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Get

Local

Guide

The Guide to living,

working and studying

in the Gothenburg Region.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

03 WELCOME TO THE GOTHENBURG REGION 03 THE CITY OF GOTHENBURG

03 Emergency information 03 BUSINESS REGION GÖTEBORG 04 DISCLAIMER

04 Notes 04 Interpreters

05 REGIONAL CONTACTS

06 CHECK LIST, PERMITS AND VISA 06 CHECK LIST

06 Prior to moving 06 Once you have moved

07 RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMIT 07 Registering right of residence

07 Documents required to register right of residence 07 Registering your residency in Sweden

07 Residence and work permits for non EU/EEA citizens 07 Required documents

08 IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AND IDENTITY CARD

08 Registration and obtaining a personal identification number 08 Identity Card

08 CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

08 Import of personal goods into Sweden 08 Vehicles

08 Tobacco and alcohol 08 Pets

09 SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICAL CARE 09 SOCIAL SECURITY

09 MEDICAL CARE

09 Health Centres for mothers and children – MVC and BVC 09 MEDICAL ASSISTANCE – TELEPHONE

09 “Sjukvårdsupplysningen”

09 Medical assistance for children – telephone 10 HOSPITALS 10 WALK-IN CLINICS 10 MEDICAL CENTRES 10 OTHER ALTERNATIVES 10 PHARMACY 11 DENTAL CARE 12 HOUSING

12 RENTING AN APARTMENT IN SWEDEN 12 First hand contract

12 Second hand conctract

12 Companies offering furnished rental apartments 12 PURCHASING AN APARTMENT OR HOUSE 12 RELOCATION COMPANIES

13 PRACTICAL ISSUES

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14 NEWSPAPERS

14 BANKS AND POST OFFICES 15 PUBLIC TRANSPORT 15 AIRPORTS

15 PORT

15 OWNING A CAR 15 Registering a new car 15 Annual roadworthy inspection 15 Speed limits

15 Drinking and driving 15 Winter tires

16 Safety: Dimmed headlights and seat belts 16 Pedestrian crossings

16 Parking 16 Idling

17 TAXES AND BUSINESS

17 TAXES

17 Salaries and trade unions 17 The structure of Swedish taxation 17 Tax on employment income 18 Tax on capital income

18 Tax relief for foreign key personnel 18 Corporate taxation

18 VAT (Value Added Tax) 18 BUSINESS

18 Establishing your own business, Patents and registration 18 Associations for entrepreneurs

18 Advisors

19 EDUCATION

19 THE INTERNATIONAL DAY CARE CENTRES

20 THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AND BILINGUAL SCHOOLS 20 INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM IN ENGLISH 20 BOARDING SCHOOLS IN SWEDEN

21 UNIVERSITIES

21 GRADES AND LANGUAGE COURSES 21 Translation of degrees and grades 21 Swedish language courses

22 SPOUCES LOOKING FOR A JOB IN THE GOTHENBURG REGION

22 BEFORE MOVING TO THE GOTHENBURG REGION 22 Contact the EURES-office in Gothenburg (EU/EES) 22 Recognition of qualifications from abroad 22 Right to unemployment benefits?

22 WHEN YOU HAVE ARRIVED TO THE GOTHENBURG REGION 22 Establish contact with your local Arbetsförmedlingen 22 Register at a wide range of recruitment companies

23 CULTURE AND LEISURE

23 CONSERT HALLS AND MUSEUMS 23 ART GALLERIES

23 AMUSEMENT PARKS 23 GARDENS

23 SPORT AND EVENT STADIUMS 24 CHURCHES

24 CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS FOR EXPATS 25 TOURISM, SHOPPING AND RESTAURANTS 25 READING

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112

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY DIAL 112

This is a general number for all of Sweden. The operator will help you at all times with anything concerning, Ambulance, Rescue and Fire Brigade, Police, Medical Assistance, Poisons, Acute Dental Care or a Priest.

WELCOME TO THE

GOTHENBURG REGION!

Gothenburg is both a historical and an international city. The climate in Gothenburg has been an international one since the city was founded in 1621. The city’s first council consisted of five Dutchmen, two Germans, two Scots and three Swedes and the city had three official languages at this time.

Today the international feel of the city can be largely attributed to the influence of people from abroad. English is widely spoken and television programmes can be viewed in Swedish (of course), English, German, French and many other languages.

You will find yourself feeling very much at home in Gothenburg after only a short time. It is a city that embraces a top quality of life, a rich cultural scene, a clean environment, good connections to the rest of Europe, a beautiful coastline and lots of accessible green areas.

Gothenburg is a great place to work, live and enjoy. You have made a good choice. Welcome!

G

othenburg is Sweden’s second largest city, with approximately 520 000 inhabitants living within the city centre and 930 000 living in the Gothenburg region.

THE CITY OF GOTHENBURG

BUSINESS REGION GÖTEBORG

Business Region Göteborg is a non-profit organization that works to promote and augment growth and employment in the Gothenburg region. Business Region Göteborg works with business development and investment and also assists with the establishment of new businesses. Business Region Göteborg aims to foster and sustain a diversified business climate in the Gothenburg region, which includes 13 municipalities; Ale, Alingsås, Gothenburg, Härryda, Kungsbacka, Kungälv, Lerum, Lilla Edet, Mölndal, Partille, Stenungsund, Tjörn and Öckerö.

Business Region Göteborg takes pleasure in inviting all newcomers to the Gothenburg region. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions:

Petra Sedelius Helen Teame

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DISCLAIMER

Please contact the appropriate authorities, as listed in this guide if you have further queries or concerns. The companies and contact names used are examples only and their inclusion should not be seen as partiality. We advise you to look for other companies using the internet. All facts quoted are subject to change due to changing market conditions.

Notes

The internet provides a wealth of information. In the Get Local Guide we are giving you several useful web sites that will make moving and living in the Gothenburg region easier. The information presented in this guide should prove useful to expatriates, entrepreneurs, students or anyone relocating or moving to Sweden. The focus is on the Gothenburg region.

Use www.hitta.se or www.eniro.se to find telephone numbers or addresses in Sweden. These sites are in Swedish. For www.hitta.se the first question is “Vad söker du?” (What are you looking for?). Here you can write a per-son’s name, name of a company or branch (e.g. Relocation Companies) and the second question asked is “Var?” (Where?). Here you can write “Göteborg” or a street name or area. Another useful site is www.tyda.se , a site where you can translate words from Swedish to English and the other way around.

