Good To Know
- Rent a car for free (one way).
- Import & Export to/from Rwanda.
- Swedish Language development materials for children.
- Online Application for Goverment services (Rwanda).
- Cyamunara (Sales).
- Cyamunara (Vehicles).
- Borrow sports and leisure items for free.
- Book a place for an event in Stockholm or Huddinge.
- Free Swedish language resources.
- Kwandikisha umwana muri Suwede.
What You Need Before Opening a Bank Account
To open a full Swedish bank account, you’ll need:
Personnummer – Get this from Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency). It’s like your official ID in Sweden. Valid Passport or ID – Your Rwandan passport is accepted. Residence permit – If applicable, bring your residence card. Swedish address – Shown on a rental contract, letter, or official form. (Optional) Proof of work or studies – Some banks may request this.
Opening a Bank Account
Visit a bank branch in person. Book an appointment in advance if needed. Popular banks include:
Swedbank
SEB
Nordea
Handelsbanken
ICA Banken or Revolut (good options if you don’t yet have a personnummer)
Once approved, you’ll get:
A bank account (with an account number) A debit card (bankkort) Access to online banking
What is BankID and Why Is It So Important?
BankID is a digital identity used for:
Logging into your bank
Signing contracts
Accessing government services (like Försäkringskassan, Skatteverket, 1177, CSN, etc.)
Making online payments
Verifying your identity for jobs, renting apartments, etc.
Without BankID, it’s nearly impossible to function fully in Sweden.
How to Get BankID:
First, open a full bank account.
Ask your bank for BankID during the setup.
Download the BankID app on your smartphone.
Activate it using your bank’s instructions (you’ll need a security code).
You’re now ready to log into almost any Swedish service!
What is Swish and Why Do You Need It?
Swish is a mobile app that lets you send and receive money instantly using a mobile number. It’s used by:
Individuals (friends, family)
Stores and restaurants
Clubs and events
Even churches or donations
Swish is safe, fast, and free.
How to Get Swish:
Open a bank account.
Ask your bank to activate Swish for you.
Download the Swish app.
Connect it to your BankID.
Now you can transfer money with just a phone number!
How to Pay Bills in Sweden
Common ways to pay bills (called fakturor):
Autogiro – automatic monthly withdrawals (rent, electricity, insurance)
E-faktura – digital bills sent directly to your online banking
Manual payments – using Bankgiro/Plusgiro and OCR number via your bank app
Swish – accepted by many organizations and individuals
Other Useful Banking Services
Savings accounts – earn interest on your money
Mobile banking apps – manage everything from your phone
Loans and credit cards – available after building credit or income history
International transfers – send money to other countries (via bank or services like Wise)
If You Don’t Yet Have a Personnummer
If you’re still waiting for your personnummer, you can:
Try ICA Banken, Revolut, or N26 for basic accounts
Use them temporarily until you get your full rights in Sweden
Sending Money to Rwanda
Several services allow you to send money to Rwanda from Sweden. Compare fees and exchange rates to get the best deal. Remember, the cost can vary depending on how fast you want the money to arrive.
- Ushobora gukoresha MTN Momo uri muri Suwede mugihe waba ugite simcard ya MTN Rwanda aho uri muri Suwede. Bifasha kubantu batanga Frw ahantu henshi na kenshi. Bikora bisanzwe nkaho waba iri mu Rwanda, ntakindi kiguzi.
- Hari service nyinshi kandi zitandukanye zikoreshwa mukohereza Frw mu Rwanda, zimwe muri zo ni Bank Transfer; Worldremit; western Union hamwe n’izindi nyinshi.
Saving and Investing
Swedish banks offer various saving accounts and investment options. Consider your financial goals and risk tolerance when choosing.
Remember, it’s important to keep your bank details secure. Never share your PIN or password with anyone. If you suspect fraudulent activity, contact your bank immediately.
🏠 1. Ubwishingizi bw’Inzu (Hemförsäkring)
Ni ubwishingizi ugomba kugira niba uba mu nzu wakodesheje cyangwa waguze.
