Getting settled in Sweden
In order to get settled in Halmstad and Sweden, there are a few practical things that you might want to look into, such as getting a bank account and applying for a personal ID number. On this page we have collected some information on how these things are done.
Please note that Halmstad University cannot assist you with below services. The information on this page is meant to support you in the processes.
Register your move to Sweden
As soon as you arrive in Sweden, you must notify the Swedish Tax Agency of your move and book an appointment for an identity check at a service office. Please learn more about the process on the Swedish Tax Agency webpage.
Swedish Tax Agency - Moving to Sweden
External link.
If you already live in Sweden, but move to a new address, you must also register your move.
Swedish Tax Agency - Change of address External link.
Swedish personal identity number and coordination number
If you are an EU/EEA citizen or have a residence permit to stay in Sweden for more than a year
If you have a residence permit valid in Sweden for 12 months or longer you can obtain a Swedish personal identity number, after registering your move to Sweden (see above).
EU citizens need to prove they will be in Sweden for more than 365 days to be assigned the personal identity number. You can use your Letter of Notifiication as proof of this.
Learn more about the process at The Swedish Tax Agency webpage:
Swedish Tax Agency - Personal identity number External link.
If you are an EU/EEA citizen or have a residence permit to stay in Sweden for less than a year
If you are staying in Sweden for less than a year you can apply for a coordination number.
Please find more information on how to obtain your coordination number on the Swedish Tax Agency webpage.
Tax Agency Office in Halmstad
Address
Skansgatan 1E
302 27 Halmstad
Inform Service Center when you have received you personal identity number
When you have received you Swedish personal identity number, you need to inform the University since that information does not reach us automatically. Please visit Service Center and bring your passport and the ID-card with the number on it (or the decision from Skatteverket).
Bank and services
If you are staying staying in Sweden for less than 12 months, you will experience difficulties with opening a bank account and are strongly recommended to make banking arrangements from your bank in your home country. Most credit cards are valid in Sweden, and it is often prefered to pay with credit card over cash. Many shops, resturants and public services such as medical centres and transportation services do not accept cash. However, you can withdraw cash with your Visa, MasterCard or Maestro card at any ATM here in Sweden, when you need it. It is not recommended to bring large amounts of cash to Sweden, both for security reasons but also to avoid problems with various bank services due to the Swedish money laundering legislation.
If you are staying in Sweden for more than 12 months it will be much easier for you to set up a bank account and manage your day-to-day financial matters, such as paying you rent and other bills via a Swedish bank.
There is no specific bank connected to Halmstad University. Most Swedish banks will charge you fees for different services, such as online banking etc. Make sure you check the various fees before choosing your bank, and ask for student discounts.
Opening a bank account
Requirements for opening a Swedish bank account normally include a minimum stay of 12 months as well as a Swedish personal identity number. Students staying in Sweden for less than 12 months can obtain a bank account with limited services. For examples is online payments limited for bank accounts to customers with minimum stay of 12 months, Swedish personal identity number and a Swedish ID-Card.
The different banks will require different documentation from you as an international customer, but be prepared to provide the following:
- Notification of selection results (admissions letter)
- Certificate of registration
- Passport
- Residence permit
- Address information (rental agreement)
- Information about tax residence
- Swedish ID-card if you have obtained a Swedish personal identity number
Student discount card - Mecenat
As a University student in Sweden you have the right to apply for a student discount card called Mecenat. By withholding the card you are entitled to students discounts on for example public transportation, certain cafés and restaurants, museums and sports events. Please note that only the Mecenat card is valid for student discounts, not your University access card.
Please check the mecenat webpage and search for Halmstad University for more information on how to get access to the card. Please note that you need to have a Swedish address registered in Ladok for students to be able to apply for the card.