NB: All sites referred to in this guide include some information in English, unless otherwise stated as (Swedish only). You can use Google (www.translate.google.se) to translate sites that are in Swedish into your language. Please also note that there is a considerable difference between the regulations covering EU citizens moving to Sweden and non-EU citizens. It is easier for EU citizens to move between any countries that are part of the Euro-pean Union. They do not need a residence permit or a work permit. Non-EU citizens must apply for a resident and work permit before moving to Sweden. This distinction has been made clear in the text.

Interpreters

You are entitled to request the service of an interpreter when speaking with Swedish authorities such as police, lawyers or government municipal departments. You need to specify that you need an interpreter in advance. The government authority pays for the interpreter’s services.

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64

Tjörn

Gothenburg Mr Roger Strömberg

Director of Business Establishment and Investment Phone: +46 31 367 61 22

roger.stromberg@businessregion.se www.businessregiongoteborg.se Ale

Mr Jerry Brattåsen

Business Development Manager Phone: +46 303 33 02 77 jerry.brattasen@ale.se www.ale.se (Swedish only) Alingsås

Mr Peter Axelberg

Business Development Manager Phone: +46 322 61 69 01 peter.axelberg@alingsas.se www.alingsas.se

Härryda Ms Jessica Waller

Business Development Manager Phone: +46 31 724 63 06 jessica.waller@harryda.se www.harryda.se (Swedish only) Kungsbacka

Mr Michael Fransson Business Development Manager

Kungälv Ms Anette Svahn

Business Development Manager Phone: +46 303 23 90 88 anette.svahn@kungalv.se www.kungalv.se

Lerum Mr Björn EK

Contact Trade and Development Phone: +46 302 52 15 56 bjorn.ek@lerum.se www.lerum.se Lilla Edet Ms Kajsa Jernqvist

Business Development Manager Phone: +46 520 65 95 40 kajsa.jernqvist@lillaedet.se www.lillaedet.se

Mölndal Mr Lars Ekberg

Head of Strategic Development Dept. Phone: +46 31 315 13 11

lars.ekberg@molndal.se www.molndal.se Partille

Ms Nina Orback-Schultz Business Development Manager

Stenungsund Ms Anette Oscarsson

Business Development Manager Phone: +46 303 68 301

anette.oscarsson@stenungsund.se www.stenungsund.se

Tjörn

Mr Berndt Grönlund

Business Development Manager Phone: +46 304 60 14 90 berndt.gronlund@tjorn.se www.tjorn.se

Öckerö

Ms Katarina Stensryd

Business Development Manager Phone: +46 31 97 63 63 katarina.stensryd@ockero.se www.ockero.se

REGIONAL CONTACTS

Please contact the responsible municipality to obtain information about housing, schools, services etc in a particular town within the Gothenburg region. Here we provide you with contact information for the thirteen municipalities.

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Prior to moving

• Inform the appropriate authorities in your home country that you are moving abroad.

• Collect official documentation relating to your civil status, work experience, school and medical records etc.

• Renew your passport. Ensure that it is valid for at least 6 months as it could be difficult to obtain residence and work permits otherwise.

• Non EU citizens: Apply for residence and/or work permits.

• Non EU citizens: Apply for a visa to enter Sweden (if applicable). See web site of the government (regeringen) www.regeringen.se for a list of countries requiring visas for Sweden.

• Non EU citizens: Fill in a TV740.42 form for customs relief on personal belongings to be imported into Sweden. This form can be found at the web site of Swedish Customs (Tullverket): www.tullverket.se.

Make an inventory of all the household items you plan to ship to Sweden.

• Non EU citizens: If you plan to stay in Sweden for less than 12 months, arrange a comprehensive health plan in your home country.

• EU citizens: Bring the European Health Insurance Card (or E111) issued in your home country with you. This form covers health benefits until you are registered in the Swedish social security system.

• EU citizens: Apply for an E101 form, in your home country, if you plan to remain in its social security system.

• Arrange housing.

• Research day care centers, schools or universities for your children. (if applicable)

• Ensure that your driving license is valid for the whole period when you will reside in Sweden. (Non-EU citizens see information below).

Once you have moved

• EU citizens: Report to your local tax office, (Skatteverket) www.skatteverket.se in person, to apply for registration and a personal identification number (personnummer), if you intend to remain in Sweden for at least 1 year.

• Report to your local Social Insurance Office

(Försäkringskassan) www.forsakringskassan.se/sprak/eng to register for social insurance benefits. (If you are in Sweden for at least one year and do not intend to remain in the social security system of your home country).

• Enrol children in day care, schools and universities. (if applicable)

• Resolve housing and remaining utility supply issues.

• Open a bank account (see lists of banks under heading Practical issues).

• Install a telephone and internet (see list of providers under heading Practical issues).

• Resolve issues regarding special taxation for expats, pension funds, trade unions etc. (see information under heading Business and taxes).

• Enrol in a Swedish language course (see information under heading Education).

• Apply for a Swedish ID card. (see information below).

EU citizens:Register at the Migration Board (Migrationsverket) for right of residence. This form can be found at:

www.migrationsverket.se .

Non EU citizens:If you plan to stay in Sweden for at least 185 days you can apply to the County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen) for permission to drive on your home country’s driving licence while living in Sweden. You may need to ask a Swedish speaking person with help for this. The address for the form is: http://www.korkortsportalen.se. You will need a personal identification number to apply for this form on-line. (Swedish only).

EU/EEA citizens only: More detailed information can be found on

www.migrationsverket.se .

NB: EU citizens have to register their residency in Sweden, whereas non-EU citizens have to receive a residence and work permit from the Swedish Embassy/ Consulate before they leave their home country. See below for more information.

CHECK LIST, PERMITS AND VISA

CHECK LIST

Here is a check list with things to do to prepare for your move. Please note the differences for EU and non-EU citizens. You need to prepare well in advance for a move to a new country. The following is a suggested to-do list to prepare for a move to Sweden:

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RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMIT

You need to register right of residence. You will find information about how to do that here.

Registering right of residence

EU citizens and their families must register their right of residence within 3 months of entering Sweden. Nordic citizens do not need to register.

When entering the country all family members need to have a valid passport or identity card proving their citizenship. All members of the family are entitled to begin working immediately.

Documents required to register right of residence:

• A filled in 140011 form - see the web site of the Swedish Migration Board (Migrationsverket) www.migrationsverket.se.

• A copy of your passport or identity card.

• A certificate of employment from your employer, stating the type and period of employment. This must be signed by the employer. It is advisable to use the “Certificate of employment for citizens from the EU/EEA” form. See www.migrationsverket.se.

Registering your residency in Sweden

It does not cost anything to register and the registration certificate is permanent. You can do this in one of the following ways:

• on the Swedish Migration Board’s (Migrationsverket) website www.migrationsverket.se .