Ibyo bukurinda:
Ubujura, inkongi y’umuriro
Amazi yangiza ibintu
Ibintu byawe byibwa, n’iyo waba uri hanze y’inzu
Inkunga mu manza cyangwa iyo uteje impanuka abandi
Ubwishingizi bwo mu rugendo (munsi y’iminsi 45 iyo uvuye mu gihugu)
🟢 Ushobora kubugura kuri internet no kwishyura buri kwezi. Reba ibiciro muri sosiyete nka:
Folksam, IF, Länsförsäkringar, Trygg-Hansa, ICA Försäkring
🚗 2. Ubwishingizi bw’Imodoka (Bilförsäkring)
Niba utunze imodoka muri Suwede, ubwishingizi ni itegeko.
Ubwoko butatu:
Trafikförsäkring – bwo ku rwego rw’ibanze; ni itegeko. Burinda abandi iyo uteje impanuka.
Halvförsäkring – burinda imodoka yawe ku bijyanye n’ubujura, inkongi, idirishya risadutse, n’ubufasha bwo ku muhanda.
Helförsäkring – burinda imodoka yawe n’iyo waba ari wowe wateje impanuka.
💡 Hitamo bitewe n’agaciro k’imodoka yawe n’uburyo uyikoresha. Ushobora kugereranya ibiciro ukoresheje Compricer.se.
🧍♂️ 3. Ubwishingizi bw’Umuntu Ku Giti Cye n’Umuryango
Ubu bwishingizi burinda wowe n’umuryango wawe mu gihe cy’impanuka cyangwa uburwayi:
✅ Ubwishingizi bw’Impanuka (Olycksfallsförsäkring)
Bugufasha kwivuza, kugura ibikoresho by’ubuvuzi, cyangwa kugarura ubushobozi.
✅ Ubwishingizi bw’Ubuzima (Livförsäkring)
Butanga amafaranga ku muryango wawe mu gihe witabye Imana.
✅ Ubwishingizi bw’Umwana (Barnförsäkring)
Burinda abana igihe barwaye cyangwa bagize ubumuga butunguranye.
💡 Bamwe mu bakoresha batanga ubu bwishingizi — saba amakuru kuri sosiyete yawe cyangwa umuyobozi mu kazi.
🧾 4. Försäkringskassan – Ibikoresho bya Leta bijyanye n’Ubwishingizi
Iyo umaze kubona personnummer, ushobora kwiyandikisha muri Försäkringskassan (ikigo cya leta gishinzwe ubwishingizi):
Inkunga y’umwana (barnbidrag) – uhabwa buri kwezi ku mwana
Ubwishingizi bw’indwara (sjukpenning) – iyo urwaye ntushoboye gukora
Inkunga y’ikiruhuko cy’ababyeyi (föräldrapenning) – iyo ubyaye cyangwa ufite uruhushya rwo kurera
Ubwunganizi ku nzu (bostadsbidrag) – ukurikije uko winjiza n’umubare w’abantu mu rugo
🌐 Jya kuri forsakringskassan.se ukoreshe BankID.
💼 5. A-Kassa – Ikigega cy’Ubwishingizi bw’Abatakaje Akazi
A-Kassa (Arbetslöshetskassa) ni ubwishingizi ushobora kwiyandikishamo ku bushake kugira ngo ubone amafaranga igihe utakaje akazi.
🔹 Impamvu ari ingenzi:
Ubona amafaranga agera kuri 80% by’umushahara wawe mu gihe utari mu kazi.
Buguha amahoro mu gihe ushaka akandi kazi.
Siko gukoreshwa na Försäkringskassan — ni ubwishingizi wigira wenyine.
🔹 Uburyo bigenda:
Wishyura amafaranga make buri kwezi (nko hagati ya 100–150 SEK)
Ugomba kuba umaze umwaka wiyandikishije kandi warakoze amasaha ahagije
Amafaranga uhabwa agendana n’umushahara wakoraga
🔹 Uburyo bwo kwiyandikisha:
Hitamo A-kassa ijyanye n’akazi cyangwa amashuri yawe:
Akademikernas A-kassa (abize kaminuza)
Unionens A-kassa (abakora mu bigo byigenga)
Alfa-kassan (yemera buri wese)
Wiyandikisha kuri internet, utangire kwishyura
💡 N’iyo utari mu kazi, ushobora kwiyandikisha hakiri kare kugira ngo utangire kubara igihe cyemewe.
