Newcomer’s guide to East . Welcome to East Sweden! This is a guide for those of you who have taken advantage of a great long-term or short-term job opportunity and are planning to move to Linköping-Norrköping or the surrounding municipalities. This guide answers all your everyday questions regarding accommodation, WORK AND BUSINESS education, work, health care and living in Sweden. 4 RESIDENCE PERMITS 6 AND WORK

Fast facts: • A dynamic region with world class skills across many areas of research, development and manufacturing • Population of nearly half a million • 300 R&D-intensive companies at two science parks. • 30 000 students and world-class research 8 HOUSING 12 EDUCATION at Linköping University • 170,000 jobs within a 45-minute commute • High quality housing in attractive environments, ranging from city centre and suburban locations to small towns and nearby countryside. www.eastsweden.com HEALTH CARE AND PRACTICAL 14 SOCIAL SECURITY 16 INFORMATION More information: For more information about housing, schools, preschools, etc, see the websites of the municipalities in the East Sweden region.

Boxholm: www..se : www.motala.se Ydre: www.ydre.se Finspång: www.finspong.se Norrköping: www.norrkoping.se Åtvidaberg: www.atvidaberg.se Kinda: www.kinda.se Söderköping: www.soderkoping.se Ödeshög: www.odeshog.se CULTURE AND HOLIDAYS, TRADITIONS Linköping: www.linkoping.se : www.vadstena.se 18 SPARE TIME 20 AND THE SWEDISH WAY Mjölby: www.mjolby.se : www.valdemarsvik.se 4 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN WORK AND RESIDENCE PERMITS WORK AND RESIDENCE PERMITS NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN 5

EU/EEA CITIZENS period of initially two years to cover a labor shor- (personnummer). This number is unique and is An EU/EEA citizen who is either an employee, tage. This occurs only when the applicant applies needed to open bank accounts and to obtain a self-employed person, a provider or recipient of for limited-term employment in areas where the phone number, etc. services, a student or a person who has enough employer is faced by a labour shortage. After the personal identity number has been funds to support himself/herself, has a “right to received, the applicant should register for social Work and reside” in Sweden and should register with the Residence permit required for insurance either at the local office of the Swedish Migration Board (Migrationsverket). “Right to duration of more than 90 days Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) or at reside” means that the EU/EEA citizen and his/ Non-EU/EEA citizens need a residence permit to www.forsakringskassan.se. her family members are allowed to stay in Sweden stay in Sweden for more than 90 days. The per- residence for more than 90 days without a residence permit. mit must be attached to the person’s passport and Skatteverket, local offices: Family members of such an EU/EEA citizen can stamped before arrival in Sweden. As with work Linköping: Kungsgatan 27 also get a right of residence. If they wish to stay permits, a residence permit is applied for at the Norrköping: Hospitalsgatan 23 in Sweden for more than three months, they are Swedish embassy or consulate in the applicant’s Motala: Kungsgatan 20 permits. required to apply for a residence card. country of origin or residence. The application Mjölby: Industrigatan 7-9 Citizens of EU/EEA countries do not need a is then sent by the consulate or embassy to the permit in order to work in Sweden and can start Swedish Migration Board which makes the deci- Försäkringskassan, local offices working the day they enter the country. sion of whether or not to grant the application. A Linköping: Drottninggatan 16 residence permit of longer than 12 months gives and Kungsgatan 27 NON EU/EEA CITIZENS the foreign citizen the same social and welfare Norrköping: Hospitalsgatan 23 Non EU/EEA citizens who plan to work in Swe- benefits as a Swedish citizen and subjects the per- Mjölby: Industrigatan 7-9 den need a work permit before entering the coun- son to the same taxes. Motala: Urban Hjärnes väg 11 try. A residence permit is needed in addition to If a person has held a residence and work per- the work permit if the person is going to work mit for at least six months, family members (i.e. for a period of more than three months. Citizens spouse/cohabitant and children under 18) can ob- More information is available at: of certain countries must also have a visa to work tain residence and work permits for the same time www.skatteverket.se, for periods of less than three months and you will period. A person who has worked as well as held a www.forsakringskassan.se find a list of these nationalities at www.ud.se. residence permit in Sweden for four years may be Source: Skatteverket, Business Work permits should be applied for at the granted permanent residence. Sweden Swedish embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of origin or residence. Work permit app- lications must include a written offer of employ- More information is available at: ment in Sweden. The offer of employment is pro- www.migrationsverket.se vided by the Swedish employer and must include Source: Swedish Migration Board information about salary, insurance and housing and Invest in Business Sweden in Sweden.

