes to work permit application processes, accommodation and getting registered in the Swedish system.

3. They seek to understand cultural differences
Sweden has its own unique culture and Swedes have their own way of doing things. Those who adapt successfully to living and working in Sweden are either culturally aware from the outset or work actively on developing this skill. Importantly, they don’t underestimate cultural differences and the challenges these can present, both in and outside the workplace.

4. They learn Swedish
A little Swedish can go a long way. Showing interest and willingness to learn is always appreciated. If, however, the intention is to stay in Sweden long- term, learning Swedish properly is essential for full integration into society, even though most Swedes speak English very well. Luckily free Swedish tuition is available to all newcomers.

5. They build a social support network
Relocation to a new country is challenging enough without feeling isolated too. Having a network in place when difficulties arise makes all the difference. Working actively from the start on building a local network is key for general well-being, building resilience and feeling rooted.

6. They explore and make the most of their time
Sweden is a beautiful country with much to offer. Those who relocate successfully remain curious and tend to be adventurous when it comes to trying out new experiences such as food, sports or travel. An interest in the great outdoors is also a definite plus as most Swedes appreciate an active outdoor lifestyle and Sweden offers an abundance of activities for each of its four distinct seasons. The winter season in particular offers many surprises to newcomers such as ice swimming, as pictured above.

7. They look after themselves
Moving is one of the greatest stresses in life. When you add a new country and job to the mix, stress levels can easily spiral out of control. However, the strong focus on work-life balance Swedish workplaces comes as a great surprise to many relocating here. Those who really embrace this approach and prioritise wisely tend to thrive.

If you would relocation assistance. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@relocatetosweden.com or call us on +46 8 361011

Relocate to Sweden provides expert advice and hands-on help for companies recruiting internationally or transferring staff to Sweden. We also offer private relocation services. We help with the entire relocation process including immigration, home finding, tax consultancy, registration with Swedish authorities, schools, health care, language and intercultural training. Email us at info@relocatetosweden.com or call us on +46 8 361011 for more information. You can also read more about our relocation services at www.relocatetosweden.com or follow us on social media for tips and advice.

The perfect onboarding book for Swedish work culture

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Essential reading for anyone new to Swedish work culture, Working in Sweden: The A-Z Guide is a practical, light and fun read. The guide covers all the important information you won’t find in your company’s official personnel handbook, from consensus culture and flat hierarchies through to Swedish habits and social codes. It’s the perfect onboarding guide for professionals relocating to Sweden, guaranteed to save a lot of time and energy figuring out why Swedes do things the way they do. As this is far from obvious and usually takes quite a while to work out, the guide is also a very use read for expats who have already been in Sweden for some time and makes an ideal Christmas gift. The guide is now available in both English and Swedish.
[Läs mer…] om The perfect onboarding book for Swedish work culture

Relocation Checklist

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Successfully relocating staff or hiring internationally is a complicated and time consuming process that requires investment.  But this investment is nothing like the amount it will cost your company if the relocation is unsuccessful. If your transferee or new international recruit fails to perform well in the job they were brought here to do or suddenly decides to quit, a huge investment is lost. Anyone working in HR knows the true cost of hiring an employee as well as the enormous cost of a failed hire.

There’s nothing quite like a divorce or an international custody battle to keep your employees’ minds off their work. But this can be the result of a relocation that doesn’t work for the whole family. Even if your international employees don’t have families to consider, relocation is a very stressful process and failure to get off to a good start usually leads to lower productivity.

You should therefore carefully consider the following points:

  1. Visas and immigration processes
  2. Finding a new home
  3. Schools and day care
  4. Shipping belongings
  5. Local orientation
  6. Registering with the Swedish authorities
  7. Insurance
  8. Registering for health care
  9. Opening bank accounts
  10. Setting up utility contracts (electricity, internet, phones etc.)
  11. Swedish language tuition
  12. Swedish culture awareness training
  13. Tax
  14. Network building

Whether you decide to handle these challenges internally or leave them to your relocating employees to sort out themselves, they will require a lot of time and effort. Alternatively, you can outsource this work to relocation specialists.