🆘 6. Aho Wabariza cyangwa Usaba Ubufasha
Baza mugenzi wawe wo mu muryango nyarwanda umaze igihe muri Suwede
Jya ku biro by’akarere (kommun) aho batuye bagufasha kwinjira mu buzima bwo muri Suwede
Shaka ubufasha kuri website z’ubwishingizi (akenshi bavuga icyongereza)
Koresha imbuga zo kugereranya ibiciro: Compricer.se, Insplanet.se, Konsumenternas.se
✅ 1. Employment Offer and Contract
Confirmed Job Offer: You must have a concrete job offer in Sweden.
Signed Employment Contract: Both you and your prospective employer must sign the employment contract before initiating the work permit application.
🛂 2. Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of the intended work permit.
It’s advisable that your passport remains valid beyond the permit’s expiry to avoid complications.
⚖️ 3. Salary and Employment Conditions
Compliance with Standards: Your salary and employment conditions must align with Swedish collective agreements or customary standards for your profession or industry.
Minimum Salary Requirement: As of June 18, 2024, the minimum monthly salary to be considered as making a “good living” is SEK 28,480, which is 80% of the median salary in Sweden.
Exclusions: Non-monetary benefits such as free accommodation or meals are not counted towards the salary requirement.
🛡️ 4. Insurance Obligations
Your employer is required to provide the following insurance coverage from the first day of your employment:
Health Insurance
Life Insurance
Occupational Injury Insurance
Occupational Pension Insurance
🕒 5. Short-Term Employment (Less Than 3 Months)
If your employment in Sweden is for less than 90 days, you may also need to apply for a visa, depending on your nationality.
Rwandan citizens typically require a visa for short stays.
👨👩👧 6. Family Members Accompanying You
Family members (spouse, registered partner, cohabiting partner, and children under 21) can apply for residence permits to accompany you.
You must demonstrate the ability to financially support your family. For 2025, after paying rent, you should have the following amounts left per month:
SEK 6,186 for a single adult
SEK 10,219 for cohabiting spouses or partners
SEK 3,306 for each child aged 0–6
SEK 3,967 for each child aged 7–10
SEK 4,629 for each child aged 11–14
SEK 5,290 for each child aged 15 or older
🔄 7. Changing Employers or Job Roles
If you change employers or your job role significantly changes, you must apply for a new work permit.
It’s permissible to start your new job before receiving the new permit decision, provided your current permit is still valid at the time of application.
📄 8. Application Process
Employer Initiates Application: Your employer starts the application process by submitting necessary information to the Swedish Migration Agency.
Your Part: You will receive an email to complete your portion of the application, including submitting required documents.
Passport and Biometrics: You may need to present your passport and provide fingerprints and a photograph at a Swedish embassy or consulate.
Decision: Once all steps are completed, the Swedish Migration Agency will process your application and inform you of the decision.
🌐 9. Additional Information and Resources
For comprehensive and up-to-date information, visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s official page on work permits:
👉 Swedish Migration Agency – Work Permits
Sweden offers a robust public health insurance system known for its high quality and comprehensive coverage, funded primarily through taxes. Here’s a brief overview of the key features of the Swedish health system and the role of private insurance:
Public Health Insurance
- Universal Coverage: All residents, including members of the Rwandan diaspora, have access to Sweden’s public health care once registered in the Swedish population register.
- Services and Fees: The system covers a wide range of medical services, with patients paying nominal fees for doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions. There’s an annual cap on spending to prevent high out-of-pocket costs.
- Decentralized Management: Health care services are managed regionally, ensuring tailored care that meets local needs.
For more information, visit 1177 Vårdguiden.
Dental Care in Sweden
- Public Coverage: Dental care for children and young adults up to the age of 23 is fully covered by the public health insurance. Adults receive partial subsidies for dental care, which help reduce the costs significantly.
- Private Insurance Benefits: Many opt for private dental insurance to cover the gap left by public insurance, particularly for more expensive treatments and orthodontics.