Qualifying grounds PERSONAL ID NUMBERS for work permits & CIVIL REGISTRATION Executives or specialists from non-EU/EEA Anyone who plans to live and work in Sweden for countries normally have no difficulty getting their more than 12 months needs to apply for tax and work and residence permits if employed by Swed- civil registration at a local office for the Swedish ish or foreign-owned companies in Sweden. Ex- Tax Agency (Skatteverket). Please note that a visit ecutives are normally defined as people in leading to the Skatteverket in person is required together roles (for example, those in charge of marketing, with a passport, residence permit, documents sales, export, purchasing, human resources, pro- relating to civil status and birth certificates for duction or R&D). children younger than 18 years. After registration A work permit may also be given for a limited the applicant is given a personal identity number 6 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN BUSINESS AND WORK BUSINESS AND WORK NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN 7

SWEDISH BUSINESS CULTURE mally run for 1–3 years. The agreements are made VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) Swedish management is based on the idea that the on two levels; on a centralized industry-wide level The standard rate of value added tax (moms) is individual is both willing and able to do a good and on a local company based level. Around 85 25 percent. A reduced rate of 12 percent VAT job. A Swedish manager tends to think of him- percent of wage earners and 75 percent of salaried applies primarily to food, hotel accommodation self/herself as a coach rather than a commander, workers belong to a trade union. Wage earners are and camping. A reduced rate of 6 percent applies Business and he/she often delegates tasks and authority to mainly members of unions within the Swedish mainly to newspapers, books, magazines, public his/her staff. As an employee you are expected to Trade Union Confederation (LO) and salaried transport, sporting events and to certain cultural take responsibility and initiatives and not wait for workers are generally in unions that are part of activities. Certain services, such as medical and direct instructions. the Swedish Confederation for Professional Em- dental care, social services, banking and financial and work. Swedish companies usually have a flat and ployees (TCO) or the Swedish Confederation of services are not covered by VAT. For consumers, team-oriented structure with few management Professional Associations (SACO). VAT is always included in the marked price. levels. As a result, the decision making process is simple and direct, even though decisions are PERSONAL INCOME TAX ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS made with great consideration. The feeling of Income tax has two components: local income If planning to start a business, the Swedish Com- agreement and compromise is very important tax, and state income tax. Local income tax rates panies Registration Office (Bolagsverket) can help throughout the workplace and in the decision vary between regions from about 29 to 35 per with more information. making process, as it is in every aspect of Swe- cent. In 2009, the average local income tax rate in dish society. The flat structure and low levels of Sweden is 31.5 per cent. In addition to local in- hierarchy in Swedish companies create a relatively come tax, the employee pays a state income tax of More information is available at informal business culture where people greet each 20 percent on annual income of more than SEK www.bolagsverket.se other with a handshake and use first name-terms 380,200. For incomes above SEK 538,800 the www.verksamt.se in every situation. The dress code is often informal employee pays a state income tax of 25 percent. Sources: Business Sweden, but smart. These rates apply for the 2009 financial year. Skatteverket, Office hours are mostly between 8 and 5, but Bolagsverket working hours are flexible. It is very important in the Swedish culture to be on time as it is regar- More information is available at ded not only as a sign of respect but also of ef- www.skatteverket.se ficiency. This is especially true at the workplace. Most employees are provided 5 weeks vacation per year. It is customary to take at least one or two TAX REDUCTIONS coffee breaks during the workday, also known as FOR FOREIGN EMPLOYEES “fika”. These coffee breaks often take place at a Key foreign employees – executives, experts, re- given time every day so that everyone in the office searchers plus those with special skills that are can gather together. This is an ideal opportunity not available in Sweden – may qualify for a spe- to talk to your Swedish colleagues and to get to cial 25 percent tax break when working in Swe- know them on a more informal basis. den. The individual is only taxed on 75 percent of his or her income for the first three years of SALARIES AND TRADE UNIONS employment. This tax relief applies to all salaries Sweden has a tradition of shared respect and co- and “perks,” such as employer contributions to operation between companies and their employ- housing and living costs. It also applies to stock ees. Industrial disputes and conflicts are fairly options and other special compensation offered uncommon. Trade unions are important partners by the employer. for employers because the vast majority of work- ers are unionised, and employers hold discussions with the unions to agree on collective agreements More information is available at for their employees. These agreements regulate www.skatteverket.se. pay, training and other workplace issues, and nor- 8 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN HOUSING HOUSING NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN 9

