Moving to Sweden
Moving to Sweden and want to join the unemployment insurance fund? Here you’ll find information about what applies if you’re moving from another country or returning to Sweden – including the conditions you need to meet and how to become a member.
Unemployment insurance – an important safety net when moving to Sweden
When you move to Sweden and start working, unemployment insurance (a-kassa) is one of the most important protections you can have. If you become unemployed, it provides a basic financial safety net so you can pay for rent, food, your phone, and other expenses. With us, you’ll receive excellent service, help with your application, and timely payments if you lose your job.
Income insurance through your union
As a member with us, you can sign up for additional income insurance through your union. With both unemployment insurance (a-kassa) and the union’s income insurance, you can receive up to 80 percent of your full salary if you become unemployed.
Income insurance through your union
For those who want to become a member
Joining the unemployment insurance fund (a-kassa) when you move to Sweden is easy – whether you’re coming from an EU/EEA country or from outside the EU. Just follow our five steps, and we’ll make sure you get started the right way and secure your income in Sweden.
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1. Planning to move to Sweden?
Apply for membership as soon as you know you're moving – even before you start working. That way, we can help ensure your membership starts from the correct month.
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2. Start working in Sweden
You can become a member the same month you start working in Sweden. It’s enough to have worked at least one hour.
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3. Submit your application
Fill in the application directly on our website. Do you have questions about dates or previous employment? We’re here to help!
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4. Skicka in handlingar vid behov
Vi kan behöva uppgifter om arbete du haft i Sverige eller utomlands. Vi berättar vad som behövs i just ditt fall.
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5. Get confirmation
Once your membership is approved, your membership period starts counting. This is important for receiving benefits if you become unemployed in the future.
Are you moving from an EU/EEA country?
Submit your membership application as soon as possible – we’ll help you get the correct start date. If you’ve worked in Sweden before, you likely meet the work requirement. We’ll get in touch and ask a few questions about your move, previous employment, and any benefits you may have received from abroad.
Are you coming from a country outside the EU/EEA?
To become a member of the unemployment insurance fund (a-kassa), you need a valid work permit, residence permit, and have worked in Sweden. To qualify for membership, it’s enough that you’ve worked at least one hour in Sweden – either before or after your stay abroad.
Do you want to apply for benefits?
Whether you’ve lived and worked abroad, commuted from Sweden, or worked in several countries over the past year, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits here. We’ll guide you based on your situation.
Contact us if you have any questions
Call us at +46 8 412 33 00 or email us at utland@akademikernasakassa.se if you have any questions. We’re open on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
More about the membership
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Fill in the membership application
Submit your application as soon as you know you’re moving to Sweden.
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Switch fund to us
Switch to us and stay for your entire working life. What matters is your education. You’ll keep your earned membership time.
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Pay the fee
The monthly fee of SEK 140 is easiest to pay via direct debit. Set it up directly on our website.
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Who can become a member?
Do you have at least a bachelor’s degree, are you currently studying toward 180 credits, or do you work in an academic profession? Then you’re welcome to join us!
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Get income insurance
Do you earn more than SEK 33,000 per month? Sign up for affordable additional income insurance through your union.