Work · Sweden
Integration
The establishment programme
Programme
Etablerings- programmet
Sweden's Establishment Programme helps newly arrived refugees and their families integrate through language, civic orientation, and employment support.
- Duration
- 24 months
- Establishment allowance
- SEK 308/day (full participation)
- Managed by
- Arbetsförmedlingen (Public Employment Service)
- Includes
- SFI, civic orientation, job prep, internships
- Eligibility
- Refugees and quota refugees aged 20–64
- Register at Arbetsförmedlingen within your first year
- Attend the mapping meeting to assess your skills
- Receive an individual integration plan
- Participate in SFI, civic orientation, and work activities
- Complete the 24-month programme
Official sources
Civic Orientation
Samhälls- orientering
Civic orientation (samhällsorientering) teaches you about Swedish society, rights, obligations, and how things work — in your own language.
- Duration
- 100 hours minimum
- Language
- Taught in your native language
- Topics covered
- Democracy, laws, healthcare, employment, taxes
- Cost
- Free
- Provider
- Your municipality
- Enroll through Arbetsförmedlingen or your municipality
- Attend all 100 hours of civic orientation
- Ask questions — sessions are interactive
- Use the Informationsverige.se portal for additional reading
Community
Building Community
Integration isn't just paperwork — it's about building connections. Sweden has many organizations that help newcomers meet locals.
- Kompis Sverige
- Matches newcomers with Swedish 'buddy' friends
- Språkcafé
- Free language practice at libraries and churches
- Sports clubs
- Subsidised membership for newcomers
- Study circles (studiecirklar)
- Free group learning on any topic via ABF, Folkuniversitetet
- Sign up for Kompis Sverige to get a Swedish buddy
- Attend a språkcafé at your local library
- Join a local sports club or kulturförening
- Enroll in a studiecirkel through ABF or Folkuniversitetet
Official sources
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