Move to Överkalix

At the Swedish for Immigrants (Sfi) in Överkalix, currently around 35 adults from various parts of the world are studying.

Classes are held during the day, but the schedule is flexible so that you can work while learning Swedish.

The school offers study visits to various workplaces around Överkalix, benefiting both the students and the employers, who get to see the skills available. Additionally, there are language internships at different workplaces, which can lead to employment for the student.

"As a teacher at Sfi in Överkalix, you really have time to help each student, and it's easy to get to know and learn from each other since the groups are small," says teacher Maria Nilsson Tuorda.

The students are very satisfied with the education.

"Here, there are good teachers, it's close to the library, flexible, and it's free!" says one of the students.

Learn more about Sfi and who is eligible for the education.

 If you plan to stay in Sweden for at least one year, you must register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). This involves registering your address and obtaining a personal identity number (personnummer). Learn more.

If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you need a valid residence permit. Apply for this before moving to Sweden. Learn more.

Once registered, you can apply for an ID card from the Swedish Tax Agency. This card serves as identification and provides access to e-ID, which is used for online identification. Learn more.

Open a bank account in Sweden to manage your finances. You may need your personal identity number and ID card to open an account. Learn more.

 Register with the Swedish Tax Agency to pay taxes in Sweden. If you have income from abroad, you may need to declare it as well. Learn more.

Contact the postal service in your home country to forward your mail to your new address in Sweden.

https://www.postnord.se/en/private/receiving/collect/change-of-address-forwarding-and-mail-holding/

Healthcare in Överkalix is well-organized and accessible. Here are some key points:

1. Överkalix Hälsocentral: This is the primary healthcare center in the area, offering a wide range of services including general medical care, emergency services, and specialist consultations. They also provide digital services for booking appointments and renewing prescriptions.

2. Emergency Services: The healthcare center has an emergency department with ambulance services available 24/7. In case of severe or life-threatening conditions, you can call 112 for immediate assistance.

3. Specialized Care: The center includes an acute ward with five beds for patients needing urgent care, post-operative care, rehabilitation, or palliative care. They also have dietitians, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists on staff.

4. Dental Care: There are dental services available at Folktandvården Överkalix and Tandläkarhuset i Överkalix. These clinics offer general dental care and are equipped to handle patients with dental anxiety.

5. Mental Health and Support Services: Bryggan Outpatient Care provides support for individuals dealing with mental health issues, substance abuse, and other social challenges. They offer confidential and voluntary services to help individuals and their families.

Ensure you are registered for social insurance, which includes health insurance, unemployment insurance, and pensions. Learn more.

Politics & organisation

https://www.overkalix.se/en/municipality-and-politics/politics-och-organisation/

Yes, when you move to Sweden, you should notify Försäkringskassan (the Swedish Social Insurance Agency). This is important to determine if you are insured in Sweden and to access various benefits such as child allowance or housing allowance.

Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Register with Försäkringskassan: Provide your details to Försäkringskassan. If you are moving with children under 16, you need to provide their details as well.
2. Register with Skatteverket: If you plan to stay in Sweden for at least one year, you should also register with Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency) to be listed in the Swedish population register. https://www.forsakringskassan.se/english

Driving in winter conditions in Överkalix can be challenging due to snow, ice, and low temperatures. Here are some important tips to help you prepare and stay safe:

Vehicle Preparation

1. Winter Tires: Ensure your car is equipped with winter tires. They provide better traction on snow and ice.
2. Check Your Battery: Cold weather can affect your car battery. Make sure it's in good condition.
3. Fluids: Use winter-grade oil and ensure your antifreeze levels are adequate.
4. Windshield Wipers and Fluid: Use winter wiper blades and keep your windshield washer fluid full with a solution that won't freeze.

Essential Items to Carry

1. Ice Scraper and Snow Brush: Keep your windows clear for visibility.
2. Emergency Kit: Include items like a flashlight, blanket, extra clothes, food, water, and a first-aid kit.
3. Shovel and Sand: Useful for getting out of snowbanks.
4. Phone Charger: Ensure you can call for help if needed.

