Something peculiar about the Nordic region that any person can observe is the high level of mobility of citizens. Out of ten people in lets say Sweden or Norway, you have high chances of getting a native of one country in either of the two countries. Even expatriates to the Nordics find it easy to move in and out of any of the countries without worrying about security checks or abruptly being stopped to show documentation. But even as Nordic citizens enter and leave any of the countries, many don’t know what rights their citizenship gives them.
To those who badly long to come to the Nordics, having a citizenship in the Nordic bloc would be a milestone like no other. Whether it is Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Icelandic or Finnish citizenship, the Nordic council gives equal rights irrespective of which of these countries you find yourself at any given time.
With a similar historical heritage, the Pan-Nordic movement saw it wise to draft binding rights for all Nordic-born citizens. Since then, it is operational under the Nordic Model. Even so, do you know the rights you have in Sweden as a Nordic citizen?
Nordic citizens have a right to move to and out of the five countries
As per the Nordic model, all Nordic citizens have a right to move to any of the five countries that suit them. You may wonder about the high number of landing SAS flights in Stockholm. Should you bother to ask around, it will be clear from feedback that also many people in Sweden really just come from the Nordic countries but of course with a couple others from abroad and across the wider Continental Europe.
In other parts of the world, we have these artificial boundaries set up to limit movement; for good or clumsy reasons but the Nordics does none of that to its citizens. In short, being a Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Icelandic or Finnish citizen automatically gives you a bigger Nordic citizenship and the benefits that come with it. No wonder Nordic family members live scattered in the region’s countries without feeling separated.
With this freedom and feeling at home, Nordics and all those who acquire citizenship of any of the countries can freely live in any of them. But, provided you have a legal residence in one of the countries, movement in and out remains unrestricted. As long as you are a Nordic citizen by birth, you can freely live, work or even study in Sweden. It simply means you can easily cross the borders without the fear of being caught up in ambiguous red tape.
Although Nordics can freely move to Sweden, many are still bothered for clarity if anything is required of them. Yeah, there are requirements for such guests, though they are fewer than it is for non-Nordic Citizens. Over and above, it depends on whether your visit is for a short or extended stay.
What is Required of a Nordic Citizen Who will have a Short Stay in Sweden?
Whether out for a vacation spree or maybe on with research in Sweden, your stay is probably that of a few days. Here, we are working with a time limit of 180 days or below. Unlike for Non-Nordics who will bring along a visa, Nordics only show their valid national ID at the Swedish borders.
Alternatively, they can use a valid driving license or even a passport to provide evidence of citizenship. This same rule applies even to those who commute to Sweden daily. Maybe if you work or study in Sweden but still live in your cradle land.
To inform you, Sweden is a bit stringent when it comes to valid identification. Do not expect to use ID issued by banks or tax authorities because it is unacceptable. All said on that, we could as well discuss how it is to fully relocate and become Swedish residents.
All Nordic Citizens Have a ‘Right to Residency’ in Sweden
Yes, Nordics have a ‘right to residence’ in Sweden like in other Nordic countries. To mean, they do not require to contact the Swedish Migration Agency to announce their arrival or residency. But it is a must for them to inform the Swedish Tax Agency of their relocating intention. This can be done at the Swedish State center. It would be best if you visit that same office with all your family members that wish to accompany you. There are many documents to bring along, but such vary depending on your citizenship and many other circumstances.
Being registered in the Tax Agency basically means you will thereby acquire a Swedish personal number. It helps with many other procedures like opening a bank account, getting started with a private business, and others. It is even simpler if you wish to start your studies in Sweden, nothing is daunting at all.
The Rights You Have When Studying in Sweden as a Nordic Citizen
If you are a Nordic citizen dreaming to further your studies to tertiary levels, Sweden is generous there. As long as you have a permanent Residence from Denmark, Norway, Iceland, or Finland, you will be granted a Study allowance in Sweden. But that happens after your migration agency has issued you the permit. And such applications are in connection to your previous education in your motherland.
You should never worry about upper secondary or higher education because the Swedish study allowance will cater to your tuition fee. There is an additional fee on the application, which is paid for too. Even so, there are a few conditions to fulfill before you get the allowance. For instance, the study allowance will first approve your kind of study program and ensure it is full-time. You are able to transfer your academic program from your country to Sweden.
You are Free to Practice Your Voting Right in Sweden as a Nordic Citizen
As a Nordic citizen, you are eligible to acquire dual citizenship in Sweden through naturalization. Nevertheless, citizenship is only for them that have celebrated their 18th birthday. You know, dual citizenship gives you political rights to vote in Sweden as a guest. Once you have registered at Swedish Tax Agency, and that is 30 days earlier to Election Day, you are safe.
Just know that your voting rights are only limited to municipal and regional levels alone. Riksdag election is preserved for Swedish-born citizens alone. That did not mean you cannot vote at the EU election level, you will, but to one country, either your homeland or Sweden. Dual citizenship also opens gates for them that want to participate as political candidates. If you have a huge wallet, you can as well donate to political candidates or parties if you wish to.