- In some regions, there might be providers who offer discounts if you make a last minute booking. Some of them are Stockholm Län, Västra Götaland, Skåne, and many more.
Eye Care in Sweden
- Basic Coverage: The public health system provides basic eye care, but it does not cover the cost of eyeglasses or contact lenses except for children and certain medical conditions.
- Private Insurance Benefits: Private health insurance can be beneficial for more comprehensive eye care, including regular eye exams and cost coverage for corrective lenses.
Private Health Insurance
- Supplementary Benefits: Private health insurance offers quicker access to specialists, reduced waiting times, and more comprehensive coverage for services that are partially covered or not covered at all by the public system.
- Employer Benefits: Many employers in Sweden provide private health insurance as part of employment benefits, enhancing access to healthcare.
For options on private health insurance, you might consider checking Försäkringskassan or private providers like Trygg-Hansa or Folksam.
Importance of Private Sickness Insurance
Private sickness insurance in Sweden enhances your healthcare experience by managing wait times and providing quicker access to specialized services like dental and eye care. For the Rwandan diaspora, this means better health management and more immediate access to necessary treatments.
Welcome to our guide on raising children in Sweden for the Rwandan community!
Education
In Sweden, compulsory education starts at age 6. Schools offer a high-quality education system, and children have the right to free education.
Health Care
Children have access to free health care services, including vaccinations, regular health check-ups, and dental care.
Child Allowance
Sweden provides a child allowance (barnbidrag) for around 1 250 kr per month and per child to help cover the cost of raising children. This is usually paid until the child turns 16.
Activities
Sweden offers a wide range of activities for children, from sports clubs to music classes and art workshops.
Remember, raising children in a new country can be challenging, but with the right support and information, it can also be a rewarding experience. Good luck!
Here’s a summary with tips and tricks on how to look for employment in Sweden, particularly tailored for us:
- Language Proficiency:
- Learning Swedish is essential as it enhances job prospects, especially outside international companies where English might be predominant. There are various online resources and community classes available to help with language learning (Arbetsförmedlingen).
- Utilize Job Portals and Networking Sites:
- Use platforms like Arbetsförmedlingen (The Swedish Public Employment Service) and LinkedIn. The former provides local job listings and support services, while LinkedIn is beneficial for its vast network and English language job postings (sweden.se) (Swedish Immigration).
- Understand Local Job Market Demands:
- Familiarize yourself with the labor market, focusing on sectors that have a shortage of skills. Sweden periodically publishes a labor shortage list which can be a valuable resource for identifying in-demand jobs (sweden.se).
- Prepare for Direct Applications:
- Consider direct applications to companies of interest. Many companies allow prospective employees to submit open applications even if they aren’t advertising specific job openings (sweden.se).
- Utilize Internships and Work Experience Opportunities:
- Engage in internships or work experience programs like ‘Korta vägen’, which are designed to fast-track integration into the Swedish job market, particularly for foreign academics (sweden.se).
- Understand Immigration Requirements:
- As a Rwandese, ensure you meet all work and residence permit requirements before applying for jobs. Understanding these rules is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues (Swedish Immigration).
- Networking and Community Engagement:
- Actively participate in local events and professional networks. This can be a great way to meet potential employers and learn more about job opportunities (sweden.se) (Swedish Immigration).
Primary Education
In Sweden, primary education begins with preschool (förskola) for ages one to five, which emphasizes play and development and is widely accessible through municipal subsidies. Compulsory schooling starts from the age of six with the “preschool year” (förskoleklass) and continues through to year 9 (ages 6-15). Swedish compulsory schooling is divided into three stages: lower stage (years 1–3), middle stage (years 4–6), and upper stage (years 7–9). Schooling includes out-of-school care and can involve special provisions like Sami schools for indigenous children. Education is tuition-free, funded by taxes, and focuses on inclusive education practices (sweden.se).
High School Education
High school in Sweden, known as “Gymnasium,” is optional and covers years 10 to 12. Students can choose from 18 national programs, divided between six preparatory for higher education and twelve vocational. Entrance requirements generally include passing grades from compulsory education in core subjects. For students who do not qualify for the national programs, introductory programs are available to help them transition either to regular programs or to the workforce (sweden.se).