• by post to the Swedish Migration Board.

• at one of the Swedish Migration Board’s Permit Units.

Information about mailing and visiting addresses can be found on www.migrationsverket.se. You will need to fill in the No. 141011 form, irrespective of how you plan to apply.

The following family members can be included:

• Husband, wife, registered partner or cohabitant.

• Children under 21 years of age.

Residence and work permits for non EU/EEA citizens (this includes Swiss citizens)

Non- EU/EEA citizens must have a work permit in order to work in Sweden. This must be entered in to your passport before your arrival in Sweden. You cannot travel to Sweden and wait for a decision here. If you plan to work in Sweden for more than 3 months, you also require a residence permit.

An expert/specialist employed by an international concern, travelling to and from Sweden in this capacity, in order to carry out employment for temporary periods, does not require a work permit. This only applies if the duration of employment is less than 12 months.

Required documents

You require the following documents when applying for a residence and work permit in Sweden: (you do this at a Swedish embassy or con-sulate in your home country or country of residence. For a list of addresses, see www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/ ):

• A written offer of employment in Sweden. Your employer must fill this in and send it to you. (Form 232011)

• A passport, valid for the whole of your working period in Sweden.

• A filled in application form for a work permit (can be obtained from the Swedish Embassy or consulate in your home country).

• Two recent, colour photos (passport size).

• You will be notified by the embassy/consulate where you submitted your application. The procedure normally takes 6-8 weeks.

• Your spouse and children can also apply for a residence permit for the same period as yourself. Extension of permits: You can apply to the Migration Board (Migrationsverket) www.migrationsverket.se .

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IDENTFICATION NUMBER AND IDENTITY CARD

Registration and obtaining a personal identification number: Entering Sweden: (both EU and non-EU citizens) If you plan to stay in Sweden for more than one year you need to visit the local tax office (Skattemyndigheten), in person, as soon as pos-sible, to apply for civil registration and to receive a personal identification number. You will fill in a form (“Notification of Immigration into Sweden”), which is needed to clear your personal goods through customs when they arrive.

Take with you:

• Your passport

• Your residence permit/visa (if applicable)

• Documents relating to your civil status (eg. Marriage certificate)

• Birth certificates for children under 18 years of age

The tax offices in Gothenburg are located on: Östra Hamngatan 16 (Nordstan), Angereds Torg 3 and Frölunda Torg.

All members of the family need to be present to register. Note that you need to have an address before you can register. Within a week, the tax office will send you a personal number for all members of your family. It is important to learn these numbers off by heart as you will be asked for them quite often.

Identity Card

It is recommended that you have such an ID card. You can order an ID card from the tax office (Skatteverket) www.skatteverket.se . Ap-plicants must have a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) and show a receipt that they have paid 400SEK to the Skatteverket account. You must personally visit the tax agency to prove your identity and to be photographed. You must have documentation to confirm your identity with you. Non EU citizens: Bring your passport with the residence permit in it. The tax office will then check this information with that registered at the Migration Board.

EU citizens can use their EU passports as identification when obtaining a Swedish ID card.

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

Rules concerning import of personal goods, vehicles, tobacco, alcohol and pets.

Import of personal goods into Sweden

EU/EEA citizens do not need to declare their goods with Swedish customs. Non EU-EEA citizens must fulfil certain conditions to be granted sales tax (VAT) relief. For more information see Swedish Customs (Tullverket) www.tullverket.se .

Vehicles

For information about importing vehicles, registration and inspection requirements, see the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen)

www.transportstyrelsen.se.

Tobacco and alcohol

Tax is payable on the import of alcohol and tobacco. For information see Swedish Customs (Tullverket) www.tullverket.se.

Pets

There are a number of things to consider before bringing pets to Sweden. See the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket)

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SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICAL CARE

SOCIAL SECURITY

As soon as you have been registered (civil registration) in Sweden, Swedish social security will apply, covering benefits like pension, medical care and health insurance. Social insurance is an important part of the Swedish social security system. The Swedish social insurance covers everyone that lives or works in Sweden. It provides financial protection for families and children, for persons with a disability and in connection with illness, work injury and old age. Through the Swedish membership of the EU, you may also be eligible for social insurance benefits in other EU member states. For more information about this, visit the web site of Försäkringskassan www.forsakringskassan.se .

MEDICAL CARE (Sjukvård)

The company you work for may organize medical treatment for you. If they do not then you can contact your local Medical Centre (Vårdcentral) if you need to see a doctor. You can also contact one of the walk-in-clinics as listed below. Note that you may not always be able to see the same doctor. You can find your local Medical Centre at http://primarvardengoteborg.vgregion.se. (Swedish only)

You can register with a doctor at any medical centre. For more information see: http://www1.vgregion.se/dinlakare/pdf/eng.pdf.

Health Centres for mothers and children – MVC and BVC

You should contact your local Mödravårdcentralen (MVC) if you are pregnant or require information regarding birth control. If you have a child under school age (6) contact your local Barnavårdscentralen (BVC) to join the vaccination programme and to have your child examined regularly. You can find your local Mödravårdcentral or Barnavårdcentral at http://primarvardengoteborg.vgregion.se . (Swedish only)

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE - TELEPHONE “Sjukvårdsupplysningen”

If you call 703 15 00 from the Gothenburg area you can speak to a nurse who can give you medical advice and advise you whether or not to seek further medical assistance. Most of these nurses speak English. You can also dial the number 1177 from anywhere in the country. Also see www.1177.se for on-line medical assistance. (Swedish only). If it is an emergency, however, always dial 112.

Medical assistance for children – telephone

Call 343 40 00 after 4pm and before 8am if your child is sick and you need advice as to what to do.

Dial 1177

for Medical

Care Hotline

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MEDICAL CENTRES

Backa Läkarhus

Visiting Address: Herkulesgatan 1K Web Site: www.backalakarhus.se

(Swedish only)

Phone: 031-744 23 30 Opening Hours: Mon-Friday 8am-10pm.

Sat 10am-4pm.

Capio Vårdcentral Axess

Visiting Address: Södra Allégatan 6 (Situated close to Järntorget)

Web Site: www.capiovardcentral.se/axess

(Swedish only)

Phone: 031-725 00 75 Opening Hours: 7am-10pm every day.

Cityakuten Nordstan

Visiting Address: Nordstadstorget 6, 6th floor (Femmanhuset)

Web Site: www.cityakuten.se

Phone: 031-10 10 10 Opening Hours: Mon 9am-8pm.

Tue – Fri 9am-5pm. Closed weekends.