The region offers plenty of residential options var- for sale can be found at: ELECTRICITY ying from city centers and suburban locations to www.hemnet.se and www.bovision.se. There are more than 100 electricity providers to small towns and nearby countryside. The standard choose from in Sweden. These are some major of housing is generally very high. Please note that FURNISHED APARTMENTS electricity providers in the region: kitchen appliances such as dishwashers, refrigera- Furnished apartments, mainly for companies, can Housing. tors and freezers always are included in the pur- be found at: chase price or rent. Bixia There are two alternative ways of renting an www.bixia.se apartment. “First hand contract” (förstahands- Linköping: Vattenfall kontrakt), which means renting directly from Sky Hotel Apartments www.vattenfall.se, 020-82 00 00 a property owner (unfurnished) and “second www.skyhotelapartments.se, E.ON hand contract” (andrahandskontrakt), which 013-328 10 50 www.eon.se, 020-22 24 24 means renting the apartment from somebody Apartments Sweden Homes who in turn rents directly from a property ow- www.apartmentsswedenhomes.se, ner (furnished or unfurnished). If looking to 013-14 22 30 TV buy an apartment, a capital investment is requi- City apartments are often provided with cable- red and a monthly fee is paid to the housing as- Norrköping: Television, but there are also companies offering sociation (bostadsrättsförening) for reparations Hyresbostäder Television broadcastings through internet broad- and maintenance. www.hyresbostader.se, 011-21 16 00 band. In locations outside of the city centre or In some cases it is possible to rent a furnished Graflunds suburban area, it may be necessary to purchase a house directly from a Swedish family and some www.graflunds.se, 011- 473 55 00 satellite dish or a digital box in order to be able to property owners also offer temporary furnished watch Television. These are some major providers apartments for companies. See ads in the local Linköping and of digital/cable/broadband/satellite TV: newspapers. Norrköping: BoTrygg Bygg AB CAMPUS APARTMENTS www.botrygg.se, 010-516 30 00 Comhem Apartments reserved especially for students can be www.comhem.se, 0771-55 00 00 found at: Telia HOME INSURANCE www.telia.se, 90200 In Sweden it is important to have home insur- Tele2 Studentbo i Norrköping AB ance in order to protect yourself, your home and www.tele2.se, 0200-25 25 25 www.studentbo.se, 011-21 16 70 your belongings. Home insurance often includes Viasat HSB Östra Östergötland AB a third party liability insurance, legal protection www.viasat.se, 0200-210 219 www.hsb.se, 011-21 51 00 and travel insurance as well. These are some major Canal Digital Studentbostäder i Linköping insurance companies in Sweden: www.canaldigital.se, 0770-33 22 11 www.studentbostader.se, Boxer 013-20 86 60 www.boxer.se, 0771-21 10 00 Byggvesta, Länsförsäkringar Östgöta www.byggvesta.se, 013-25 45 60 www.lansforsakringar.se 013-29 00 00 If BUYING A HOUSE/APARTMENT www.if.se, 0771–655 655 Prices for housing and apartments in the region Trygghansa are highly competitive in international terms. www.trygghansa.se, 0771-11 11 10 Real estate agents, housing companies, and build- Folksam ing owners from all over Sweden advertise their www.folksam.se, 0771-950 950 available properties online. Properties currently 10 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN HOUSING HOUSING NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN 11

