A Comprehensive Guide on Moving to Sweden

Jump right in:

• Relocating your household goods & pets
• Visa types & work permit requirements
• Renting or buying a home in Sweden
• The healthcare system of Sweden explained
• Opening a bank account & managing your taxes
• Education & international schools in Sweden
• Jobs and finding work in Sweden
• Cost of living & helpful facts about life in Sweden

Relocating your household goods & pets

Moving to Sweden is a simple process if you have all the correct documents. Like most aspects of moving to Sweden, if you’re an EU citizen there is very little you’ll have to do. For example, EU nationals moving from another EU country to Sweden do not need to declare their goods at the Swedish border. Non-EU nationals must show evidence that the household goods they are moving are their own, used personal goods. You can claim an exemption from customs and VAT when moving to Sweden from outside the EU. Depending on your situation, there are different regulations regarding this. You can find them on the Swedish Customs website (Tullverket).

If you're moving with your pet, the countries are divided into three groups based on the rabies situation. The required documents and vaccinations vary by category.

Read our complete guide on relocating to Sweden

Visa types & work permit requirements

The steps for getting a Swedish visa depend on your nationality. EU/EEA residents have a right to residence in Sweden and do not need permission to live and work in the country. Similarly, they can move to Sweden without a job and spend a few months searching for one.

Non-EU/EEA nationals moving to Sweden must meet visa requirements depending on their purpose. If you're coming as an employee, the main requirement is a job offer. Your employer will start the visa application process by filing online through the government website. There are different types of visas for expats, depending on whether their work is considered highly skilled. The cost of each visa is usually the same.

Read our complete guide on visas & work permits in Sweden

Renting or buying a home in Sweden

Finding accommodation in Sweden can be difficult. When looking into how to rent a house in Sweden, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the concept of first- and second-hand leases. A first-hand lease refers to someone who rents directly from the owner of the apartment. A second-hand lease refers to renting from the first renter. This is also called a sublet in other countries.

To avoid the complications of first and second-hand leases, foreigners planning to stay in Sweden long-term should consider buying a house. The process of buying a house in Sweden is fairly straightforward for foreigners, who won’t face many restrictions. As with rentals, however, average house prices are high, but expats will have many types of houses to choose from.

You should be aware that a large portion of your salary will go towards housing. Whether it is the cost of the average rent or Swedish utility prices, prices throughout the country are high. Expats find the housing shortage one of the most frustrating aspects of moving to Sweden.

Read our complete guide on housing in Sweden

The healthcare system of Sweden explained

Sweden’s healthcare system and health insurance is world renowned. The country's effective scheme is one of the most prominent in the world. Part of the reason is that the public health system is so comprehensive that many residents don’t feel the need for private insurance in Sweden. In fact, less than 10% of native Swedes use private insurance.

Expats who want to use Sweden’s healthcare system will need to register as a Swedish resident first. If you don’t, you’ll need to buy private health insurance instead. Private health insurance is more expensive than using the public system, but benefits include shorter wait times and a great selection of practitioners.

Expectant mothers are required to get Swedish residency as there is very little pre-and post-natal care within private hospitals. Pregnant expats can also expect to give birth with the aid of a midwife rather than a doctor.

Read our complete guide on insurance & healthcare in Sweden

Opening a bank account & managing your taxes

For most expats, opening a bank account is one of the first steps after moving to Sweden. The process is generally straightforward, but having a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) makes it much easier. Without this number, your options may be limited, as most banks require it to open a full account or access digital banking services. In our detailed guide, you can find out more about the main banks in Sweden and how to open a bank account.

You’ll also learn how the Swedish tax system works and what the current tax rates are. Whether you plan to work for an employer or be self-employed, it’s important to know how to register for a tax identification number and when to file your taxes.

Read our complete guide on banking and taxes in Sweden.

Education & international schools in Sweden

Education in Sweden is well regarded and easy to navigate for families and students moving here. Schooling is compulsory from ages 6 to 16, and includes preschool, primary, lower secondary, upper secondary, and higher education.

Public schools are free for all residents, and most teachers speak good English, which makes it easier for expats. International and private schools are also available, offering English or bilingual instruction and foreign curricula such as the IB or British system.

Higher education is also highly regarded, with universities offering a wide range of programs.

You’ll learn more about how the Swedish school system works, how to enroll your child, and what options exist for international, higher, and language education in our guide on education in Sweden.

Jobs and finding work in Sweden

Working in Sweden offers a stable, well-regulated environment with a strong emphasis on equality and employee rights. Most foreigners need a job offer before applying for a work permit, and the recruitment process is often formal and transparent. Finding a job as a foreigner often means understanding how the local job market works and what employers expect. You’ll also want to know what salaries look like, since Sweden doesn’t have a national minimum wage but relies on collective agreements between unions and employers.

If you plan to work for yourself, Sweden has clear rules for registering as self-employed. Our guide also covers the country’s extensive social security system, as well as maternity and paternity leave, which are among the most generous in the world.

Read more in our complete guide on work life and finding a job in Sweden.

Cost of living & helpful facts about life in Sweden

Life in Sweden offers a high standard of living, safety, and excellent public services, but adjusting to the climate and reserved social culture can take time. Our detailed guide covers practical insights that make everyday life easier, from how public transportation works to driving rules, public holidays, and local customs.

You’ll also learn about Swedish culture and social etiquette, how people interact, the importance of personal space, and traditions like fika that shape daily life.

Read more in our complete guide on living in Sweden.