In this article, we outline the changes you should expect when moving to Sweden after the COVID-19 crisis: entry conditions, visa changes, the labour market, healthcare, property, etc.
What are the current regulations for entering Sweden?
As per EU recommendations, Sweden extended temporary entry ban until 31 august from non-EU or EEA countries. But Swedish authorities, for most of the time, followed the special term "Non-essential travel" since the first day. However, EU citizens and those having a Swedish residence permit are now allowed to travel to Sweden, regardless of the purpose of their travel.
Have there been visa changes recently?
The Swedish government has decided not to grant any new visa during this period. But if you are already in Sweden, you must apply for an extension before your visa period comes to an end, then you are allowed to stay legally until they take a decision, which they will do after the pandemic. Find more information on the Swedish Immigration website.
Is it easy to find work in Sweden following the crisis?
According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, young people and migrants who have entered the Swedish labour market recently are the most likely to be hit by the economic crisis between 2020 and 2022. In April 2020, more than 14 000 people had already lost their jobs. The hotel and restaurant industry was the most affected, with thousands of employees being laid off. While some employers have reduced their business operations, others have chosen to appeal for bankruptcy. The employment of immigrants aged between 16 and 64 years is expected to decrease from 66.6% in 2019 to 60% in 2021. The employment of locals is also expected to fall from 82.2% to 78.2% during the same period. So obviously, it will be hard to find a job in Sweden after the COVID-19 crisis.
How has the Swedish healthcare system performed during the crisis?
Opinions about how Sweden tacked the COVID-19 crisis are mitigated. Still, most people agree that the Swedish healthcare system did a great job in terms of communication and crisis management. The government ensured that all regions and municipalities have all the necessary resources and protective equipment to provide adequate healthcare. As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, new measures have been presented, taking into account the lack of staff in elderly care homes, especially. According to these measures, employees in care of the elderly will be offered paid education and training during working hours. This should lead to more permanent positions in the health sector.
Has anything changed regarding universities and schools?
With compulsory secondary school attendance regulations and pandemic starting to contradict with each other, laws had to be amended so that school principals can decide whether a school will remain open or closed. In fact, children aged between 7 and 16 cannot be asked to stay at home, since that would be against the constitution of the law of compulsory education. In the end, some schools remained open while some were closed from time to time, and those that had to close had to take the necessary measures to keep up with the syllabus. Upper secondary level schools and universities were not really closed, but most of the lectures were cancelled. Distance exams were also being conducted. Regarding universities in Sweden, studies will be taking place as usual on campus in the next semester. However, the Swedish Migration Agency has decided to grant residence permits only when more than 50% of the studies will be conducted on campus during the permit period. Find more information on the Swedish Migration Agency website.
How is the real estate market following the crisis?
Property prices in Sweden are falling down, which is a good sign for potential buyers. However, the government is working on new laws to allow the sale of property remotely. In other words, potential buyers will no longer need to be physically present to close a deal. Signing digitally with an E-ID will be made possible.
Has the cost of living changed because of the crisis in Sweden?
According to the latest reports, prices have more or less remained the same, and major changes are not expected for now. However, many will agree that certain items became more expensive due to the shortage of supplies. Only fuel prices started to go up.
How about lifestyle? Have there been major changes in habits following the sanitary crisis?
The lifestyle in Sweden has quite changed since the coronavirus outbreak. Social distancing is being respected, especially when it comes to senior citizens who tend to apologise for coming closer at places like grocery shops and stores. While schools, cafes and shops kept open, and gatherings of up to 50 people were allowed, people started to think more and act more responsibly.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