Driving Tips

1. Slow Down: Reduce your speed to maintain control on slippery roads.
2. Increase Following Distance: Give yourself more time to stop.
3. Brake Gently: Avoid sudden braking to prevent skidding.
4. Stay Informed: Check weather and road conditions before you travel.

Understanding Road Conditions

1. Black Ice: Be cautious of invisible ice on the road.
2. Snow Drifts: Watch out for snow accumulating on the road, especially after plowing.

No, you do not need to register with the embassy when you move to Sweden. However, there are other important steps you should take:

1. Register with Skatteverket: If you plan to stay in Sweden for at least one year, you should register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to be listed in the Swedish population register. This is essential for obtaining a personal identity number (personnummer), which you will need for various services in Sweden

2. Notify Försäkringskassan: Inform the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) to determine your insurance status and access benefits

3. Residence Permit: If you are not an EU/EEA citizen, ensure you have the necessary residence permit from the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket

In Överkalix, municipal services such as waste collection and recycling are well-organized. Here’s how you can manage these services:

Waste Collection and Sorting

1. Household Waste and Food Waste: These are sorted into separate bins. The green bin is for combustible waste, and the brown bin is for compostable waste.
2. Recycling: Items like paper, glass, and metal should be taken to a recycling station or environmental center.

SMS Reminder Service

Överkalix municipality offers a free SMS reminder service to notify you the day before your waste collection. This helps ensure you don't forget to put out your bins.

Placement of Bins

When placing your bins for collection, ensure they are about 1.5 meters from the road edge to avoid obstructing traffic and snow plows.

For more detailed information, you can visit the Överkalix municipal website

ROT and RUT deductions are tax reductions available in Sweden for certain types of work performed in or around your home.

ROT Deduction

• ROT stands for Reparation, Ombyggnad, Tillbyggnad (Repairs, Renovations, Extensions).
• It allows you to deduct 30% of the labor costs for work related to home improvements, such as renovating your kitchen or building an extension

RUT Deduction

• RUT stands for Rengöring, Underhåll, Tvätt (Cleaning, Maintenance, Laundry).
• It allows you to deduct 50% of the labor costs for household services like cleaning, gardening, and childcare

Annual Limits

• You can receive up to 75,000 SEK per year for ROT deductions and another 75,000 SEK for RUT deductions, totaling a maximum of 150,000 SEK per person per year

For more detailed information, you can visit the Swedish Tax Agency's website

To get pet insurance in Sweden, follow these steps:

1. Research and Compare: Look for different pet insurance providers and compare their plans. Consider factors like coverage, premiums, and exclusions.
2. Choose a Plan: Select a plan that suits your pet's needs and your budget. Common types of coverage include accident, illness, and preventive care.
3. Apply for Insurance: Fill out an application form with details about your pet, such as age, breed, and health history.
4. Pay the Premium: Once your application is approved, you will need to pay the premium, which can be monthly or annually.
5. Understand the Waiting Period: Most pet insurance policies have a waiting period before coverage starts, typically ranging from a few days to a few weeks.

For more detailed information, you can visit this guide on pet insurance

Preparing your house for winter in Överkalix is crucial to avoid damage and ensure comfort. Here are some essential steps:

Exterior Preparation

1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove leaves and debris to prevent water from freezing and causing damage.
2. Inspect the Roof: Check for damaged or missing shingles and repair them to prevent leaks.
3. Install Snow Guards: These help prevent snow from sliding off the roof and causing injury or damage.
4. Disconnect Garden Hoses: Remove hoses and drain outdoor faucets to prevent pipes from freezing.

Interior Preparation

1. Check Insulation: Ensure your attic, walls, and basement are well-insulated to keep the heat in and the cold out.
2. Seal Windows and Doors: Use weather stripping and caulk to seal any gaps that could let in cold air.
3. Service Heating Systems: Have your furnace or heat pump inspected and serviced to ensure it’s working efficiently.
4. Inspect Chimneys and Fireplaces: Clean and inspect to ensure they are safe to use.

For more detailed information, you can visit this guide on preparing your house for winter

There is a lot to do in Överkalix! Read more here:

https://www.overkalix.se/en/move-to-overkalix/leisure-in-overkalix/

Where do I throw my garbage? How does the water and sewage system work? Read more here!