Consistently ranked one of the top countries in quality of life surveys, Sweden is an expat’s dream. In the 2020 Best Countries survey, Sweden was given high marks for being business-friendly and encouraging entrepreneurship.
If you’re planning on moving to Sweden to live and work as an expat, here’s what you need to know to make your transition a smooth one.
Get Covered Before You Move to Sweden
Before you relocate, make sure you have the right health coverage in place. Compare top health plans and get expert guidance tailored to your move.
The rules for moving to Sweden for work differ for EU citizens from those for everyone else. If you’re an EU citizen, you can move to Sweden and then look for a job.
If you’re a citizen of a country outside the EU, you must have an offer of employment from a company in Sweden before your move.
The offer must include certain salary and benefit requirements that are set by national law and/or collective bargaining agreements.
If you’re an experienced business owner who wants to move to Sweden, you must plan on living and working in the country for at least one year.
One of the perks of getting a job offer in Sweden is that your new employer will start the process of applying for a work permit on your behalf.
After you submit the application, the Swedish Migration Agency will contact you by email.
If your application is approved and you’ll be working in Sweden longer than three months, you’ll also receive a residence permit card.
This only applies to non-EU employees, as EU citizens don’t need a residence permit card to live and work in Sweden.
Business owners, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads will have to apply for a residence permit card themselves. This can be done online at the website.
Registering With the Swedish Tax Agency
Once you arrive in Sweden, you’ll need to register with the Skatteverket – the Swedish Tax Agency.
You’ll be assigned a number and given an identification card that you’ll need for everything from receiving social benefits to opening a bank account.
The is where you register for social security benefits, such as health insurance, disability benefits, and child allowances.
Health Insurance in Sweden
Sweden’s healthcare system provides excellent care for citizens, and you can qualify for public insurance if you have a residency permit for over one year.
Now that you’re officially an expat, you’re ready to find a place to live. The Swedish housing market is quite competitive, so you might need to stay in a short-term rental while looking for a longer-term solution.
If you plan on being an apartment dweller, you’ll probably hear the terms first-hand lease and second-hand lease.
A first-hand lease is a housing contract between you and a landlord. A second-hand lease (or sublet) is a rental agreement between you and the original renter, with the landlord’s approval.
Homebuyers will find the process fairly straightforward – assuming you can find an available property, that is. If you’re lucky enough to find a home you want to buy, you’ll put in a bid for the property.
If your bid is accepted, you’ll negotiate a purchase agreement with the help of the real estate agent, have the property inspected, and sign the contract.
Education in Sweden
National educational goals, tax-funded schools, and an emphasis on individual learning make Sweden’s education system one of the best in the world.
Contact your local municipality to register for elementary and secondary school. If you’re interested in attending a Swedish university, you should contact the university directly.
Preschool is available for children as young as 1 year old and is affordable for everyone thanks to capped fees and a sliding scale.
Approximately 80% of children under the age of five attend preschool in Sweden while both parents work outside the home.
From the ages of six to sixteen, students are required to attend school. Students can attend any public school or charter school at no cost, but private schools (including international schools) charge tuition.
Lessons in Sweden’s public and charter schools are taught in Swedish. If you feel like the language barrier will be challenging for your child, you might consider one of the country’s international schools.
Though secondary school is optional, almost every teenager in Sweden continues their education at a college-preparatory school or a vocational program.
If you or your child plans to study for a bachelor’s or master’s degree or complete a research program, you’ll have to pay tuition unless you’re a citizen of an EU/EEA country.
Sweden’s Family-Friendly Policies
Your work permit entitles your partner or spouse and your dependent children to move to Sweden with you. They’re also eligible for social security benefits as residents of Sweden.
Sweden’s family-friendly policies include universal healthcare, paid leave for parents with a newborn or a sick child, subsidized daycare, before- and after-school programs, and tax-funded education.
Bringing Pets to Sweden
Not only can you bring your family with you when you move to Sweden, but you’re also welcome to bring your pets as well.
The has detailed information on its website that explains what you need to do to prepare your pet for the move and what happens when they arrive.
Learning Swedish
While most Swedes speak English, you’ll want to learn how to speak their language, especially if you are planning on living and working in the country for an extended period of time.
The Swedish Institute offers a for beginners, or you can try a language learning program like Duolingo, Babbel, or Rosetta Stone.
Once you’ve moved to Sweden, you can attend classes offered by an adult education association, study with a private teacher, or enroll in language courses at a local university.
Learning about culture and customs can be just as important as learning the language. has a great list of things you should know about Sweden that will help you fit right in when you make your move.
Move to Sweden with Confidence
Before you go, secure the right health coverage. Compare top international insurance plans designed for expats living in Sweden.
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