LICENSE FEE Telia many Laundromats in Sweden but the dry clean- If you have a television receiver in your home you www.telia.se, 90200 ers (kemtvätt) often provide wet-wash as well as have to pay a license fee to Radiotjänst i Kiruna Tele 2 dry cleaning. Finspång AB. This fee is set by the Swedish government and www.tele2.se, 0200-25 25 25 Vallonbygden you are required to pay it by law. Tekniska Verken/Utsikt RENTING AN APARTMENT www.vallonbygden.se www.tekniskaverken.se/ There are a lot of different housing companies in the phone: 0122 - 249 50 utsikt, 013-20 81 80 region that offer rental apartments. For a complete More information is available at: Comhem list of housing companies, see each city’s website. Kinda Radiotjänst i Kiruna AB, www.comhem.se, 0771-55 00 00 Kindahus www.radiotjanst.se www.kindahus.se phone: 0771-91 00 04 Linköping phone. 0494-792 50 WATER AB Stångåstaden It is safe to drink tap water in all of Sweden and www.stangastaden.se Söderköping TELEPHONE the cost for water supply in your home is often phone: 013-20 85 00 Ramunderstaden Some commonly used fixed telephone line pro- included in the rent. Fresh water from most lakes, HSB Östergötland www.ramunderstaden.se viders are: rivers, streams and springs can also be used for www.hsb.se/ostergotland phone: 0121-196 00 drinking without previously preparing it in any phone: 013-24 02 00 way, unless signs state otherwise. Riksbyggen Vadstena Telia www.riksbyggen.se Vadstena Fastighets AB www.telia.se, 90200 REFUSE COLLECTION/ phone: 0771-86 08 60 www.vfab.se Tele 2 RECYCLING phone: 0143-41 35 00 www.tele2.se, 0200-25 25 25 A refuse collection service operates on a regular Norrköping Glocalnet basis covered by a fee that is included in your Hyresbostäder i Norrköping Valdemarsvik www.glocalnet.se, 0775-75 75 75 rent. Houses are required to pay this fee directly www.hyresbostader.se Fogelvik Estate AB to the refuse collection service operator. Recycling phone: 011-21 16 00 www.fogelvikestate.se is common practice in Sweden and large bins or Henry Ståhl Fastigheter AB phone: 0123-510 90 MOBILE PHONES canisters for recycling are located in apartment www.stahl.se Some commonly used mobile telephone service areas where you can dispose of paper, glass, cans phone: 011-23 30 00 Ydre providers are: and batteries. These can also be found outside of Lundbergs Ydrebostäder larger supermarkets or at special waste disposal www.lundbergs.se www.yderbostader.se sites. Most supermarkets provide machines at the phone: 011-21 65 00 phone: 0381-66 12 01 Telia entrance of the shop for returning bottles such www.telia.se, 90 200 as aluminium soda cans, and certain, but not all, Motala Åtvidaberg Tele 2 plastic soda and glass bottles. After having dis- Bostadsstiftelsen Platen Åtvidabergs Bostads AB www.tele2.se, 0200-25 25 25 posed of the return bottles, the machine provides www.platen.se www.bostads.se Telenor a receipt which can be exchanged for money at phone: 0141-22 89 00 phone: 0120-295 50 www.telenor.se, 020-22 22 22 the register. Mjölby Ödeshög LAUNDRY Bostadsbolaget Ödeshögsbostäder INTERNET PROVIDERS Apartments which are not equipped with a wash- www.mjolbybostad.se www.odeshog.se Some commonly used internet and broadband ing machine are provided with a shared laundry phone: 0142-854 54 phone: 0144-350 37 providers are: room. In most apartment complexes the laundry room is shared by all tenants and you will be re- Boxholm quired to reserve a washing time. It is very im- AB Boxholmshus Bredbandsbolaget portant not to use the laundry room for longer www.boxholmshus.se www.bredbandsbolaget.se than the time reserved and it is also courteous phone: 0142-896 00 0770-77 70 00 to clean the room after each wash. There are not 12 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN EDUCATION EDUCATION NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN 13

Education in Sweden is free throughout com- SWEDISH LANGUAGE COURSES pulsory school system (7-16 years old), upper There are several education centres that offer secondary school and throughout university and Swedish language courses. “Swedish for Immi- college. For more information about the Swedish grants” (SFI) is a course arranged by the munici- School System please visit: www.skolverket.se. pality/city and is free of charge. Education. Listed below are schools with an international curriculum. Linköping Folkuniversitetet Preschool Tiny Tots www.folkuniversitetet.se www.tinytots-preschool.se, 013-10 20 80 013-21 18 66 Komvux (SFI) Atlasskolan (grade 6-9) www.linkoping.se/komvux www.linkoping.se/isatlas, 013-20 78 00 013-20 73 62 Engelska skolan (grade 6-9) Norrköping www.engelska.se, 013- 35 56 80 Folkuniversitetet Katedralskolan (upper www.folkuniversitetet.se secondary school international LINKÖPING UNIVERSITY 011-474 12 00 baccalauerate) Linköping University is one of the largest in the Komvux (SFI) www.edu.linkoping.se/katedral, country with nearly 30 000 students on three www.komvux.norrkoping.se 013-20 75 00 campuses in Linköping and Norrköping. It is an 011-15 39 00 acknowledged leader in civil engineering, espe- For a complete list of schools, see cially in areas such as computer technology, medi- Motala each city’s website. cal technology and industrial economics, and it Komvux (SFI) is also highly regarded in medicine, educational www.motala.se, 0141-22 50 00 science, social science and arts. PRESCHOOL Mjölby Child care in Sweden is in international compari- Vuxenutbildning (SFI) sons of a high standard. All families, with parents More information is available at: www.mjolby.se, 0142-853 85 who are employed or in education, are entitled www.liu.se to daycare for children aged 1 to 5, either at pre- Finspång schools or in family daycare. From the age of four Vuxenutbildningscentrum all children, even if their parents are not working DISTANCE EDUCATIONS www.finspong.se, 0122-855 20 or studying, are entitled to three hours per day of Distance educations are given over the internet, preschool activity. Daycare fees are 3 percent of meaning that you will not have to be physically Other organisers (courses are the parents’ combined salaries. There is however present at the university in question. organised on demand) a maximum fee of SEK 1,260 per month. Day IUC-Öst care fees reduce with each additional child to the www.iucost.se, 0122-868 00 family. More information is Centre for English available at: Language Teaching www.studera.nu 013-12 33 49 For complete lists of preschools, www.distansutbildningar.se AMT Communication see each city’s website. www.allastudier.se www.amtcommunication.se 011-13 68 13 14 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN 15

