- Förskoleklass is free, compulsory education for 6-year-olds and serves as the bridge between preschool and primary school
- The focus is on literacy, numeracy, social skills, creativity, and preparing children for grade 1
- Children can start even if they don't speak Swedish, with language support available
- School places are allocated through your municipality, usually based on proximity, sibling priority, and availability
- EU/EEA families can typically enrol after moving to Sweden, while non-EU families usually do so after relocating with approved residence permits
If you are navigating the school system for the first time, welcome. Take a breath. You are in the right place. If your child is 6-years old and living here, they will usually start förskoleklass in Swedish. It's the first step in Sweden’s compulsory education system and acts as a bridge between preschool and primary school.
During this year, children begin developing early skills in reading, language, maths, and social interaction, while still learning through play, creativity, and exploration.
The goal is to gently introduce school routines, build early literacy and numeracy, and help children feel comfortable in a classroom environment before starting Year 1 of compulsory school. It is free of charge and available to all children, and for many international families it also serves as a helpful introduction to how the Swedish school system works.
Applications are handled by your local municipality.
You will normally:
- choose or rank your preferred schools
- submit an application through the municipality's school placement system
School places are typically allocated based on:
- proximity to the school
- siblings already attending
- available places
To apply online, you will usually need Swedish e-ID, such as BankID or Freja eID+.
If you do not yet have e-ID, contact your municipality for alternative ways to apply.
EU/EEA citizens
You can usually apply once you know which municipality you will live in.
Your child can start school after you have arrived in Sweden and registered with the municipality.
non-EU/EEA
Your child can usually start school after your family's residence permits have been approved and you have moved to Sweden.
Some municipalities allow you to express interest before arrival, but school places are generally offered only after you are living in the municipality.
This mirrors how people naturally think and reduces the feeling that there are two completely different application systems when, in reality, the application process is largely the same — the timing differs.
- You apply through your local municipality
- Choose or rank the schools you prefer
- The municipality places your child based on:
- distance
- siblings already attending
- available places
To apply, you usually log in with Swedish e-ID (like BankID or Freja eID+).
If you can’t log in yet, contact your local municipality for other ways to apply.
☐ Your child must be 6-years old (starts in the autumn of the year they turn 6)
☐ Apply through your municipality (usually online)
☐ You must have moved to Sweden before a place is offered
☐ Choose and rank your preferred school(s) if options are available
☐ Placement is based on your registered address
☐ Apply after you know your municipality (EU/EEA) or after permits are approved (non‑EU)
☐ You will receive a school placement before the school year starts (August)
☐ School is free of charge, including lunch
☐ Introduction period varies by school (usually a few days)
☐ After-school care (fritidshem) requires separate registration
☐ If your child does not speak Swedish, language support is provided
☐ Attendance follows the national school calendar (autumn–spring terms)
☐ If you move municipalities, you must reapply in the new area
☐ You cannot appeal the placement decision
☐ After förskoleklass, your child automatically continues to Year 1 at the same school (unless you request a change)
- Preschool class is compulsory for all children in the year they turn six and is part of Sweden’s national education system
- It is free of charge, including school meals, but after-school care requires separate registration and income-based fees
- You apply through your municipality, and placement is based on your registered address and school availability
- Check your municipality’s deadlines carefully — late applications are processed after the main round
- Children can start even if they do not speak Swedish — language support is provided
- Once you receive and accept a place, your application ends
- If you are staying in Sweden long term, prepare early for preschool class since it is compulsory
- It helps your child adjust to structured schooling, build Swedish skills, and settle into the school environment before Year 1
- Register with your municipality as soon as you know where you’ll live to avoid delays in placement
Find a preschool in:
stockholm
↗ Grundskola information
↗ Apply here
gothenburg
↗ Grundskola information
↗ Apply here
how many schools can I choose?
You can usually choose several schools (often up to 6, depending on the municipality). You rank them in order of preference (once you receive and accept a place, your application ends).
when can I apply?
Applications usually open in January–February for children starting in August (autumn term). Preschool class starts in the year your child turns 6.
Check your municipality’s deadlines carefully — late applications are processed after the main round.
how do I apply?
Apply online through your local municipality’s school portal. You usually log in with Swedish e-ID (BankID or Freja eID+). If you don’t have eID, contact the municipality for alternative application methods.
Make sure your contact details are correct — placement offers are sent digitally.
what if my first choice is full?
Placement is based on factors such as your home address, queue rules, and sibling priority. If your preferred school is full, you will be offered another available school near your home.
how do I change or decline a place?
You respond to the offer through the municipality’s online system. If you decline, your child may be placed at another school with available space.
If you move to another municipality, you must apply again there.