Benefits Newcomers Miss in Sweden

Most newcomers find out about Swedish benefits one at a time, often too late. Here are the ones people mention most, each with how to get it. For the ones that apply to you, tick four answers in the free benefits check.

Sick pay

When you're ill, your employer pays your salary for the first two weeks. From the 15th day you can get sickness benefit from Försäkringskassan, once your employer has reported you sick. Försäkringskassan: sick when employed

25 days of holiday a year

Everyone employed has the right to 25 days' holiday a year. Paid days are earned in the year before, and someone starting after 31 August gets five unpaid holiday days in that holiday year. Verksamt: holiday

Help with dental bills

Adults insured in Sweden get a yearly dental allowance and a high-cost protection, at clinics connected to the state dental support. See dental care for adults.

Child benefit

Försäkringskassan pays child benefit every month for children under 16 when parent and child are insured in Sweden, automatically and without tax; for 2026 it is 1,250 SEK a month per child. After a move the first payment can take a while. Försäkringskassan: child benefit

University without tuition fees

With a temporary residence permit granted for reasons other than studies, such as work or family, you pay no application or tuition fees. See free master's studies.

Free Swedish lessons

SFI, Swedish for immigrants, is free through your municipality. See our SFI guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays sick pay in Sweden?

Your employer pays your salary for the first two weeks; from the 15th day, sickness benefit can come from Försäkringskassan.

Do newcomers get child benefit in Sweden?

Yes, when parent and child are insured in Sweden and the child is under 16. It is paid monthly and isn't taxed; after a move the first payment can take a while.

Moving for work? How Settio helps

Settio helps employers and immigration and relocation agencies run the whole move in one place, so the person moving can focus on settling in:

• Before the move: one plan for the permit and the move, with every step and deadline. A partner and children get their own steps in the same household.
• After arrival: the employee portal shows the newcomer their next steps on their phone, in their language, from registering after arrival to help for settling in.
• When the permit runs out: permit monitoring flags the extension in good time.

HR teams and agencies can start for free. Moving yourself? Try our free tools for life in Sweden.

Sources

7 official sources

• Försäkringskassan: sick when you're employed (in Swedish)
• Verksamt: holiday and holiday days (in Swedish)
• Försäkringskassan: dental care support (in Swedish)
• Försäkringskassan: child benefit (in Swedish)
• Försäkringskassan: current amounts (in Swedish)
• University Admissions: who pays fees
• Informationsverige: education for adults (in Swedish)