Relocating involves many moving parts. Use this checklist to ensure you’re covered, registered, and ready for your new home.
- Get a home insurance
- Moving to Sweden? Insurance without a Personal Number
- Change address or forward mail
- Write a list of questions for the landlord
- Agree on the condition of the home upon moving in
Get a home insurance
It is important that the person actually living in the home has valid home insurance. As a tenant, you should therefore take out home insurance at your new address, regardless of whether the landlord has insurance for the property or not. If the home is furnished, you should also make sure you have an add-on for personal belongings and all-risk (accidental damage). Otherwise, there is a high risk that the landlord's insurance does not cover you, your belongings, or damages you are considered responsible for – which can become very expensive.
Tip: We collaborate with Hedvig Insurance, which offers a solution designed specifically for you who rent second-hand. It has no binding period, which is perfect if you rent for a shorter period. [Read more on Hedvig's website – currently 50% off the first 3 months].
Moving to Sweden? Insurance without a Personal Number
If you’ve just arrived in Sweden and haven't received your personal identity number (personnummer) or BankID yet, you can—and should—still get home insurance. While most online sign-up forms require a personal number, you can set up a policy manually.
How to apply: Since digital onboarding usually requires BankID, the best way is to call the insurance company directly or visit a local office. They can often create a policy using your date of birth or a coordination number (samordningsnummer).
Companies that can help:
- If Insurance: Call +46 771-655 655. They are well-equipped to handle international customers and can set up your policy over the phone.
- Länsförsäkringar: As they are a federation of local companies, it is best to call the office in the specific city where you are living.
- Folksam: Call +46 771-950 950. They offer manual registration for residents who are not yet officially registered in the Swedish population database.
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Hedvig: Call +46 10-45 99 200. Their support team is very expat-friendly and can guide you through the process if you cannot use their app yet.
Pro Tip: Once you receive your official personnummer, contact your insurance provider immediately to update your records. This will allow you to manage your policy digitally and set up automated payments (Autogiro).
Change address or forward mail
Keep in mind that there is a difference between forwarding mail and making a permanent address change. If you are renting second-hand, it is usually to reside in that municipality, and then you should make an address change and ensure you receive the correct tax rate, benefits in the municipality where you live, and more. You can easily make an address change with BankID here at the Swedish Tax Agency.
Write a list of questions for the landlord
There are many practical details a landlord might forget to mention at the moment. Prepare a list of questions to go through when handing over the keys, for example:
Where can you find the fuse box and main circuit breaker?
Are there informal rules or specific booking systems for the laundry room?
Where do you throw garbage and how does recycling work?
Who do you contact if an accident happens or something breaks?
Where is the nearest grocery store or the best post office?
Agree on the condition of the home upon moving in
It is critical that you and the landlord agree on the condition of the home on the day you move in. Without written documentation, you risk unnecessary discussions or disputes when moving out. We recommend using the following three documents when moving in:
Inspection report: Used to document the condition of the home. Captures existing damages. This is your primary evidence when moving out to show that wear and tear existed before you moved in.
Inventory list: If the home is rented furnished, this is a list of all furniture and household items and their condition. It clarifies exactly what is included in the rent and what should be left behind.
Key receipt: Document how many keys (and to what) have been handed out. It provides security for both parties regarding the home's safety.