Guide for
Visiting Staff
Photo: Göran Assner, Mattias Jacobsson, Carina Elmäng, Johan Wingborg
Guide for Visiting Staff
W
elcome to Gothenburg and to our University. I really hope that your stay here will meet your expectations or even exceed them. Since living in a new country can be quite a challenge, at least in the beginning, we have put together a booklet with advice and information that may make your everyday life a bit easier. I hope you will find it useful.
Pam Fredman Vice-Chancellor
Contents Planning your stay Permits Accommodations Insurance Travel Family Life in Sweden Getting settled Civic registration ID card Income taxes At the University Banks Postal services Phone Internet and e-mail
Living in Gothenburg Health and medical care Leisure Local transportation
Useful information
Faculties at the University of Gothenburg
Planning your stay
Permits EU citizens As an EU/EEA citizen, you have the right to work in Sweden without a work or residence permit. The same applies to your family members if they join you. You and your family members are entitled to begin working immediately. If you stay longer than three months, you have to register with the Swedish Migration Board, www.migrationsverket.se Non-EU citizens A visa is required for researchers from certain countries and regions. It is issued for short-term visits and must be applied for before entering the Schengen area (including Sweden). Visiting researchers do not need a work permit. Note that if you are a visiting researcher, you still need a residence permit if your stay is expected to last longer than three months. Also note that the permit must be valid and included in the passport before you travel to Sweden. To receive a residence permit, you need to have a hosting agreement with the host university. More information about permits, visas and application forms can be found at www.migrationsverket.se
If you would like help from the University in these matters, please contact Guest Services, www.service.gf.gu.se/english/guestservices Accommodations The University of Gothenburg offers more than fifty different and centrally located guest rooms and apartments. They are fully furnished and equipped for self-catering, and are administrated by Guest Services. We can also help you find other housing solutions, provide you with transportation upon arrival and assist in practical matters concerning your stay. www.service.gf.gu.se/english/guestservices Insurance Healthcare in Sweden is very expensive unless you are covered by some kind of insurance. If your spouse/cohabitant and/or children accompany you to Sweden, they too need to make sure that they have some form of healthcare coverage in Sweden. To read more about healthcare in Sweden, please download an informative text from the Swedish Social Insurance Administration at www. forsakringskassan.se
EU citizens Regarding social security and health related matters, you are covered as soon as you register as a resident with the Swedish Migration Board. Your entitlement to some benefits (e.g. sickness benefit) depends on whether or not you are employed and pay taxes in Sweden. You will have access to public medical services if you register beforehand at a social insurance office in your home country and obtain a European Health Insurance Card. You need to bring the card with you when seeking medical attention in Sweden. Non-EU citizens • Staying less than one year. If your residence permit is for less than a year, you cannot be listed in the Swedish civil registry, rendering you ineligible for Swedish healthcare benefits. Instead you have to make arrangements for health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Sweden before you arrive, either with an insurance company in your home country or through the University by means of a GIF insurance (GIF-försäkring). However, foreign citizens may be eligible for medical benefits under certain conditions. Check with your home social security or insurance office before you leave.
• Staying one year or more. If you have a residence permit for a year or more, you are eligible for the same healthcare benefits as Swedes. However, you are not covered until you register at a local tax office (see under Getting Settled). It is therefore advisable that you get some form of travel/ medical insurance in your home country for your first few days in Sweden. If you receive a scholarship or stipend (other than from a Marie Curie fellowship), you will not be required to pay taxes in Sweden. In this case, there might be some limitations in the social security, for example with respect to sick leave allowance and parental leave allowance. This applies even if you are expected to stay in Sweden for a year or longer. Insuring your belongings Concerning your personal belongings, it is strongly recommended that you purchase for example a home insurance. Travel There are two airports in Gothenburg: Göteborg Landvetter Airport and Göteborg City Airport, www.lfv.se. You can also reach Gothenburg by ferry, www.aferry.se, or by train, www.sj.se
Airport buses operate between the airports and the Gothenburg Central Station. You can either buy your ticket online at www. flygbussarna.se or pay with a major credit card on the bus or using the ticket machines at the airports. There is also a possibility for visiting staff to arrange a pickup at the airport or train station. This service, administered by Guest Services, is free of charge and can be ordered through your host Department. www.service.gf.gu.se/english/guestservices Family If you plan to bring your family to Gothenburg, they may also need a visa or a residence permit, depending on their citizenship and length of stay. They also need to make sure that they have some form of healthcare coverage in Sweden. You can read more about the Swedish social security system at www.researchinsweden.se, sections: Live and Work in Sweden and Bringing Your Family. Pre-schools and schools If you have children, you should locate a pre-school or school as early as possible. There is a list of international pre-schools and