University Education
University admissions in Sweden are centralized through UniversityAdmissions.se or Antagning.se Prospective students can apply to bachelor’s and master’s programs, with general requirements including completion of high school for bachelors and a bachelor’s degree for master’s programs. The application process involves selecting programs, submitting documentation (including proof of English proficiency), and paying an application fee. Scholarships are available, and application deadlines typically depend on whether the program starts in the autumn or spring semester. After applying, students wait for their admission results and further instructions (Universityadmissions.se) (Study in Sweden).
For more detailed guidance on applying for higher education in Sweden, you can visit Study in Sweden and University Admissions.
Buying a car as a private individual in Sweden involves several steps, especially if you are new to the country. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process and more information about Driving Licence can be found on Transportstyrelsen:
1. Choose the Right Car
- New vs. Used: Decide whether you want a new or used car. New cars can be bought from dealerships and come with warranties, while used cars can be purchased from dealers, private sellers, or through online platforms like Blocket.se or Bytbil.com.
- Type of Car: Consider what type of car suits your needs (e.g., size, fuel type, environmental impact). In Sweden, there are incentives for buying electric and hybrid vehicles, including lower taxes and fees.
2. Budgeting and Financing
- Costs to Consider: In addition to the purchase price, consider registration fees, annual vehicle tax, insurance costs, and maintenance.
- Financing: If you need to finance the purchase, Swedish banks and credit institutions offer car loans. Being new to the country, you might need to establish some credit history or provide proof of employment and income.
3. Finding a Car
- Online Platforms: Websites like Blocket.se are popular for finding both new and used cars in Sweden.
- Dealerships: Visiting dealerships allows you to see cars firsthand and often take them for a test drive.
4. Check the Vehicle’s History
- For Used Cars: It’s crucial to check the car’s history if you’re buying a used vehicle. You can get a report that includes previous ownership, service history, and whether the car has been involved in any accidents. Carfax offers these reports for a fee but there are more companies out there that offer the same.
- Inspection: Have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic to ensure there are no hidden problems. Some of the agencies that do inspections are: Bilprovningen, Opus, Besikta, Dekra, Carspect and many more.
5. Registration and Insurance
- Registration: Once you decide to purchase a car, you must register it in your name. This can be done through the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen).
- Insurance: Car insurance is mandatory in Sweden. You will need at least traffic insurance (trafikförsäkring), but comprehensive insurance (hel- och halvförsäkring) is recommended.
6. Tax and Environmental Considerations
- Vehicle Tax: The annual vehicle tax is mandatory and varies based on the vehicle’s environmental impact and fuel type.
- Congestion Taxes and Fees: In cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg, congestion taxes apply during certain hours.
7. Finalizing the Purchase
- Contract and Payment: When buying from a private seller, ensure you have a contract outlining the terms of sale. Secure methods of payment are recommended to avoid scams.
- Change of Ownership: This can be done online via the Swedish Transport Agency’s website. Both buyer and seller must confirm the transfer.
8. Driving in Sweden
- Driver’s License: Check if your foreign driver’s license is valid in Sweden because it becomes invalid after 1 year of being registered (Personnummer) in Sweden. You might need to take a driving test.
Detailed information on the process can be found on the following link.
IMPORTANT: You might be eligible for an exception for validity of your Driving Licence even after being registered in Sweden for more that 1 year. Visit Transport Authory website for more information.
- Understanding Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with Swedish traffic laws, speed limits, and driving etiquette.
Additional Tips for Newcomers
- Join Local Social Media Groups: Engaging with local community groups on platforms like Facebook can provide helpful insights and recommendations for buying a car and dealing with local regulations.
- Language Barrier: While many Swedes speak excellent English, documents and transactions related to car buying might be in Swedish. Consider getting help from a Swedish speaker if needed.
Affordable Housing in Rwanda
- Looking to own a home or invest in property in Rwanda? The country is making significant progress in providing affordable housing options for low- and middle-income earners. From modern apartment units to planned residential communities, there are growing opportunities to secure a decent and budget-friendly place to live. Learn more about current developments and how to get started: 👉 Affordable Housing in Rwanda