Social insurance is an important part of the Swed- by a fee. The fee for a visit at the care centre is 150 PHARMACIES (APOTEK) ish social security system. The Swedish social SEK and the fee for a visit at the hospital is 300 Prescription medication in Sweden is sold at phar- insurance covers everyone that lives or works in SEK. Health care for children under the age of 20 macies, whilst over-the-counter medication is also Sweden and includes benefits such as pension, years is free. For a visit to a private clinic or a pri- sold at supermarkets and other shops. Listed below medical care and health insurance. vate doctor the fee is often higher but differs from are pharmacies with prolonged opening hours. Health care and clinic to clinic. Some private doctors are paid by the County Council and their fees are the same as More information is available at in public healthcare. For more information about In case of emergency, www.forsakringskassan.se (the private clinics and doctors, see the yellow pages call 112. social security. Swedish Social Insurance Office). under “läkare” (doctors). SOCIAL ADVICE AND GUIDANCE DENTAL CARE CARE CENTRES CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE You can either choose to visit a dentist at “Folk- (VÅRDCENTRALER) (UNGDOMSMOTTAGNING) AGE 13-25 tandvården” (Sweden’s National Dental Service) The public health care systems in the region is run or a dentist at a private clinic. Dental care is free by the County Council (Landstinget i Östergöt- for children under the age of 19. For adults the land). Each city has at least one care center (vård- Linköping insurance cover only a part of the costs for treat- central), which provides for health care. If needed Ungdomsmottagning, ment. For more information, please visit www.lio. a district medical doctor at the care centre will 010-103 31 18 se/folktandvard. then issue a referral to a hospital and a special- Norrköping For emergency dental care during weekends, ist. To make an appointment, call the care centre Ungdomshälsan, call 112 to get the contact information of the nea- located closest to your home. All care centers are 010-105 93 50 rest open clinic. listed at www.lio.se. Motala Ungdomsmottagning, IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, ANTENATAL CLINICS 010-104 76 90 CALL 112 (BARNMORSKEMOTTAGNING) Mjölby The emergency number in Sweden is 112. The If you are pregnant or if you need consultation Ungdomsmottagning, operator will connect the call and can also assist at regarding birth control you can contact an ante- 010-105 98 70 all times with emergencies relating to ambulance, natal clinic. During a normal pregnancy you will Finspång rescue and fire brigade, police, doctor, poison, be appointed a midwife and you will only meet a Ungdomsmottagning, dentist and priest. doctor if necessary. The antenatal clinics are listed 010-104 24 28 at www.lio.se

CHILD HEALTH CLINIC HOSPITALS (SJUKHUS) (BARNAVÅRDSCENTRAL) WITH EMERGENCY WARDS, If you have a child under the age of 7, contact the OPEN 24 HOURS child health clinic so that you can join the vac- cination program and have your child examined. The child health clinic is normally located next to Linköping the health centre. Universitetssjukhuset Norrköping MEDICAL CONSULTATION Vrinnevisjukhuset For medical advice call Motala Sjukvårdsrådgivningen at 1177. Motala Lasarettet

FEES AND PRIVATE CLINICS More information available at: A visit at the care center or the hospital is covered www.lio.se 16 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN PRACTICAL INFORMATION PRACTICAL INFORMATION NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN 17