schools in and around Gothenburg in the Expat Guide at www. businessregiongoteborg.com. Guest Services can assist with more information regarding your stay in Gothenburg, www.service.gf.gu.se/english/guestservices Life in Sweden Sweden is the third largest country in Western Europe with a population of about 9.3 million, of which a majority live in the southern parts. The country is characterized by its long coastlines, large forests and numerous lakes. In southern Sweden, the winters are shorter than in most other areas of Sweden, but nevertheless quite cold. Summer temperatures are normally 20-25º C. Due to the high latitude, we have very long hours of daylight in the summer and very long nights in the winter. Sweden has a position in Europe, and the world, as a modern and safe country with a reputation for being competitive and innovative. It has one of the highest standards of living in the world and a respected system of democracy and individual rights. Most Swedes are able to speak English. Read more about Sweden and Swedes at www.sweden.se and at www.visitsweden.com
Getting Settled
Civic registration When registered with the Migration Board, or when you have a residence permit valid for a year or longer, your next step should be to register as a resident at the nearest office of the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). Once you do so, you are eligible for Swedish healthcare benefits and you will receive a unique 10-digit civic registration number (personnummer) or a coordination number. You will be able to use this number to simplify a whole range of transactions in the Swedish society, such as acquiring an identity card, opening a bank account and visiting a doctor. You can find more information in both Swedish and English at www.skatteverket.se ID card ID cards are issued by the Swedish Tax Agency. You can find information about how to apply on their website at www.skatteverket. se/privat/idkort/idcard Income taxes In Sweden, income taxes are almost always automatically submitted to the tax authority, since employers are obliged to deduct
taxes from salaries paid to the employees. We strongly advise you to contact a tax consultant or the national tax authority in your home country before travelling to Sweden. Remember, if you are on a scholarship and do not pay income taxes, you will not be eligible for healthcare and other benefits. There are some exceptions to the regular tax system, e.g. tax relief for foreign key personnel, see www.forskarskattenamnden. se, and a special income tax for non-residents (SINK), see information at www.skatteverket.se At the University Your host Department will see to it that you have a work space, along with an IT account that enables you to access the Internet, e-mail and the University server. If you are employed by the University, you will receive information from the Department of Human Resources concerning e.g. payment of salaries, hours of work, insurance and pensions, work environment and equality matters. www.pa.adm.gu.se/english. There is also an information folder, Welcome – Employment Terms, for new employees at www.dinsida.gu.se/english
Security The University of Gothenburg conducts active security work and risk management. The security work must prevent risks and damage through cost-effective security solutions within IT security, physical security, personal security, administrative security and preparedness for emergency and crisis. Read more about this at www.fa.adm.gu.se/english/Security Banks Different banks have different conditions for opening an account. The bank will require the following documentation when opening an account for you: your civic registration number or coordination number (see Civic Registration above), your passport, your present address and a letter from your landlord confirming your residence. Certain banks only require a letter from your host to confirm your address. Postal services To receive letters and packages, your address must include your name, street or PO box number and postcode. Larger packages must be collected at designated locations, e.g. selected food stores and petrol stations. www.posten.se
Phone Mobile telephones are widely used in Sweden. Visiting staff at the University are offered the possibility to borrow a mobile phone during their visit. The mobile phone can be used not only for telephone calls but also to buy tickets in the local public transportation system. www.service.gf.gu.se/english/guestservices Internet and e-mail Most airports, train stations, public libraries and hotels provide computers with Internet access. There are also various Internet cafés. In the apartments and rooms provided by Guest Services, Internet connection is included in the accommodation fee.
GU-card All University of Gothenburg staff will receive an ID card that can be used for example as a keycard, library card and photocopier card on University premises.
Living in Gothenburg
Gothenburg is spelled Göteborg and pronounced [yuhteborg] in Swedish. It is Sweden’s second largest city and has half a million inhabitants. It is beautifully situated on the Swedish west coast. Read more information about the city at www.goteborg.com and www.goteborg.se Health and medical care Information and counselling The Medical Information Service (Sjukvårdsrådgivningen), telephone: +46 1177, is a 24-hour provider of free healthcare information and consulting. There are local medical care centres (Vårdcentral) all over Gothenburg. They are listed in the phone book (blue section) and at www.vgregion.se In case of emergency – dial 112. This is the emergency number for ambulance, police and rescue and fire brigade. You will be asked to explain what has happened and to state your location. There are emergency rooms (akutmottagning) at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital for adults and at Drottning Silvias Barn- och Ungdomssjukhus for children.
Health services at the University Regarding work-related health concerns, employees at the University of Gothenburg may turn to Previa, www.previa.se/GU. All visits require an appointment. Pharmacies Non-prescription medicines, such as aspirin and cough syrup, are sold at pharmacies and at some supermarkets, grocery stores and petrol stations. A doctor’s prescription is required for stronger medications such as antibiotics. These medicines can only be obtained from a pharmacy (apotek). Dentists All medical districts have a dental clinic (Folktandvården), usually located in the same area as the medical care centre (Vårdcentral). There is also a wide range of private dentists listed in the telephone directory. Dental care costs are partially subsidised if you are registered in the Swedish social insurance system.
