Moving to Sweden: 10 Things You Need to Know

If you’re reading this, you’re probably curious to know more about moving to and living in this beautiful country of the North; Sweden. Moving to Sweden as a foreigner should be an exciting adventure, but it's important to be well-prepared to ensure a smooth move and transition. Here are 10 essential things you need to know before making the move.

1. Get Your Swedish Residence Permit

If you’re planning to stay in Sweden for more than three months and you're not an EU/EEA citizen, you'll need to apply for a residence permit. This should be done before you enter the country. EU/EEA citizens do not need a residence permit but must register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) upon arrival. 

2. Get Your Swedish Personal Identity Number (Personnummer)

A Swedish Personal Identity Number, called “Personnummer” in Swedish, is crucial for accessing many services in Sweden, from healthcare to banking. If you intend to live in Sweden for more than a year, you can obtain one by registering with the Swedish Tax Agency once you have moved to Sweden​. If you intend to live in Sweden for a shorter time, you can instead apply to get a Coordination Number, or “Koordinationsnummer” in Swedish. 

You can read our previous article with more details about getting a Swedish Personal Identity Number or Coordination Number here.

3. The Swedish Healthcare System

Sweden has a high-quality public healthcare system that is accessible to all residents. Once you have your Personnummer, you are entitled to healthcare services. If you're a citizen of any of the EU/EEA countries or Switzerland, you should register for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in your home country before coming to Sweden. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) gives you the right to medical care in Sweden at the same cost as Swedes. If you intend to stay in Sweden and register as a resident, you’ll be covered by the public healthcare system. 

4. Cost of Living in Sweden

Sweden has a relatively high cost of living, especially in cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg. Housing, food, and transportation can be expensive, so it's essential to budget accordingly. However, public services such as education and healthcare are subsidized and of high quality​. 

5. The Swedish Language

While most Swedes speak excellent English, learning Swedish can greatly enhance your experience and integration into society. Free Swedish language courses (SFI - Swedish for Immigrants) are available to help newcomers​, and you can read more about that at Utbildningsguiden.

6. The Swedish Weather

Sweden experiences a varied climate with cold winters and mild/warm summers. In the most northern parts, winters can be long and dark, while the south enjoys milder winters. Be prepared for significant seasonal changes and good to know; Swedes love to talk (and oftentimes complain) about the weather.

7. Finding Accommodation in Sweden

Finding a place to live in Sweden can be challenging, particularly in major cities. In fact, there’s a housing shortage in most municipalities in Sweden, and a lot of people rent their homes second hand. Start your search early and consider different types of accommodation, such as sublets, shared apartments, and long-term rentals.

8. Work Culture in Sweden

Swedish work culture emphasizes work-life balance, flat organizational structures, and teamwork. Punctuality and efficiency are highly valued, and many workplaces offer flexible working hours and generous parental leave policies. Another good thing to know about work culture in Sweden is that it’s usually encouraged to take initiative, be bold, and self-driven. On Fridays (and sometimes Wednesdays as well, called “Lill-lördag”) Swedes love to head out for After-Work (“AW”), grabbing a bite and a few drinks together with colleagues. This is a great time to bond and get to know your colleagues beyond work.

9. Public Transportation in Sweden

Sweden boasts an efficient and extensive public transportation system. Trains, buses, and trams connect cities and regions, making it easy to travel without a car. Consider getting a monthly city pass if you plan to use public transport regularly. In most larger cities, alternative public transportation such as e-scooters or e-bikes from voi, are very popular ways of transportation for Swedes. 

10. Social Etiquette in Sweden

Swedes value personal space, privacy, and punctuality. It's common to remove your shoes when entering someone's home, and sometimes even at the office, and being late without giving notice is often seen as disrespectful. Understanding these cultural norms can help you integrate more smoothly​​. It’s also good to know that Swedes, in general, are very relaxed and casual when it comes to social etiquette, and they’re open minded for cultural differences. 

Fun Fact about Sweden

Sweden is home to the world’s first ice hotel, simply named “Icehotel”, located in Jukkasjärvi, which is rebuilt every winter from ice blocks taken from the Torne River. Visitors can spend the night in beautifully crafted ice rooms and experience the unique Arctic environment​. It’s possible for guests to enjoy the splendid art of ice year-round, not only during winter. You can find more information about it and book your stay the Ice Hotel website.