If you would like help, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Relocate to Sweden provides expert advice and hands-on help for companies recruiting internationally or transferring staff to Sweden. We make relocation easier. Email us at info@relocatetosweden.com or call us on +46 8 361011 if you would like help. You can also read more about our services at www.relocatetosweden.com

The Essential Guide to Midsummer Celebrations in Stockholm

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New in Stockholm and wondering where you can experience traditional midsummer celebrations? Look no further. We’ve put together a guide to over 40 different Midsummer events, as well as essential dishes and all the background information you need.

Fun for all the family

Most of the listed events include dressing and raising a maypole (aka Midsummer pole), followed by traditional dancing and singing. Many also offer games and performances by local folk dance groups. It’s great fun for all the family and joining in this Classic Swedish experience is warmly recommended. Once the singing, dancing and games are over, people usually make their way home to continue their own celebrations with friends and family.

Good to bring

  • Picnic & blanket
  • Wild flowers to dress the maypole or to make your own Midsummer wreath
  • A little cash (there’s usually a raffle and or food/drink stands in support of local organisations)
  • Comfortable shoes for dancing / joining in organised games.

Venues in Stockholm with classic midsummer celebrations

ÖSTERMALM

Where: Skansen

Time: From 10.00. Maypole raised at 14.00

SÖDERMALM

Where: Mosebacketerrassen, Mosebacke Torg

Time: From 12.00. Musical entertainment from 15.00

VASASTAN

Where: Vasaparken

Time: Day before midsummer on 23 June

FJÄDERHOLMARNA

Where: Fjäderholmarna (islands in archipelago)

Time: From 13.00, Maypole dance from 14.00

NACKA

Where: Nyckelviken

Time: From 12.00-15.00

Free bus from Nacka stadshus to Nyckelviken from 11.00 -16.00

VÄRMDÖ

Where: Värmdö bygdegård i Hemmesta

Time: From 11.00 -16.00. Maypole raised 13.00

TYRESÖ

Where: Solsäter

Time: From 12.00–16.00

Where: Tyresö slottspark.

Time: From 12.00–16.30. Maypole decorated from 12.30 and raised at 13.00

TÄBY

Where: Rönninge by, Skavlötsvägen 29, Täby

Time: From 12.30

DANDERYD

Where: Enebybergs gård

Time: Maypole decorated from 09.30. Dance from 13.00

Where: Kvarnparken

Time: From 13.00. Note: Maypole decorated at 18.00 on 22/6.

Where: Djursholms slottspark

Time: 16.45. Note: Maypole decorated from 18.00 on 23/6.

HÄSSELBY

Where: Tempeludden, Riddersvik

Time: From 12.00 -16.30

BROMMA

Where: Bromma kyrka (church), in the meadow below the church school

Time: Maypole decorated from 10.30. Meetup at Bistro Bromma at 14.30, Spångavägen 138, to walk together to the meadow where the maypole will be raised.

Where: Björklunds hage, Norra Ängby.

Time: Maypole decorated from 10.00. Fesitivities continue to 15.00

JÄRFÄLLA

Where: Brukets backe, Jakobsberg

Time: Maypole decorated from 13.00

Where: Stäkets hembygdsgård, Wilhelm Boys väg 21

Time: Maypole decorated from 09.00

UPPLANDS VÄSBY

Where: The meadow in Smedby beside Gunnes gård.

Time: 12.30-16.00

Where: Fresta församlingsgård.

Time: From 10.00-12.00

KUNGSÄNGEN

Where: Kungsängens hembygdsgård and Bro IP (sports centre)

Time: From 11.30 at Kungsängens church. Continues at hembygdsgården. From 11.00 at Bro IP.

