Childbirth

Most children are born in hospitals. Within three months after the birth all children have to be given a name. The parents must report the name to the local tax authority. 

Marriage
In order to marry in Sweden you must be at least 18 years old, unmarried or divorced and not a close relative of the person you are to marry. The wedding may be religious or civil. A document certifying that there are no obstacles to the marriage is also required. In Sweden an unmarried couple can live together in a ‘samboförhållande’ (cohabitation), which in many ways is similar to a marriage. A special law, sambolagen (the Swedish Cohabitation Act), governs these relationships in respect of children and common goods if the relationship should end. This Act also applies to homosexual relationships of the same kind. Since 1 May 2009 it has also been possible for people of the same sex to marry one another. 

Divorce
If both spouses want a divorce, the divorce is granted directly. However, if only one of the spouses wants a divorce, the granting of the divorce is delayed for six months. In certain other cases it is also necessary to wait six months to obtain a divorce. 

Death
When a person dies in Sweden, an authorised doctor must issue a certificate concerning the death and the causes. Most funerals in Sweden take place under the auspices of the Church of Sweden and follow Church of Sweden rites. Rites may vary for people of other faiths. After a death an estate inventory (bouppteckning) must be drawn up. 

Undertakers (begravningsbyråer) can offer advice and arrange funeral services. They can often also take care of other necessary formalities in connection with a death. Undertakers operate on a commercial basis and you must pay for their services, so ask for information about prices.

Text last edited on: 11/2009