Sweden has a very generous social welfare system funded by the taxation system. Education, healthcare, pensions, unemployment, maternity and sickness payments and a wide range of other benefits are available to everyone who lives in Sweden and pays tax there, with the exception of people who work in Sweden for less than one year, who should take out private insurance.

On arrival in Sweden, you will need to apply for a social security number from the local tax office in order to be eligible for benefits. Applications for a social security ID card should be submitted to the tax office along with a passport sized photograph. The card will be sent to your address in Sweden.

The administration of social benefits is the responsibility of local authorities in Sweden, and applications for benefits should be submitted to the local social welfare office.