Pensions and Benefits
Sweden has a very generous social welfare system funded by the taxation system. Education, healthcare, pensions, unemployment benefit, maternity benefit, sickness payments and a wide range of other benefits are available to everyone who lives in Sweden and who pays tax in Sweden for more than one year.
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 employment, healthcare, education services, pension subscriptions and sickness benefit.
Within the EU, existing pension incomes can be paid under the same conditions regardless of which EU country the recipient lives in. Sweden has a double taxation agreement and taxes would only be deducted in one country.
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.