bus stops spread across the cities. In Linköping, other countries. The use of snow tires is manda- THE RIGHT OF PUBLIC ACCESS Norrköping and Motala you can no longer buy tory between December 1 and March 31. Due The Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten) gives your ticket on the bus. Instead you have to either to the country’s northerly climate, experience in you the right to enjoy the Swedish and coun- buy your ticket at special ticket-machines, at a driving on ice and snow is recommended before tryside, whether walking your dog in the woods, ticket agent’s or through a text message. For more driving during the winter. sailing or camping in the forest. There are however Practical information about public transportation and how rules that you will have to follow whilst carrying to buy your ticket, see: CLIMATE AND WEATHER out activities in order to take care of the nature and The climate in Sweden is very mild compared to wildlife and show consideration for landowners other places at similar latitudes thanks to the Gulf and other people enjoying the countryside. information. Buses and commuter Stream. Sweden has four distinct seasons. Tem- trains in Östergötland: peratures in winter vary greatly between the north www.ostgotatrafiken.se, and the south. During winter, temperatures in the For more information about the 0771-21 10 10 region range between -15 to 0°c with moderate Right of Public Access, see: snowfall. Spring-season temperatures range be- www.naturvardsverket.se Long-distance trains: tween 0 to +10°c and the weather is unpredicta- www.sj.se, 0771-75 75 75 ble, shifting between sun, rain and snow. Summer is mostly sunny with occasional showers and with NEWSPAPERS International airports temperatures ranging from +10 to +25°c. Autumn There are two major newspapers in the re- in the region: is often windy and rainy with temperatures from gion: ÖstgötaCorrespondenten (Corren) and www.norrkopingairport.se 0 to +10°c. It might be reassuring to know that Norrköpings Tidningar (NT). Extra Östergöt- www.linkopingcityairport.se even though the temperature may fall outdoors, land is a free newspaper distributed in the city www.skavsta.se Swedish buildings are well insulated and will keep and on buses and trains. The largest national daily you warm whilst indoors. newspapers are Dagens Nyheter (DN) and Sven- One effect of Sweden’s northerly latitude is ska Dagbladet (SVD). You can find international DRIVING IN SWEDEN the differing lengths of the days and nights. In newspapers and magazines at the library or at POST OFFICE BANKS SWEDISH MONETARY UNIT Driving licenses from the EU/EEA are valid in southern Sweden, the summer months are cha- Newsagents (Pressbyrån). The Post Office has 3,000 service outlets in su- Listed below are some of the biggest Swedish The Swedish monetary unit is the Swedish Krona, Sweden. An EEA member state driving licence racterized by long, light days and short nights. In permarkets and petrol stations all over Sweden banks. Foreign exchange, cash to cash and travel- abbreviated to SEK. One Swedish Krona is 100 that is valid in Sweden may be exchanged for an the winter months, the sun sets reasonably early for posting letters and packaging. Stamps can be ler’s cheques can be administered at any post of- öre. Circulating in the Swedish economy are coins equivalent Swedish driving licence if the holder and the days are short. More information is available at: bought in a variety of shops and there are yellow fice, bank or at the exchange office (Forex, www. with a value of 1 krona, 5 kronor and 10 kronor, permanently lives in Sweden. Driving licenses www.svd.se, www.dn.se, mailboxes spread out all over the cities. forex.se). Most people in Sweden pay their bills and bills with a value of 20 kronor, 50 kronor, from countries outside EU/EEA are valid one year www.nt.se, www.corren.se. using internet services offered by a bank but it is 100 kronor, 500 kronor and 1,000 kronor. after the person has been registered in Sweden. For weather forecasts, see the also possible to pay the bills at the bank. website of the Swedish Meteoro- For more information about your CREDIT CARDS logical and Hydrological Institute SYSTEMBOLAGET nearest service outlet and other Most shops, hair-dressers, hotels, restaurants, ca- More information is available at: www.smhi.se In Sweden the sale of alcoholic beverages is lim- mail-related questions, see: www. SEB fés, taxis and night-clubs will accept credit cards. www.korkortsportalen.se or the ited to the government owned State liquor store posten.se or call: 020-23 22 21 www.seb.se, 0771-365 365 Country Administrative Board (Systembolaget), with the exception of beer and Länsförsäkringar Östgöta PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION www.lansstyrelsen.se/ostergotland. cider which you can buy at any grocery store. www.lf.se, 013-29 00 00 The Linköping-Norrköping region is linked to “Systembolaget” provides many varieties of beer, CASH DISPENSER Swedbank the rest of Sweden, Scandinavia and the entire liquor, wine, champagne and liqueur. The mini- There are two types of ATM machines for you www.swedbank.se, 0771-22 11 22 Baltic Sea region through an extensive road and When driving in Sweden there are some basic mum age to buy alcohol at “Systembolaget” is 20 to use to withdraw money; the blue “Bankomat” Handelsbanken rail network, three international airports and an rules to remember; always keep to the right, wear years old and it is illegal to buy alcohol on be- and the silver and white “Minuten”. VISA, Mas- www.handelsbanken.se, ultramodern port. The use of public transpor- your seatbelt, have dipped head lights on always half of a minor. Please note that even though the tercard, Eurocard and other similar cards can be 0771-77 88 99 tation is very common in Sweden and buses, and do not drink and drive. Sweden has very strict drinking age in Sweden is 18 years old, this strict- used in either one. Danske Bank trains and cablecars run according to schedule. laws regarding drinking and driving. The permit- ly includes drinking at home or at clubs. Anyone www.danskebank.se, People often use public transportation to com- ted blood alcohol concentration is 20 milligrams under the age of 20 is considered a minor when 013-480 00 00 mute to work and school and there are a lot of per liter which is considerably lower than in most buying alcohol from Systembolaget. 18 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN CULTURE AND SPARE TIME CULTURE AND SPARE TIME NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN 19