Leisure Everything is close at hand in Gothenburg. In fact, most things are within walking or cycling distance. The sea and several beaches are within a couple of kilometres from the city, as are extensive nature reserves and leisure areas. The city has gained an international reputation for innovative cuisine using local produce, mainly north Atlantic fish and shellfish. Liseberg in central Gothenburg is Northern Europe’s largest and most beautiful amusement park, and one of Sweden’s most popular attractions. Information about Gothenburg and what’s going on in the city is published at www.goteborg.com Guest Services arranges various activities such as guided town walks, informal meetings and excursions. See the webpage calendarfor more information. www.service.gf.gu.se/english/guestservices Local transportation The local public transportation system is operated by Västtrafik and consists of buses, trains, trams and ferries. Find more information about tickets and a journey planner at www.vasttrafik.se
You cannot buy tickets from the driver. Instead, you need to buy your ticket from the Tidpunkten shop, from newsagents such as Pressbyrån, from 7-Eleven or from any other store or shop displaying the Västtrafik sign. You can also buy tickets by text message (if you have a Swedish mobile phone operator). The time schedule is very reliable and there are seldom delays. Some regional and airport buses will allow you to pay by credit card, or you can buy tickets in advance on the Internet.
Useful information
Associations The Gothenburg region has many clubs and associations, bringing international visitors and residents together for the purpose of support, companionship and friendship. See the Expat Guide at www.businessregiongoteborg.com Bank hours Banks are generally open Monday through Friday 10 am-3 pm. Many branch offices have additional opening hours in the late afternoon at least once a week. Clothing The weather in the southern part of Sweden is cold from Novemberto March. You will need winter clothing (coat, gloves, warm shoes, etc.) for this part of the year. At the University, the general dress code for most events is smart casual. The conferment of doctoral degrees is an exception to this. Driving in Sweden Sweden, like most other European countries, has right-hand traffic. You must bring your driving licence whenever you drive.
Electricity Sweden uses 230V AC, 50 Hz. Emergency In the event of an emergency, dial 112 and ask for ambulance services, the fire department or the police. News SR International is the international and multicultural service of state-owned national radio broadcaster SverigesRadio. www. sr.se/international. See www.thelocal.se for news about Sweden in English, and www.goteborgdaily.se for news about Gothenburg. Post offices Nowadays, post offices are integrated into various shops, grocery stores, petrol stations etc. You can use them to send packages and buy stamps. The opening hours differ according to the specific stores they are in. Generally, they are open during normal shopping hours, but local variations may occur. Look for the blue postal sign with the yellow bugle.
Public holidays A list of important Swedish holidays can be found at www.sweden.se. Most Swedes have the holidays off, including many civil servants, bank employees, public transport workers, hospital staff, shop assistants and media workers. Religion More than 80% of the Swedish population belong to the EvangelicalLutheran Church. The Expat Guide at www.businessregiongoteborg.com has a list of different churches represented in Gothenburg. Researchers The Euraxess Sweden website contains a lot of relevant informationfor researchers visiting Sweden, such as entry into Sweden, work and taxation, social security, bringing your family, language and leisure. There is also a printable handbook and a useful FAQ section. www.researchinsweden.se
Telephone The international country code for Sweden is 46. The area code for Gothenburg is (0)31. To call abroad from Sweden, dial 00 followed by the country code. Time GMT 1. Time is written according to the European system. For example, 2 pm is written 14.00. Daylight saving time is used, i.e. the clocks are moved forward 1 hour at 2 am on the last Sunday of March and are moved back to normal time at 2 am on the last Sunday of October. Dates are often written in the following order: year, month, day, e.g. 12 October 2009 is written 2009-10-12 (or just 091012), or 12/10 2009. American visitors in particular should take note that 12/10 does not mean the 10th of December.
Faculties at the University of Gothenburg
Sahlgrenska Academy (Medicine, Odontology and Health and Care Sciences) www.sahlgrenska.gu.se/english Faculty of Science www.science.gu.se/english Faculty of Arts www.hum.gu.se/english Faculty of Fine, Applied and Performing Arts www.konst.gu.se/english Faculty of Social Sciences www.samfak.gu.se/faculty_of_social_science School of Business, Economics and Law www.handels.gu.se Faculty of Education www.ufn.gu.se/english Teacher Training at the University of Gothenburg www.ufl.gu.se/english IT Faculty www.itufak.gu.se We reserve the right to make changes.
University of Gothenburg PO Box 100 SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden Telephone: +46 31 786 00 00 Fax: +46 31 786 10 64 E-mail:
[email protected] www.gu.se/english
