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ESSENTIAL SWEDEN

Income tax and Swedish jokes: Essential articles for life in Sweden

In this weeks Essential Sweden, we give you the lowdown on topics including the best foods to eat this season, how Nordic citizens' rights compare to EU citizens, income tax and how to report crimes.

Income tax and Swedish jokes: Essential articles for life in Sweden
I wonder if these friends are laughing at a terrible Swedish joke? Photo: Tina Axelsson/imagebank.sweden.se

Do you know your biskvi from your bakelse? Your chokladboll from your kanelbulle? Here’s a guide guaranteed to get your mouth watering.

It’s autumn and that means the weather is changing in Sweden. It’s getting colder and darker, but do not despair: enjoy the abundance of tasty treats autumn has to offer.

From easier access to unemployment benefits to language use, and passport-free travel, citizens of the five Nordic countries have rights in one another’s countries that go well beyond what they get as EU (or EFTA/EES) citizens.

Sweden is an expensive place to live, with the highest earners paying up to 55 percent in tax above certain thresholds. Understanding how income tax works is crucial before a salary negotiation or accepting a job offer.

Being the victim of a crime can be distressing, especially if you’re not sure who in Sweden to turn to. But reporting it to the police is essential and doesn’t have to be as complicated as it may seem.

Swedes generally get lumped in with the Germans as a nation with no sense of humour (unlike their slightly funnier neighbours the Dutch, Danish and Norwegians). But it’s not true! Or not entirely, anyway. Swedes do have a sense of humour, it’s just a bit different. 

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ESSENTIAL SWEDEN

Banks, bills and mortgages: Essential articles for life in Sweden

Wondering which banks give mortgages to foreigners, or what happens if you are struggling to pay a bill? Essential Sweden this week answers those questions and more.

Banks, bills and mortgages: Essential articles for life in Sweden

Interest rates may soon drop, but there’s still hope if you’re finding it hard to pay your mortgage each month.

Which bank should you use if you’re a recent arrival to Sweden? We asked our readers for their tips: here’s what they said,

We hope you never find yourself in the situation that you’re unable to pay a bill in Sweden, but it’s good to know what happens if you do, just in case.

Owning a second home is relatively commonplace in Sweden, and they often sell for under a million kronor in more remote areas. But what should you take into account when considering a purchase?

People who arrived in Sweden as adults often need to top up their pension savings, and one way to do this is via investments. What are the different types of investing and how do they work?

Finally, if you’re planning on buying a home any time soon, it’s worth knowing which banks require you to have permanent residency in Sweden before you apply for a mortgage. 

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