Hagakliniken

Visiting address: Första Långgatan 16 Web Site: www.hagakliniken.se

(Swedish only)

Phone: 031-380 20 20 Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 8am-8pm

Fri 8am-6pm Sat 10am-5pm

HOSPITAL

Mölndalssjukhus (adults)

Visiting Address: Göteborgsvägen 31, Mölndal Web Site: www.sahlgrenska.se

Phone: 031-343 10 00

Sahlgrenska Sjukhuset (adults) Visiting Address: Gullhedsgatan 19

(Situated west of the city). Web site: www.sahlgrenska.se

Phone: 031-342 10 00

Östra sjukhuset (adults and children) Visiting Address: Smörslottsgatan 1

(Situated east of the city. Drive along the E20 towards Stockholm). Web Site: www.sahlgrenska.se

Phone: 031-343 40 00

HOSPITALS (Sjukhus)

There are three main hospitals in the Gothenburg area. These are:

WALK-IN CLINICS (Jourcentral)

These are local medical centers with extended opening hours. The fee varies between 120 and 480SEK.

You usually need to book an appointment in advance.

MEDICAL CENTRES (Vårdcentral)

Here we present some of the medical centres you will find in the Gothenburg area.

PHARMECIESWITH EXTENDED OPENING HOURS Apoteket Hjärtat

Visiting Address: Götgatan 12 (Östra Nordstan shopping mall)

Phone: 0771 405 405

Opening hours: 8am-10pm every day.

Apoteket Smörblomman

Visiting Address: Smörslottsgatan 1, Östra Sjukhuset

Phone: 0771 450 450

Opening hours: 9am-10pm weekdays. 11am-10pm weekends.

PHARMACY (Apotek)

There is no longer a government monopoly on phar-macies. Many of the pharmacies will have the word “apotek” somewhere in its name - like Medstop Apotek and Apoteksgruppen. However there are pharmacies without the word “apotek” – such as Kronans Droghandel. You can also purchase pain killers and other non-prescription medicines at super-markets and even petrol stations.

There are two pharmacies in Gothenburg with extended opening hours. These are:

OTHER ALTERNATIVES

Private Health Care (Privatläkare)

There are also private doctors. You can search www.hitta.se or www.eniro.se for this information using “privatläkare”.

The Mobile Doctor (Doktorn kan komma)

This is a private doctor who makes home visits, see www.doktornkankomma.se

Children up to the age of 19 has free

healthcare.

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EMERGENCY DENTAL CLINICS (Akut Tandvård) Akuttandvården

Visiting Address: Odinsgatan 10 Web Site: www.vgregionen.se

Phone: 031-80 78 00

Opening hours: 8am-8pm weekdays. 8am-4pm weekends.

Call in advance to make an appointment.

Tandakuten

Visiting Address: Engelbrektsgatan 34C (City centre, near the Avenue)

Phone: 031-16 54 49

Opening hours: 8am-5pm (closed for lunch 1pm-2pm) weekdays. 8am-4pm weekends. Call in advance to make an appointment.

DENTAL CARE (Tandvård)

Children under 19 years of age have free dental care at the National Dental Service (Folktandvården) www.folktandvarden.se. The national insurance also covers a small part of the treatment costs for adults. You can search for dentists on the internet (www.hitta.se or

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First hand contract (förstahandskontrakt)

You rent directly from the owner of the building. It is currently dif-ficult to obtain such a contract in the Gothenburg area, unless you are willing to pay a very high rent. First hand contract apartments are always unfurnished. You can also contact the Gothenburg Hous-ing Association (Boplats Göteborg) www.boplats.se. Boplats Göte-borg offers apartments to rent from all public real estate companies and man y of the private owned real estate concerns.

Second hand contract (andrahandskontrakt)

This is when you sublet from the individual who rents directly from the owner. Normally these contracts are for a limited period of time. The apartments can be rented furnished or unfurnished.

HOUSING

Sweden generally has a high standard of housing and most homes are well furnished and equipped with modern appliances. Many apart-ments that are let/sold will include a dishwasher (if already installed), washing machine, dryer and wardrobes. If there is no washing machine or dryer in the apartment, you will most likely find it in the basement of the building.

RENTING AN APARTMENT IN SWEDEN

In Sweden there are two types of rental contracts available. Both usually include the cost of heating and water in the rent.

Companies offering furnished rental apartments

You can also contact the following companies (these generally offer apartments for short term rentals):

Apartment AB www.apartmentab.se (Swedish only)

Design Apartments www.designapartments.se

Företagsbostäder www.foretagsbostader.se

SGS Veckobostäder www.sgsveckobostader.se

PURCHASING AN APARTMENT OR HOUSE

When you purchase an apartment in Sweden you pay the purchase price and then a monthly charge which covers repairs, maintenance and sometimes electricity and heating.

Almost all apartments and houses for sale in the Gothenburg area can be seen on www.hemnet.se. (Swedish only).

RELOCATION COMPANIES

Here is an incomplete list of the relocation companies in the Gothenburg area. These companies can help you with everything relating to your move to Gothenburg.

Cito Moveo AB www.citomoveo.com

Human Entrance AB www.humanentrance.com

Key Relocation Center AB www.keyrelocation.se

Nordic Relocation Group www.nrgab.com

Probis AB www.probis.se (primarily IT and India)

Västsvenska Industri- & Handelskammaren www.handelskammaren.net

For a complete list of relocation companies, please visit the web site of European Relocation Association, www.eura-relocation.com . Note that relocation companies don’t work directly with individuals, but with companies.

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PRACTICAL ISSUES

TELEPHONY AND INTERNET

Note: Several of these providers offer Swedish website only Telephone Cell/mobile Internet installation phones subscription Telia www.telia.se Tele2 www.tele2.se ComHem www.comhem.se Bredbandsbolaget www.bredbandsbolaget.se Glocalnet www.glocalnet.se Telenor www.telenor.se All Tele www.alltele.se 3 www.tre.se Comviq www.comviq.se ELECTRICITY

Sweden has over 100 electricity providers. You are not free to choose your net provider but you may choose your electricity provider. The major providers in the Gothenburg area are:

Fortum www.fortum.se (Swedish only) Göteborg Energi www.goteborgenergi.se

Mölndal Energi www.molndalenergi.se

More information about electricity can be found at the web site of the Swedish Consumer Electricity Advice Bureau, www.elradgivningsbyran.se and at www.elskling.se (Swedish only). The electricity voltage in Sweden is 230 volts/50Hz.

TELEVISION

The Swedish Broadcasting Corporation (Sveriges Television) www.svt.se (Swedish only) is state-owned and financed from compulsory license fees. For more information about the compulsory radio and TV fee, see

www.radiotjanst.se.

