Over 600 new residents in Boden thanks to Stegra

When Stegra began its recruitment efforts in 2022, a new phase also started for Boden. The municipality’s Relocation Service, created to support the green industrial establishment, has since helped hundreds of people find a home.

“We are seeing clear results from the work that started at the end of 2022. Since we put new routines in place during spring 2023, the number of new arrivals has increased rapidly,” says Peter Wallin, relocation coordinator at Boden Municipality’s Relocation Service.

In total, 303 Stegra employees have chosen to make use of the municipality’s Relocation Service. Of these, around 275 have already moved to Boden, including 167 since the end of May 2025.

From plan to reality

To access the municipality’s relocation support under the agreement with Stegra, two criteria must be met: the person must have a permanent position and be registered as a resident in Boden.

“We follow each individual throughout the entire process – from the moment they accept the job to the moment they step into their new home. This gives us a clear picture of how the establishment is actually affecting Boden,” says Emma Malisa, relocation coordinator.

Not everyone who begins the process ends up moving in. Some discontinue the recruitment, some choose to settle in another municipality, and others end their employment.

Families are moving too

The influx is not only about new employees. Many bring their families – and it shows in the statistics. So far, the municipality has registered 172 accompanying adults and 189 children, meaning that Boden has gained around 640 new residents connected to Stegra, including those who will move in around the turn of the year.

“These are people who are putting down roots here. We see new families in preschools, in activities and sports clubs, and across community life. It’s a development that affects the whole society,” says Josefina Schmidt, relocation coordinator.

Sveafältet becomes a new hub

A large share of the new arrivals have chosen to settle in Sveafältet, where around 100 people connected to Stegra now live. The area has long been classified as one of Boden’s more socioeconomically challenged neighbourhoods, but it may now be entering a new phase.

“Many engineers and other professionals are moving in, which creates a new dynamic in the area. It is also a neighbourhood where the municipality has begun extensive development work, so it will be very interesting to follow future socioeconomic measurements, as this will affect Boden on many levels,” says Peter Wallin.

Personal guidance for new residents

The Relocation Service is a central part of the municipality’s work to manage growth. Through a collaboration agreement between Boden Municipality and Stegra, the two parties work together to make it easier for more employees to choose to live in Boden.

The service offers support in housing matters, childcare and schools, but also functions as a personal introduction to the community – providing information on everything from municipal processes to leisure activities.

When Stegra’s recruiters forward a new contact, an initial digital meeting is held to map needs and preferences. The case is then guided to the appropriate function within the municipality.

“By combining practical support with personal contact, we create good conditions for both new and existing residents of Boden,” says Peter Wallin.