The new laws affecting life in Sweden from July 1st
Several things are changing in Sweden this July, from new taxes to benefits changes, as a range of new laws come into force from the start of the month.
Two of the big laws coming in from July 1st revolve around issues the country’s politicians have long been debating. Tightened sexual consent legislation and a law making it illegal to benefit from other people’s begging (begging itself remains legal) will both apply from July onwards.
IN DETAIL: Five things to know about Sweden's new sexual consent law
Meanwhile, several more laws will directly affect the daily lives of many people living in Sweden -- and their wallets. Here are the most important points you should know.
Less time to wait for unemployment benefit
A-kassa is the Swedish unemployment fund, ensuring people get paid even during periods without work. You can access it if you lose your job, but there's a short waiting period before the payments begin.
One of the so-called ‘karensdagar’ or waiting days will be removed from July, so applicants will only need to wait six days, rather than the current seven, before they receive the money.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know if you lose your job in Sweden
Vehicle tax is changing
A very important point for anyone contemplating a new car: Sweden's laws around how motorists are taxed are changing to promote environmentally friendly policies.
Buying a car with low emissions, if it runs on electricity or gas, will be rewarded with a bonus at the time of purchase, while buyers of cars that use a lot of petrol or diesel will be hit by significant tax increases.
Bear in mind that these rules apply only to new cars, and only during their first three years of use.
Higher study grants
For those studying at a gymnasium (high school equivalent), the study grant is increasing from 1,050 to 1,250 each month, while students at university level will receive 10,444 each month as a grant -- an increase of 272 kronor.
Even better is the fact that the new prices will apply from March 1st, meaning a bonus retroactive payment to begin with.
Private healthcare gets pricier
If private healthcare is part of your work benefits package, be aware that this becomes taxable from July 1st -- previously it was exempt, so you'll see a difference in your paycheck.
Cheaper union fees
In Sweden many employees choose to join a union, and it's about to get slightly cheaper to do so. If the annual fee is above 400 kronor, members will be able to deduct 25 percent of the fee in their yearly tax declaration.
New tax on electronic cigarettes
Bad news for vapers, as from July 1st a new tax is being introduced on the liquids used in e-cigarettes. Although the tax won’t be paid directly by the customer, but rather by the manufacturing company, this is likely to inflate prices.
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Two of the big laws coming in from July 1st revolve around issues the country’s politicians have long been debating. Tightened sexual consent legislation and a law making it illegal to benefit from other people’s begging (begging itself remains legal) will both apply from July onwards.
IN DETAIL: Five things to know about Sweden's new sexual consent law
Meanwhile, several more laws will directly affect the daily lives of many people living in Sweden -- and their wallets. Here are the most important points you should know.
Less time to wait for unemployment benefit
A-kassa is the Swedish unemployment fund, ensuring people get paid even during periods without work. You can access it if you lose your job, but there's a short waiting period before the payments begin.
One of the so-called ‘karensdagar’ or waiting days will be removed from July, so applicants will only need to wait six days, rather than the current seven, before they receive the money.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know if you lose your job in Sweden
Vehicle tax is changing
A very important point for anyone contemplating a new car: Sweden's laws around how motorists are taxed are changing to promote environmentally friendly policies.
Buying a car with low emissions, if it runs on electricity or gas, will be rewarded with a bonus at the time of purchase, while buyers of cars that use a lot of petrol or diesel will be hit by significant tax increases.
Bear in mind that these rules apply only to new cars, and only during their first three years of use.
Higher study grants
For those studying at a gymnasium (high school equivalent), the study grant is increasing from 1,050 to 1,250 each month, while students at university level will receive 10,444 each month as a grant -- an increase of 272 kronor.
Even better is the fact that the new prices will apply from March 1st, meaning a bonus retroactive payment to begin with.
Private healthcare gets pricier
If private healthcare is part of your work benefits package, be aware that this becomes taxable from July 1st -- previously it was exempt, so you'll see a difference in your paycheck.
Cheaper union fees
In Sweden many employees choose to join a union, and it's about to get slightly cheaper to do so. If the annual fee is above 400 kronor, members will be able to deduct 25 percent of the fee in their yearly tax declaration.
New tax on electronic cigarettes
Bad news for vapers, as from July 1st a new tax is being introduced on the liquids used in e-cigarettes. Although the tax won’t be paid directly by the customer, but rather by the manufacturing company, this is likely to inflate prices.
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