You can search the internet for information about cable and satellite television providers. Some of these are ComHem www.comhem.se (Swedish only), Boxer www.boxer.se (Swedish only) and Canal Digital

www.canaldigital.se (Swedish only).

TELEPHONE

There are about 40 different companies that can install a telephone for you. These are listed at

www.telepriskollen.se . The most common providers are listed above. All information about names, addresses, telephone numbers etc. (for both companies and private persons) can be found on www.hitta.se or

www.eniro.se. These are both in Swedish but relatively simple to understand anyway. You can dial 118 118 for directory assistance.

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Banks

There are four major banks in Sweden;

Handelsbanken www.handelsbanken.se

Nordea www.nordea.se (Swedish only)

SEB www.seb.se

Swedbank www.swedbank.se

Other banks are represented in the Gothenburg region, such as DnB Nor (www.dnbnor.se) and Danske Bank (www.danskebank.se). You will find many more by searching on the internet.

Post offices

You can send letters and parcels and collect parcels at supermarkets and petrol stations. Contact the Post Office (Posten) www.posten.se to find out where the nearest postal centre to you is.

CELL/MOBILE PHONES

Europe has a GSM 900/1800 system. Gothenburg adapted the 4G network as one of the first cities in the world. The city centre is well-equiped with WiFi hotspots. Cell phones must be able to use the GSM or 3G network. There are plenty of shops selling mobile phones. The personnel will be able to assist you and answer your ques-tions.

You can buy a phone and then buy a prepaid phone card or you can pay less for the phone and then sign a contract for 12-48 months and receive a monthly bill. See the list for some of the major providers.

INTERNET

There are several internet providers. See www.telepriskollen.se . See the list for some of the major providers.

NEWSPAPERS

Daily Swedish newspapers in English on the web

Göteborg Daily, www.goteborgdaily.se , offers Swedish news in English on the web from a Gothenburg point of view.

The Local, www.thelocal.se , offers Swedish news on the web for all of Sweden. Rather Stockholm oriented but presents general information as well.

The Gothenburg Region - daily newspapers in Swedish

Göteborgs-Posten (GP) - www.gp.se

Other Swedish daily newspapers (Swedish only) are Svenska Dagbladet www.svd.se, Dagens Nyheter

www.dn.se, Sydsvenskan www.sydsvenskan.se and Dagens Industri www.di.se .

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All motor vehicles, including mopeds, must be covered by third party liability insurance. You can obtain a list of insurance companies on www.hitta.se or www.eniro.se by searching for “bilförsäkring Göteborg”, such as:

Folksam www.folksam.se

IF www.if.se (Swedish only)

Länsförsäkring www.lansforsakringar.se

Trygg-Hansa www.trygghansa.se (Swedish only)

OWNING A CAR

If you have a company car then the practicalities will be looked after by your company. If you purchase a car, yourself, you will have to register the car etc;

Registering a new car

Once you have purchased a car you need to report this to the Traffic Registry Department at the Swed-ish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) www.transportstyrelsen.se . The dealer will usually assist with this. You will receive a registration certificate verifying that you own the vehicle. You will need to pay an annual registration fee. This information will be sent to you.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The public transport in the Gothenburg Region is provided by Västtrafik. The system is well developed and the commuting area is expanding every year. On www.vasttrafik.se you find general information about commuting in the region as well as information about journey planning and where you can buy your transport tickets.

AIRPORTS

Göteborg Landvetter Airport

Göteborg Landvetter Airport, the international airport of Western Sweden, is situated about 25 kilometers from the city centre and is easily accessible by bus or taxi. For more information see Swedavia, www.swedavia.se (all Swedish airports).

Göteborg City airport

Göteborg City Airport is situated 15 kilometers from the city centre and is primarily for low-cost airlines. For more information see

www.goteborgcityairport.se .

PORT

Port of Gothenburg

This is the largest port in the Nordic area. Almost three million passengers pass through the port annually, mostly via ferries to Fredrikshamn (Denmark) or Kiel (Germany). See www.stenaline.com for more information.

Annual roadworthy inspection (bilbesiktningen)

All motor vehicles older than 3 years old must be inspected annually to ensure safety and environmental standards. See the web site of the Swedish Motor Vehicle Inspection Company (Svensk Bilprovning)- www.bilprovningen.se.

Speed limits

There are speed limits on all roads and these vary considerably from 20km/h in some tightly built up areas to 110km/h, on some highways. Common speed-limits are 50 km/h, 70km/h and 90km/h. It is essential that you observe these limits. Look for the speed limit signs.

Drinking and driving

Sweden has very strict laws regarding drinking and driving. The legal limit is 0.02%. A police officer can stop you and ask you to take a breatha-lyzer test at any time.

Winter tyres (vinterdäck)

In Sweden you need a “summer” and a “winter” set of tyres. There are two different types of winter tyres that are approved in Sweden. One is with steel studs (dubbdäck) and the other is without. Your car must be fitted with winter tyres from December 1 until March 31, if winter conditions are in force (if there is snow or ice on the roads). You are not allowed to have winter tyres (with studs) on your car before October 1 or after April 15. Some European countries have banned these tyres (with studs) on their roads. The Traffic Registry Department at Swedish Transport Agency

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Safety: Dimmed headlights and seat belts

All cars must have their lights on, even during the day. The law also requires that everyone in the car wear a seat belt. Children under the height of 135cm must be secured in a child’s seat.

Pedestrian crossings

Pedestrians have right of way at pedestrian crossings.

Parking

www.europark.se presents a list of parking areas. Chose “Göteborg” where it says “Välj Stad”. Some of them are: Heden (Outdoor parking area)

P-Hus Aveny and Kungsgaraget www.europark.se

P-Hus City www.kompassen.se (Swedish only, shows a map) P-Hus Nordstan www.nordstan.se

If you live in the city you are eligible for a residential parking permit (Boendeparkering). You need to have a personnummer (personal identi-fication number) and a registration plate number to obtain one of these. Go to www.goteborg.se and see under Travel and Transport/Parking permits for more information.

Idling (tomgångskörning)

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TAXES AND BUSINESS

TAXES

Salaries and Trade Unions

Swedish salaries are greatly influenced by the trade unions (fackföreningar). There are different unions but they are all part of a central organization. See www.sweden.se/eng for more information about the unions and working in Sweden, in general. Look under the heading “Work” and then “Labor market”.

