Your life in Sweden starts here
Make your move to Sweden
Forests, lakes and design-led cities pair with excellent healthcare and near-universal English in Sweden. A work permit opens the door, with permanent residency following in time and dual citizenship allowed.
Sponsored by
Photo: Jonathan Petersson / Pexels
At a glance
Sweden, in brief.
How Sweden compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Sweden ranks among the best for healthcare (9th of 78) and size of expat community (27th of 81) and english-friendliness (34th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- High
- Property
- Expensive
- Healthcare
- Excellent
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Cool (~8°C)
- English
- Very widely spoken
- Expat community
- Very large
No retiree visa, work permit route, 4yr PR, dual
Worldwide, ~52% top combined, expert relief
Life in Sweden
My name is Marie Daake. Where, when and why did you move abroad? In the summer of 2019, I moved to Höganäs, in the Skåne province of Sweden,…
Health insurance in Sweden
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
Sweden, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Sweden into clear answers.
Loading the insurance checker…
- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Sweden.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The Sweden moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in Sweden
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Sweden share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Sweden stories
- Helsingborg
Varsha Jaikumar
I am Varsha Jaikumar, a 30 year old Indian IT professional, who recently joined an IT company in Gothenburg.Where, when and why…
- Malmö
Melanie Aronson
Where, when and why did you move abroad?I’ve lived abroad a number of times. I studied abroad in college in Italy and…
- Stockholm
Daniel Reed
I’m Daniel Reed. Originally from Newcastle in the UK.Where, when and why did you move abroad?This is my second time in Sweden.…
Fresh from Sweden
Latest articles.
A Guide to Sweden’s Recycling System: Do’s and Don’ts
Sweden is often heralded as an environmental champion, and rightly so. The nation's innovative recycling system is a testament to its commitment to sustainability.…
Understanding Sweden’s Social Welfare System
This article looks at Sweden's social welfare system and how expats can access different services.
How To Open A Bank Account In Sweden
The financial sector in Sweden is of fundamental importance to the economic wellbeing of the country, and it helps ensure that both private and…
Hear it first hand
The podcast on Sweden.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All Sweden episodes
Need an international mover?
Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to Sweden, and compare them side by side.
Newsletter
Your move, in your inbox.
Our free monthly newsletter: stories, practical tips and everything you need to plan a new life abroad.