Moving to Sweden

What do I need to know before moving to Sweden?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Sweden, they said:

"Sweden is a great place to live, but there are a few things expats should be aware of before moving. It is important to research the cost of living in Sweden, as it is generally higher than in other countries. Expats should also be aware of the language barrier, as Swedish is the official language of the country. Additionally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the Swedish culture and customs, as they can be quite different from other countries. Finally, expats should make sure to obtain the necessary visas and permits before moving to Sweden," commented one expat who made the move to Sweden.

"Research! That is the key to moving. Find your clan and glean as much information as possible from people who have crossed the pond. Most of the websites for newcomers have links and resource. Another important thing is talking to people already there," remarked one expat in Stockholm, Sweden.

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How do I find a place to live in Sweden?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Sweden is to use online resources such as websites like Blocket, Bostad Direkt, and Hemnet. These websites allow you to search for available properties in Sweden and filter your search by location, price, and other criteria. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who can help you find a place to live that meets your needs. You can also look for rental postings on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram. Finally, you can also look for rental postings in local newspapers and magazines," remarked one expat who made the move to Sweden.

"My husband was very particular on where we would live. Believe it or not, there are slumps in Sweden and Swedes are so careful about where and how they live that "addresses" are important statements of their "class". We got a tip through some friends," explained one expat living in Stockholm, Sweden.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Sweden?

"Expat homes and apartments in Sweden tend to be modern and well-equipped, with plenty of natural light and a neutral colour palette. Many apartments come with a balcony or terrace, and some even have access to a garden. Expats can expect to find a fully-equipped kitchen, a comfortable living area, and plenty of storage space. Most apartments also come with access to a laundry room and a shared outdoor area. Expats can also expect to find a variety of amenities in their neighbourhood, such as supermarkets, restaurants, and parks," said one expat who made the move to Sweden.

"We live in a second hand rental apartment which came unfurnished, with a fridge, oven and an electric stove. The rental includes heating and a car park bay. The apartment is about 3mins to the train stop, 2 mins to the Lake Malaren, 8-10mins on train to Stockholm city and close the the forest. Most expats live in apartments. If they are career expats, they might be in paid for villas with 3-5 rooms, fully furnished," explained one expat living in Stockholm, Sweden.

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What is the average cost of housing in Sweden?

If you are thinking about moving to Sweden, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The average cost of housing in Sweden is generally quite high, with prices varying depending on the location and type of property. In general, renting a one-bedroom apartment in a city center can cost around 10,000 SEK (1,000 EUR) per month, while a three-bedroom apartment in a suburban area can cost around 8,000 SEK (800 EUR) per month. Buying a property in Sweden can be even more expensive, with prices ranging from around 2 million SEK (200,000 EUR) for a small apartment to over 10 million SEK (1 million EUR) for a large house," said one expat in Sweden.

"Higher than where I'm from in the US. We paid like 7000 sek for our flat and it was TINY," remarked one expat who made the move to Goteborg.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Sweden?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Sweden, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Buying a home in Sweden can be a great investment, as the country has a strong economy and a stable housing market. However, it is important to consider the costs associated with buying a home, such as the cost of the property, taxes, and fees. Additionally, it is important to consider the length of time you plan to stay in Sweden, as buying a home may not be the best option if you plan to move in the near future. Renting a home in Sweden can be a great option for those who are not ready to commit to buying a home, as it allows for more flexibility and can be more cost-effective in the short-term," said one expat in Sweden.

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What should I pack when moving to Sweden?

We asked people living in Sweden to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"When moving to Sweden, it is important to pack warm clothing, as the climate is much cooler than many other countries. It is also important to bring a good raincoat and waterproof shoes, as the weather can be unpredictable. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring a few items of furniture, such as a bed, sofa, and dining table, as these items can be expensive to purchase in Sweden. Finally, it is important to bring any necessary documents, such as a passport, visa, and work permit," said one expat in Sweden.

"I wish I had brought some American measuring cups/tablespoons. It was too much trouble to have to convert all my American recipes to metric. Wish I had also brought cold/flu medicines, because you can't find the strength you're used to in the US, except in prescription form. I wish I had left all my dress clothes, because I wasn't working in an office setting, and so they were very impractical to have and not used. Also wish I had left most of my shoes (especially the ones with heels), because those are impractical as well. Goteborg was very rainy and snowy, so some of my shoes were just ruined," said one expat who made the move to Goteborg.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Sweden?

We asked people in Sweden if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"Yes, when I first drove to my boy friends home from the airport, I turned onto a huge bike path. I had no idea it wasn't part of the road. There wasn't a sign or anything painted identifying that area was for bikes only. eeek," commented one expat who made the move to Karlstad.

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Why do people move to Sweden?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Sweden, they responded:

"Sweden is an attractive destination for expats due to its high quality of life, excellent healthcare system, and strong economy. The country is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with vast forests, lakes, and mountains. Sweden is also a very safe and welcoming place to live, with a low crime rate and a tolerant attitude towards diversity. Additionally, Sweden is a great place to work, with a high standard of living and a competitive job market. Finally, Sweden is a great place to learn, with a wide range of educational opportunities and a strong focus on innovation," replied one expat when asked about moving to Sweden.

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How are healthcare services Sweden?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Sweden, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Sweden are provided by both public and private providers. The public healthcare system is funded by taxes and is free for all Swedish citizens and permanent residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally high, with a focus on preventive care and access to specialists. Foreign residents are also able to access the public healthcare system, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Sweden are able to use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats are also able to access private healthcare services, which may be more expensive but may offer more choice and flexibility," commented one expat who moved to Sweden.

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What are medical services in Sweden like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Sweden, they replied:

"In Sweden, medical services are of a high standard and are available to all citizens. The Swedish healthcare system is based on the principle of equal access to healthcare for all, regardless of income or social status. The country has a comprehensive network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers, as well as a wide range of specialist services. Sweden also has a well-developed system of preventive health care, with regular health checks and vaccinations for children and adults. In addition, Sweden has a strong focus on mental health, with a range of services available to support people with mental health issues," wrote one expat living in Sweden.

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