The structure of Swedish taxation

The Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), www.skatteverket.se will provide you a lot of information regarding the Swedish tax system. You may need to consult a tax specialist if you have income or property in both Sweden and in your home country. You will find more information on

www.sweden.se/eng under the heading “Work” and then under “The Swedish System”.

Tax on employment income

For employment income the main taxes are municipal income tax and state income tax. The municipal income tax rates vary slightly according to in which municipal the person lives in. In Gothenburg the municipal income tax for year 2011 is approximately 32%. Based on progressive tax rates the highest tax margin rate in Gothenburg is approximately 57%.

Tax rates applicable to resident individuals in 2011 (in SEK):

Taxable income over Not over State income tax Municipal income tax

0 395 600 0% Approx. 32%

395 600 560 900 20% Approx. 32%

560 900 and above 25% Approx. 32%

An individual who is resident in Sweden is liable to pay Swedish taxes on his/her worldwide income. A person will be considered as resident in Sweden if he/she is domiciled in Sweden (i.e. has a permanent home in Sweden), stays continuously in Sweden for more than six months or has an essential connection to Sweden. Taxable income includes all remuneration received from employers, whether in cash or in kind, such as free food, free accommodation, company cars etc. Pensions, unemployment benefits etc. are also included in the taxable income. It is permissible to deduct certain costs from the income, e.g. travelling costs between work and home.

An individual who is nonresident (for example is working in Sweden for less than six months) is subject to Swedish income tax only on income arising from sources in Sweden.

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Tax on capital income

Capital income is taxed separately from employment income at a flat rate of 30%. Capital income is for example interest, gains from the sale of capital assets and dividends.

Interest expenses and capital losses can be set off against capital income. 30% of a net capital loss (or 21% when the total net capital loss exceeds SEK 100,000) can be set off against tax on income from employment.

Tax relief for foreign key personnel

Special rules on taxation apply to foreign experts and key personnel. This legislation entitles a 25% reduction on taxable income during the first three years of employment in Sweden i.e., only 75% of the individual’s income, including benefits, will be taxed. Some benefits, e.g. school fees for children are tax exempt. In addition, employers will receive a 25% reduction on the base on which social security contribution is calculated. In order to qualify for tax relief you must be able to prove that:

a) You are a specialist, scientist or expert with competencies that are not available or difficult to find in Sweden. You can also be a senior executive or belong to the senior management group of a company.

b) You are employed by a Swedish company or a foreign company which has a permanent establishment in Sweden.

c) You are not a Swedish citizen and have not been a resident in Sweden during a 5 year period prior to the assignment in Sweden.

d) Your stay in Sweden is not expected to exceed more than 5 years.

Application forms and more information can be found on the web site of the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) www.skatteverket.se and Forskarskattenämnden www.forskarskattenamnden.se. This special tax relief for experts must be applied for within 3 months from the start of the employment in Sweden.

Corporate taxation

Sweden has a corporate tax of 26.3%.

VAT - Value Added Tax (moms)

VAT is generally charged with 25% on the sale of goods and services (for example for clothes and household appliances). The amount of taxation varies according to the type of goods and services. A lower tax rate, 12%, applies on e g food products. Books, newspapers and entrance to sporting and cultural events are taxed at 6%.

For expertise regarding international tax issues you may wish to contact a company that offers financial and taxation support. You are wel-come to contact Business Region Göteborg www.businessregiongoteborg.com or search the internet (www.hitta.se or www.eniro.se) using “skatt/finanskonsulter” and “Göteborg”.

BUSINESS

Establishing your own business, Patents and Registration

The Swedish Patent and Registration office (Patent- och Registreringsverket, PRV) www.prv.se can assist you with the following:

• Starting up a business

• Registering a new business

• Applying for a patent

• Registering a trademark

• Providing competitor information

The Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket) www.bolagsverket.se can help with information regarding different types of legal business entities.

Associations for entrepreneurs (Företagarföreningar)

The Swedish Association of Ethnic Entrepreneurs (Internationella företagarföreningen i Sverige) www.ifs.a.se can assist with starting up or expanding a business in Sweden. The information on their site is available in a number of languages.

The Centre for New Entrepreneurs, (Nyföretagarcentrum) www.gbgnfc.se (Swedish only) can assist those considering starting up their own businesses.

Advisors

Business Region Göteborg, www.businessregiongoteborg.com can assist anyone interested in developing business in the Gothenburg region. You will get the right contacts, finding professional advisors, and developing networks that suit your particular business needs. Invest Sweden, www.investsweden.se can provide you with a wealth of information regarding the costs of establishing a business and the advantages of establishing in Sweden.

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EDUCATION

In Sweden schooling is compulsory for all children between the ages of 7 and 16. Pre-school is offered from the age of 6. The school year begins in August and ends in early June. The majority of schools in Sweden are publicly financed and all children have the right to a free education.

ABC All About Children Preschool

www.abcallaboutchildren.com

Centrally located in the city.

The English School Gothenburg, ESG

www.theenglishschool.se

Day Care and Nursery school. Located in Västra Frölunda.

The French School

www.franskaskolangoteborg.se

Swedish school with a French profile. Located in the city.

Happy Kids Education

www.happykids.se

Bilingual pre-school.

Two locations – Kållered and Kungsbacka.

My Little Tribe

www.childactivitycentre.se

Bilingual pre-school.

Located in the western part of Gothenburg.

The International Preschool

www.theinternationalpreschool.com

Three locations – Gullheden, Biskopsgården and Majorna.

Vittra INTERNATIONAL DAY CARE CENTERS

Sweden has many well-equipped day care centers that are of a high standard. Both of the parents must work, study or be looking for a job, in order to keep their children at a day care center. The child must be between 1 and 5 years of age and have a personal identification num-ber. You can obtain more information at the web site of Skolverket www.skolverket.se (Swedish only). There are a number of international day care centers in Gothenburg:

For parents on par

ental leave the English Speaking Playgr

oup is a place where you can go with your

children to play and meet other stay-at-home par

ents. See

www.englishspeakingplaygr oup.com

for further information.

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The International School of the Gothenburg region,

ISGR (Grades 0-9)

www.isgr.se

Two locations in the city.

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AND BILINGUAL SCHOOLS

The Swedish school system:

• Pre-school for 6 year olds

• Primary and Junior High School education (compulsory) for children between 7 and 16 (Grades 1 to 9)

• Senior High School (Gymnasium) Grades 10 – 12. This is not compulsory but a prerequisite for anyone wanting to study at a tertiary level.

There is one international school in the Gothenburg region and several bilingual schools:

The English School Gothenburg, ESG

www.theenglishschool.se

Located in Västra Frölunda.

Internationella Engelska Skolan, IES

www.engelska.se/gothenburg/

Located in Gothenburg, close to Mölndal.

