Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you can visit International House Gothenburg during opening hours for drop-in, which is Monday and Wednesday 10-15, and Friday 10-12, or book an online video meeting to receive personal advice on your CV and cover letter. We also offer workshops specifically focused on CV and cover letter guidance.
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If you receive financial aid from CSN (the Swedish Board of Student Finance), it is recommended to check the csn.se website for further information. However, if you do not receive CSN aid, there are no specific working time limitations for students in Sweden. You are permitted to work full-time while studying. For more detailed guidelines, please visit the website of the Swedish Migration Agency website.
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Sweden offers generous parental leave conditions. Parents with a Swedish personal identity number and registered with the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) are entitled to 480 days of paid leave per child, with up to 80% of their previous salary. Of these, 60 days are reserved for each parent. More information can be found on the Swedish Social Insurance Agency's website.
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To apply for a visa, you can visit migrationsverket.se, the official website of the Swedish Migration Agency. If you have specific questions regarding your situation, it is advisable to contact the relevant authorities for accurate information and guidance.
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To help you get started, here are three essential websites: Verksamt.se, Almi, and Yesbox. Verksamt is a national point of contact that provides information on registering your business, taxes, accounting, and regulations.
With an international section in English, navigating the Swedish business landscape has never been easier. Almi is a government-owned company that provides financing, coaching, and network building services to startups and small businesses. They focus on sustainability and innovation, making them the ideal partner for startups looking to make a positive impact. They can even connect you with potential partners and investors.
Yesbox is another fantastic resource for startups, offering free workshops, mentoring, and funding opportunities. They also provide office space and networking events to help you get your business off the ground. With these resources, you can turn your business idea into a thriving venture in Gothenburg. For further information on starting a business in the city, contact our business advisors or read The investor’s guide to Gothenburg – a region of opportunities
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There are two types of rental contracts: firsthand and secondhand. Both typically include heating and water in the rent, while electricity and broadband might or might not be covered.
A firsthand contract (Försthandskontrakt) allows you to rent directly from the property owner. These contracts are hard to secure in Gothenburg, often requiring several years of queueing. However, queue times are usually shorter in nearby municipalities. Firsthand rental apartments are always unfurnished.
A secondhand contract (andrahandskontrakt) involves subletting from someone who has rented directly from the owner. These contracts are usually temporary, and the property may be either furnished or unfurnished.
Since landlords often receive many applications, it’s important to act quickly and respond to listings. When applying, introduce yourself clearly and highlight why you would make an ideal tenant.
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Foreign investors can typically choose between:
• A subsidiary (Limited Liability Company)
• A branch office of a foreign companyNo Swedish partner is required, and the process is transparent. Advisory services can help evaluate the best structure for specific business goals.
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Gothenburg has several well-established collaboration platforms hubs including Mobility Xlab, CampX by Volvo, AstraZeneca’s BioVentureHub. Innovation hubs including Lindholmen Innovation District, Näst Innovation Destination Torslanda and GoCo Health Innovation City also play an important role in facilitating interaction between SMEs and large corporations.
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The region offers around 60 testbeds — environments where companies can test and validate innovations in real-world settings, covering sectors like mobility, electrification, life science and urban tech.
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Company registration in Sweden is efficient and usually takes no more than a few weeks, depending on the business structure and documentation. Our team can guide you through the process via our investment services in Gothenburg.