Living in Sweden: An Expat Guide to Moving to Sweden
Sweden is regularly rated one of the best countries in the world to live and work, and wherever you come from, it is easy to feel at home here. Moving to Sweden is a big step with plenty of decisions to make, so we have put together practical guides and checklists to help you settle in with as little stress as possible.
Sweden is also a bureaucratic country, and almost everything hinges on getting registered first. If you are a Nordic or EU/EEA citizen you can live and work here freely; if you come from outside these areas you will usually need a work permit before you arrive. Either way, registering with the authorities is one of the very first things to do once you land.
First steps: registration, personnummer and BankID
Three things unlock almost everything else in Sweden, so sort them early and in order:
- Register and get a personnummer – register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to receive your personnummer, the personal ID number used for everything from healthcare to signing a contract.
- Get BankID – once you have a personnummer and a Swedish bank account, you can get BankID, the digital ID used to log in and pay almost everywhere.
- Open a bank account – needed for your salary, rent and the ubiquitous Swish payment app. See our guide to banking in Sweden, including how to open an account before you have a personnummer.
Useful guides to get you started
The Swedish language
Almost all Swedes speak fluent English, so you will manage from day one. Still, learning some Swedish is well worth it: it helps you build real relationships with locals and shows commitment. You can learn Swedish online or at a local school, and the state often funds language classes for newcomers.
Housing
Finding a good apartment in Stockholm or Gothenburg can be tough, so it helps to understand your options. For a short stay, subletting (a “second-hand” contract) is often the practical route; for a longer stay, a first-hand contract is better value. If you cannot find a place from abroad, visiting Sweden makes the search much easier. Rent is likely to be your biggest monthly cost, so check the cost of living in Sweden to see what to expect in your city.
Useful guides to get you settled
Getting connected
Sorting out internet and mobile is usually near the top of the list – to work, and to let family know you arrived safely. Sweden has plenty of internet providers, mostly on fast fibre, though the speeds available depend on your address. For your phone, coverage is strong even in rural areas; you can choose a monthly contract (cheaper for a longer stay) or a prepaid SIM. A contract usually needs your personnummer and ID, so keep them handy once you have chosen a mobile operator.
Why Sweden?
Sweden is safe, open and clean, and a world leader in renewable energy and efficient waste management. The expats already here agree – they have voted it one of the best countries to live in Europe. With registration, banking and connectivity sorted, you can settle in quickly and enjoy everything Sweden has to offer.