The region offers a wealth of culture including sailing, canoeing and hunting. Fishing is allowed theatres, museums, art galleries and a diverse in most lakes and rivers provided that you have a Sights and attractions range of music with concerts ranging from clas- fishing licence. Sites which are particularly worth sical music to rock and a variety of local bands, visiting include Lake Tåkern, an internationally The Norrköping music clubs and choral groups. Markets and fes- recognised area for birds; Omberg, with its diverse Symphony Orchestra Culture and tivals are arranged throughout the region on a plant life and panoramic views; and Kolmården, www.symfoniorkestern.nu yearly basis, including popular jazz and film fes- one of Europe’s largest safari parks. There are also tivals. Those interested in architecture and history plenty of facilities for those who are interested in Visualiseringscenter will find much interest in Old Linköping (Gamla playing or watching football, ice hockey, basket- www.visualiseringscenter.se spare time. Linköping) and the region’s numerous manor ball and golf, and the region is home to leading houses, abbeys and churches. The medieval towns teams in several sports. Fishing is excellent and is Östgötateatern of Vadstena and Söderköping and the famous even possible in central Norrköping. www.ostgotateatern.se Göta Canal are popular tourist spots, whilst Norrköping has one of Europe’s best preserved Norrköping Art Museum industrial landscapes. More information about www.norrkoping.se/kultur-fritid/ attractions and events in the museer/konstmuseum/ COUNTRYSIDE, SPORTS region is available at: AND RECREATION www.ostergotland.info Östergötland County Museum The countryside varies greatly from coastal land- www.pagang.info www.ostergotlandslansmuseum.se scapes and open fields to rivers, lakes and islands. There are many locations which provide fishing, Swedish Air Force Museum www.flygvapenmuseum.se

Old Linköping www.gamlalinkoping.info

Museum of Work www.arbetetsmuseum.se

Reijmyre Glasbruk www.reijmyre.se

Kolmården (wildlife park) www.kolmarden.se

Göta Canal www.gotakanal.se

Cloetta Center (events and concerts) www.cloettacenter.se

Louis de Geer (event and con- certs) www.louisdegeer.se 20 NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN HOLIDAYS, TRADITIONS & THE SWEDISH WAY HOLIDAYS, TRADITIONS & THE SWEDISH WAY NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO EAST SWEDEN 21