SIGTUNA

Where: Trekanten park beside Lilla torget

Time: 14:00

MÄRSTA

Where: Sätunaparken

Time: 11:30

ROSERSBERG

Where: Rosersberg IP (Sports centre) beside the club house

Time: Maypole decorated from 14:15

LUNDA

Where: Lunda church

Time: Church service from 12.00. Flower picking from 13:00. Maypole decorated 14.00. Maypole raised 15.00

AKALLA

Where: Akalla by

Time: From 10.00

TENSTA

Where: Spånga prästgård, Tensta

Time: Maypole decorated from 13.30 and raised from 14.00

VALLENTUNA

Where: Kvarnstuga, Brottby.

Time: Maypole decorated on 23 June from 18.00–21.00.

On 24 June from 11.00. Maypole raised at 12.00

Where: Orkesta-Lindholmen

Time: From 12.00 on 24 June. Note: maypole decorated on 23 June from 18.00

Where: Frösunda, Björkvallen.

Time: Maypole decorated 11.00 and raised at 12.00

Where: Vallentuna church

Time: From 14.00 –16.00 in the meadow towards Vallentuna. Note: Maypole decorated on 23 June from 18.00

SOLLENTUNA

Where: Hersby Hembygdsgård, Lillhersbyvägen

Time: From 12.00–16.30

Where: Rotsunda ängar (Skinnaråsvägen/Annerovägen) down towards Norrviken lake

Time: From 13.00 – 16.00

MÄLARÖARNA

Where: Adelsö festplats (partly place), Adelsö

Time: From 12.00-15.00

Where: Ekebyhovs slott (castle), Ekerö

Time: From 13.00 -16.00

Where: Färingsö hembygdsgård, Färentuna

Time: From 12.00- 15.00

Where: Rörby gård, Lovön

Time: From 11.00 – 16.00

HÄGERSTEN – ÄLVSJÖ

Where: Vintervikens trädgård

Time: From 11.00 -18.00. Maypole decorated from 13.00. Dance at 14.00 and 15.00

Note: 100 kr entry fee for adults

Where: Café Uddvillan, Hägersten.

Time: From 15.00

Where: Herrängens gård i Älvsjö

Time: From 13.00 – 16.00

Where: Brännkyrka church

Time: From 12.00 – 17.00. Maypole decorated from 13.30 and dance from 14.15.

SKARPNÄCK

Where: Skarpnäcks koloniområde (allotment area), Vinthundsvägen 2, Sköndal

Time: From 12.30-15.30

Where: Listuddens koloniträdgårdar (allotment gardens) , Kioskvägen, Skarpnäck.

Time: From 14.00

FARSTA

Where: Farsta gård, Farstaängsvägen 22.

Time: 12.00-15.00

HUDDINGE

Where: Magasinet, Juringe Gård, Mäster Lorentz väg 3, Segeltorp

Time: 13.00-15.30

HANINGE

Where: Häringe slott, Västerhaninge

Time: 11.30-23.00

How to celebrate Midsummer

This classic video “Midsummer for Dummies” never grows old and is well worth a watch.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=midsummer+for+dummies

Essential dishes for Midsummer

This handy article by The Local newspaper provides background information and delicious recipe suggestions to help you celebrate.

https://www.thelocal.se/20220621/the-essential-dishes-for-swedish-midsummer/#top

Wishing you a very HAPPY Midsummer 🙂 

Photo credit: Anna Hållams/imagebank.sweden.se
Venue information source: Mitt i Stockholm

Relocate to Sweden provides customised assistance for all your staff’s relocation and on-going support needs, including fast track help with work permits and extensions, accommodation, local registration, schools and intercultural training. Read more about our relocation services at www.relocatetosweden.com or follow us on social media for tips and advice. You can also Email us at info@relocatetosweden.com or call us on +46 8 361011 for more information.

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