The German School/Deutsche Schule

www.tyskaskolan.nu

Located in the city center.

The French school

www.franskaskolangoteborg.se

Swedish school with French profile. Located in the city.

The Japanese school Contact Sue Lindstedt-Shinohara Phone: 0704-303866

Note that this school is open 2 hours a week – Fridays.

Children attending this school also attend either a Swedish school or an international school. Located in the city.

The Swedish-Finnish school

www.sverigefinskaskolan.org

Located on Hisingen, Gothenburg.

Vittra

www.vittra.se

Bi-lingual school, Swedish and English. see under heading for Day Care Centers.

Aranäs High School

www.aranasgymnasiet.kungsbacka.se

Search for “baccalaureate” on the web site. Located in Kungsbacka.

Hvitfeldtska Gymnasiet

http://www.gymnasium.se/International_Baccalaureate_IB_61231.htm

Located in Gothenburg.

The International High School of the Gothenburg Region, IHGR

www.ihgr.se

Located in Gothenburg.

The Grenna school

www.grennaskolan.se

The Lundsberg school

www.lundsbergsskola.se

The Sigtuna School

www.sshl.se

BOARDING SCHOOLS IN SWEDEN

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM IN ENGLISH

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UNIVERSITIES

Sweden has approximately 61 universities and colleges. The Gotenburg region has 7 institutions of higher education with University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology being the largest and most well known. All university education in Sweden is free. Foreign students must pay a fee from July 1, 2011.

Chalmers University of Technology www.chalmers.se

This university is world-renowned for its high quality of technical education.

University of Gothenburg www.gu.se

This university is one of the most popular in Sweden and offers a huge variety of courses (in both English and Swedish). The university has 8 faculties:

Creative Arts www.konst.gu.se/english

Social Sciences www.samfak.gu.se/faculty_of_social_science

Natural Sciences www.science.gu.se/english

Humanities http://www.hum.gu.se/english

Education www.ufn.gu.se/english

Information Technology www.itufak.gu.se

Business, Economics and Law http://www.handels.gu.se/

Health Sciences www.sahlgrenska.gu.se/english

GRADES AND LANGUAGE COURSES Translation of degrees and grades

The International Department of the National Agency for Higher Education (Högskoleverket) www.hsv.se can assist with translations of degrees and grades. See also www.studyinsweden.se for more information.

Swedish language courses

Introductory courses in Swedish (Swedish for Immigrants/SFI) are offered by the government, free of charge.

See: http://www.vux.goteborg.se/sfi_sprak/sfi_engelska.pdf . For more information about which schools in the Gothenburg Region that is offering SFI-courses, see www.goteborg.se

The following also offer Swedish courses:

Berlitz Languages www.berlitz.se

EF Corporate Language Training www.ef.se (Swedish only)

Folkuniversitetet www.folkuniversitet.se/goteborg

For schools offering free

language education for

immigrants (SFI-courses)

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SPOUCES LOOKING FOR A JOB IN THE GOTHENBURG REGION

Swedes tend to speak English very well and many of the companies operating here are global with English as the corporate language. Nevertheless Swedish skills are often required. Your ability to speak Swedish will improve your career prospects and help you to get more out of life in Sweden. There are Swedish courses offered free of charge, such as the ones offered by SFI; www.goteborg.se/wps/portals/sfi . You can also start studying Swedish by distance learning: http://www.si.se/English/Navigation/Learning-Swedish/Web-course-in-Swedish .

BEFORE MOVING TO THE GOTHENBURG REGION Contact the EURES-office in Gothenburg (EU/EES)

Contact the EURES advisers (European Employment Services) in Gothenburg (for EU/EEA citizens) by sending an e-mail to:

goteborg-eures@arbetsformedlingen.se. They can provide information about the labour market and about living and working conditions. You can also visit the EURES mobility portal: http://eures.europa.eu to see available jobs in the Gothenburg region. Select Sweden for country and Västra Götaland for region. However, a great majority of the adverts are written in Swedish and most likely you will get further in your job search when you contact the EURES advisers before you leave your home country or upon your arrival in the Gothenburg region. You can find basic and general information in English about living and working conditions in Sweden on www.eures.se.

Recognition of qualifications from abroad

Högskoleverket (Swedish National Agency for Higher Education) provides information about how international studies can be recognized in Sweden, which professions that are regulated by law and addresses to the competent authorities for recognition. See www.hsv.se for more information. The EURES office in Gothenburg can also give information concerning this.

Right to unemployment benefits?

If you are entitled to unemployment benefits in your home country (EU/EEA member states including Switzerland) you can apply, before leaving for Sweden, to keep this benefit during 3-6 months when looking for work in Sweden. Ask at your employment office for more information. Please note that you cannot apply for Swedish unemployment benefit until after having worked in Sweden.

WHEN YOU HAVE ARRIVED TO THE GOTHENBURG REGION Establish contact with your local Arbetsförmedlingen

Arbetsförmedlingen (The Swedish Public Employment Office) has 16 offices in the Gothenburg region. The EURES office (see above) can inform about what office to contact and the name and contact details to an employment officer where you can get an appointment. You will then get information on what kind of service you can expect from Arbetsförmedlingen.

Register at a wide range of recruitment companies

Job-seekers are encouraged to market themselves in a broad spectra, not only by registering at Arbetsförmedlingen, but also by contacting private recruitment companies and temporary employment agencies like for example Manpower, Proffice, Monster etc. Don’t hesitate to con-tact employers directly and market your skills. This method is frequently used in Sweden.

Foto: Jonatan Fernström

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CULTURE AND LEISURE

Cooperation, consensus and teamwork tend to characterize the Swedish workplace. The dress code is relatively informal. Working hours are usually flexible and Swedes tend to take at least 5 weeks holiday, usually in July. The family is very important and leave is granted for parents to look after their sick children or to spend a day with them at school. Maternity and paternity leave is the norm in Sweden.

CONSERT HALLS AND MUSEUMS

Gothenburg has many theatres, cinemas, museums, an opera and a large concert hall (home of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra). Visiting English theatre groups come to Gothenburg and perform plays in English. Check www.goteborgdaily.se to see what is happening in Gothenburg.

There is an English speaking theatre company called GEST (The Gothenburg English Speaking Theatre) See www.gest.se for information about their coming productions.