Advent Gustav Vasa, considered to be the founder of the name and there are no titles used before the name. Advent is the period of four weeks leading up to modern kingdom of Sweden, was crowned. This is true both at the workplace, in schools and Christmas. On each Sunday during this period at universities as well as at the doctor’s office and a new candle is lit on a special Advent candle- Midsummer (Midsommar) the bank. stick. This means that, on the fourth Sunday, Midsummer is celebrated on the weekend closest Holidays, traditions there are four candles burning, and Christmas to 24th of June which is actual Midsummer Day. Smoking is about to begin. It is an old tradition, and was originally a way of Smoking is not allowed in public buildings, res- begging the Gods for a good harvest. Today we cel- taurants, cafés, pubs and nightclubs or on public Christmas (Jul) ebrate midsummer as a big summer party. People transport and most offices. It is considered impolite & the Swedish way Christmas is the most important Swedish holi- leave the cities for the country and many join tra- to smoke in somebody’s apartment without asking day and it is celebrated on Christmas Eve, De- ditional celebrations during the day, which include first. An estimated 10% of the population uses cember 24th. Most Swedes celebrate Christmas dancing and singing around the maypole and after- snuff (snus) which is an alternative to cigarettes. with their families and eat a traditional Christ- wards having a barbeque with family and friends. mas dinner with several different dishes such as Manners Christmas ham and rice pudding. It is also com- THE SWEDISH WAY A handshake is the most common way of greet- mon to attend church services during the weeks Be on time ing and hands are shaken again on departure. leading up to Christmas, as well as on Christmas Both at work and in social life, Swedes are very Manners generally tend to be more formal than Eve or Christmas Day. “Jultomten” is the Swed- punctual. It is considered impolite not to be on in other Nordic countries and hugs and kisses are ish version of St Nicholas or Santa Claus, and time for a meeting or a social event. reserved for close friends and family. Casual dress he brings all the children Christmas presents on is accepted most of the time, but more formal Christmas Eve. Keep in the queue clothes should be worn on social occasions and at Whenever you are waiting to buy a ticket, to pay the more exclusive restaurants and Night Clubs. Easter (Påsk) for goods in a shop etc, you are expected to wait Evening engagements begin and end earlier in In Sweden Easter is celebrated on Easter Eve with in a proper queue. Swedes are very strict about Sweden than in most other European countries. Easter egg hunts for the children and traditional this and it is considered to be very rude to skip the Easter food. Sweden is a protestant Lutheran coun- line. Even if there is no organized line and people try and much of current Swedish customs are im- are just standing by the counter, you can be sure ported from other countries, but the tradition of the there is an automatic queue system. In these cases Easter witches is entirely Swedish. On the Thursday you will find a little white or yellow box at the before Easter Eve, known as Skärtorsdagen, chil- entrance of the shop or by the counter, where you PUBLIC HOLIDAYS SWEDISH TRADITIONS dren dress up as witches and knock on the doors are supposed to take your queue number and then In Sweden, a public holiday is typically referred to Important holidays Lucia of the houses in the neighbourhood in the hope of wait for your number to turn up on the digital as a “red day” (röd dag), as it is printed in red in New Year’s Day - January 1 The Swedish tradition “Lucia” is based on the leg- exchanging homemade Easter cards for candy. Oc- monitor situated over the counter. This is always calendars. It is common for businesses to close at Epiphany - January 6 end of the Saint Lucia and an ancient Swedish casionally it is still traditional to light bonfires and the case at the bank, post office and ticket office. noon the day before certain public holidays. If a Christmas - December 24, 25 and 26. tradition. Today Lucia is celebrated with Lucia firecrackers during the Easter celebrations. It is also common for there to be just one line for public holiday is on a Tuesday or a Thursday, it is Labour Day - May 1 processions which are led by the Lucia, a young two registers and when this is the case just get in common practice take a 2 day holiday, including The Swedish National girl, wearing a white garment and a crown of can- Walpurgis Night (Valborgsmässoafton) line, wait to get to the front of the line and then the day between the weekend and the red. Day - June 6 dles to guide her through the darkness. She is fol- The last day of April is Walpurgis Night (Val- approach the cleared register. Good Friday lowed by a number of attendants including girls borgsmässoafton) which is a celebration of the ar- Easter Sunday and boys, also dressed in white and with candles rival of spring. It is celebrated with bonfires, fire- Take your shoes off Easter Monday in their hands. In Sweden, the night between the works, singing and speeches to mark the end of It is important to always take your shoes off when Ascension Day 12th and 13th of December traditionally was con- winter and to welcome the lighter days to come. entering someone’s apartment or house. For more Whit Sunday sidered to be the longest and darkest night of the formal events or parties, it is however customary Midsummer Eve year which is the reason that Lucia is celebrated Swedish National Day to bring an extra pair of shoes for indoor use. Midsummer Day on the 13th of December. Lucia and her attend- The Swedish National Day is celebrated June 6th All Saints Day ants visit schools, hospitals, offices and churches and it is a national holiday since 2005. June 6 Call people by their first name and sing traditional Lucia songs. was chosen because it marks the day in 1523 that In Sweden everyone is addressed with their first Design your future. Discover East Sweden.

In the East Sweden Region, just about an hour’s drive from and trading posts, to the industrial revolution and the rise , life is special in so many ways. Here you have of our knowledge-based society. Today, as a strong innova- most things you could wish for in your immediate vicin- tion and knowledge focused region, we provide you with the ity - nature, the city pulse, the sea and the world. And what opportunity to shape your life in a climate which favours about business? Did we mention that we have Sweden’s creativity, life balance and contact with the surrounding highest concentration of high tech companies as well as world. Magical nature, exciting places to visit and a vibrant world class visualisation, aviation technology and environ- culture scene are some of the added values which make life mental technology? Do you want to grow and shape your complete in East Sweden. future for yourself? Come to East Sweden. East Sweden. Powered by innovation. Two cities. A thousand options. With campuses in both towns, Linköping University is a East Sweden is a region driven by the principal towns of strong link in terms of education, research, trade & in- Linköping and Norrköping. The fact that two towns such as dustry, development and growth. Together with proac- Linköping and Norrköping are building a regional power­ tive science parks and towns in collaboration, Linköping house is entirely unique nation-wide and an important University is a shining example of how curiosity and the result of the diversity and dynamism that characterises East power of innovation can move boundaries. That successful Sweden. international companies like Toyota, Saab and Siemens are happy here is only to be expected. Would you also like to Life and business in perfect balance. experience the power? Or would you also like to be part of Thanks to the region’s strategic position on the east coast, the experience? our location has been of great importance for Sweden over the centuries. From epochs of medieval royalty, aristocracy Welcome to eastsweden.com East Sweden, comprising the towns of Linköping and Norrköping as power houses, is an expansive knowledge and innovations region with many international companies, leading research and high class programmes at Linköping University.

With almost half a million inhabitants and one of Sweden’s best logistics locations combined with attractive accommodation options, outstanding nature, a scintillating student life and rich culture scene, we offer unique opportunities for people and companies who want to grow and develop. www.eastsweden.com

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