Some of the concert halls and museums that Gothenburg has to offer:

Göteborgsoperan www.en.opera.se

Göteborg Concert Hall www.gso.se

Aeroseum www.aeroseum.se

Gotenburg Marime Adventure Center (Maritiman) www.maritiman.se

Gothenburg Art Museum (Göteborgs Konstmuseum) www.konstmuseum.goteborg.se

Gothenburg City Museum (Göteborgs Stadsmuseum) www.stadsmuseum.goteborg.se

The Maritime Museum (Sjöfartsmuseet) www.sjofartsmuseum.goteborg.se

Museum of World Culture (Världskulturmuseet) www.varldskulturmuseet.se

The Röhsska Museum (Rhösska museet) www.designmuseum.se

Universeum www.universeum.se

ART GALLERIES

There are a number of galleries in the Gothenburg area. You can use www.hitta.se and write “konstgallerier” (where it says “vad söker du?”) and then “Göteborg” (where it says “Var?”).

Check out www.kulturnat.goteborg.se. This site has lots of good information about what is happening on the culture scene in Gothenburg. (Swedish only)

AMUSEMENT PARKS

Liseberg www.liseberg.se

is the largest amusement park in Scandinavia and worth a visit. It has a great Christmas market.

GARDENS

There are many parks and gardens in Gothenburg. The largest and most frequented are:

The Botanical Gardens (Botaniska Trädgården) www.gotbot.se

The Garden Society of Gothenburg (Trädgårdsföreningen) www.tradgardsforeningen.se

Slottsskogen www.goteborg.se/slottsskogen (Swedish only).

(Where there are also animals, a children’s zoo and pony rides)

SPORT AND EVENT STADIUMS

The largest arena is Nya Ullevi (New Ullevi). A huge variety of different events are held here. www.gotevent.se

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The American Women’s Club www.awcgothenburg.com

Anglo Swedish Society Gothenburg www.angloswedish.se

The British Club Gothenburg www.britishclub.se

The Canadian Club of West Sweden enostedt@gmail.com (Elizabeth Nostedt)

English speaking Play Group www.englishspeakingplaygroup.com

The Expat Thursday Club (For all expats) www.expatthursday.com

The French-speaking Club (Club Francophone) www.clubfrancophonegbg.org

International Friends of Gothenburg http://ifgothenburg.ning.com/

The International Women’s Club www.iwcgothenburg.com

The Mirrabooka Club (Club for Australians) lucyandchris@yahoo.com.au (Lucy Lines)

Professional Women’s Group (For all nationalities) www.pwggothenburg.org

Toastmasters (Communication skills in English) www.toastmasters.se

St Andrews English Church www.svenskakyrkan.se/goteborg/st.andrews

The Catholic Church www.kristuskonungen.se/

Holds service in English, Spanish etc.

Christina Church – German Church www.svenskakyrkan.se/tyska

Smyrna International Church www.smyrna.se/centrum/moetesplatser/smyrna-international

Fisher’s Creek International Church www.fisherscreek.net

The Tabernacle Baptist Church www.tabernaklet.se

Church services are interpreted into English.

Opalkyrkan www.opalkyrkan.se

Holds service in Arabic.

Dansk Koloni og Sömandskirke www.dkig.se

(Danish Church)

Sjömannskirken www.sjomannskirken.no/goteborg

(Norwegian Church)

CHURCHES

The following is an incomplete list of the churches in the Gothenburg area which offers service in other languages than Swedish.

For orthodox and other churches/temples please use www.hitta.se or www.eniro.se and search for information. Some of the Swedish city churches are: Domkyrkan (Dome church), Vasakyrkan, Hagakyrkan, Masthuggskyrkan. For more information visit the web site of Swedish Church (Svenska Kyrkan) - www.svenskakyrkan.se .

CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS FOR EXPATS

The Gothenburg region has many clubs and associations aimed at bringing foreigners together. The following is an incomplete list of clubs that may be of interest to expats:

There are a number of on-line discussion groups for expats moving to Sweden. Check out: www.expatexpert.com , www.escapeartist.com,

http://www.expatinterviews.com/sweden .

If you would like a buddy (someone who has lived here for quite some time and who can meet up with you for a chat), please send an email to: buddygothenburg@yahoo.com and you will be contacted shortly after.

A useful site for mothers with small children is www.mumsinsweden.com .

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TOURISM, SHOPPING AND RESTAURANTS

There are many beautiful and interesting places to visit in and around Gothenburg. Some informative sites are;

www.goteborg.com www.citygbg.se www.virtualtourist.com www.gothenburg.world-guides.com www.visitsweden.com www.wikitravel.org/en/gothenburg www.ilovegoteborg.se

The Gothenburg Tourist bureau (Turistbyrån) www.goteborg.com is located at Kungsportsplatsen in the city. If you would like to see Gothenburg from a boat - take a trip on Paddan between April and October. These boats leave from just opposite the Tourist bureau. See http://www.stromma.se/en/Sightseeing/Gothenburg/.

SHOPPING

There are plenty of places to go shopping in the Gothenburg area – see www.goteborg.com and the links below:

Arkaden www.arkaden.nu

Avenyn www.avenyn.se

Gothenburg City Shopping (Fredsgatan, Kungsgatan, Nordstan, Avenyn) www.gbgcity.se

NK www.nk.se

Nordstan www.nordstan.se

RESTAURANTS, COFFEE SHOPS, BARS & NIGHT CLUBS For restaurants, see www.restaurangguiden.com .

Vasagatan and nearby Haga are very popular café areas. Several restaurants, pubs and coffee shops are also to be found on Linné gatan, in the city center and on the Avenue.

Foto: Jonatan Fernström Foto: Michael Åkerström Foto: Pål Hermansson/edelpix

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Business Region Göteborg

AB - Marknad & K

ommunikation

READING

The Public Library in Gothenburg (Stadsbiblioteket) www.goteborg.se/wps/portal/stadsbiblioteket , near Götaplatsen, has a huge number of books in English. Ask for help to find Swedish books that have been translated into English.

There are many books you can read about moving to Sweden. Here are just a few suggestions:

“Modern-Day Vikings” - Christina Johansson Robinowitz and Lisa Werner Carr

“Sweden – The Secret Files” - Colin Moon (humorous and probably best read once you have been in Sweden for a while). “Xenophobe’s Guide to the Swedes” - Peter Berlin

“Culture Shock – Sweden (A survival guide to customs and etiquette)” - Charlotte Rosen Svensson “On My Swedish Island: Discovering the Secrets of Scandinavian well-being” - Julie Catterson Lindahl “Of Swedish Ways” - Lily Lorenzen

“The Emigrants series” - Wilhelm Moberg will also give you some insight into the Swedish people and their history

“Simon and the Oaks”, and “Hanna’s Daughters” - Marianne Fredriksson Give you some background about Gothenrg in the 40s. Foto: Jonatan Fernström

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