Sweden Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in Sweden
Important: This guide provides essential information for individuals and families relocating to the Kingdom of Sweden. Known for its high quality of life, social equality, excellent public services, clean cities and strong environmental values, Sweden is one of the most desirable destinations for newcomers. Visa rules, residence permits and administrative procedures may change — always refer to official Swedish government websites for the latest updates.
Home To Home Relocations supports clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Sweden, including export packing, air/ocean shipping, customs documentation and final delivery to major Swedish cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala, Lund and Västerås.
1. Before You Move to Sweden
1.1 Residence Permits & Visa Types
Non-EU/EEA citizens require a residence permit to live and work in Sweden. Common permit categories include:
- Work Permit (requires employer sponsorship)
- EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals
- Researcher Permits
- Student Permits
- Family Reunification Permits
- Self-Employment Permits (strict documentation requirements)
Official sources:
- Swedish Migration Agency – Residence Permits
- Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs – Embassy Services
1.2 Working in Sweden
Sweden has strong industries in technology, engineering, automotive, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, manufacturing and innovation. Major employers include Ericsson, Volvo, Ikea, Spotify, AstraZeneca and Scania.
1.3 Studying in Sweden
Sweden is home to top universities such as Lund University, Uppsala University and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. International students require a residence permit for studies.
1.4 Housing & Accommodation
Finding housing in Sweden—especially in Stockholm and Gothenburg—can be challenging. Options include rental apartments, shared housing and temporary accommodations. Requirements include:
- Proof of income or employment
- Identification and residence permit approval
- Security deposit (often one month)
- Credit checks in some cases
1.5 Banking & Finances
Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK). Digital payments are extremely common, and many businesses are cashless. To open a bank account, you typically need:
- Passport
- Residence permit card (or approval)
- Swedish personal identity number (Personnummer), if available
1.6 Healthcare System
Sweden has an excellent public healthcare system. Once registered in the Swedish population registry and assigned a Personnummer, residents gain access to subsidised medical services.
1.7 Documents to Prepare Before Moving
- Passport valid for the duration of your stay
- Visa/residence permit approvals
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Proof of income or employment
- Insurance documentation
- Accommodation information
2. Your First Weeks in Sweden
2.1 Register for a Personnummer
The Personnummer is essential for almost all aspects of daily life in Sweden, including banking, healthcare, subscriptions, taxes and employment. You must register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket).
Official link: Skatteverket – Swedish Tax Agency
2.2 Residence Permit Card
After arrival, biometric data is collected at the Migration Agency before receiving your residence permit card.
2.3 Healthcare Registration
Once you have a Personnummer, you can register with a local healthcare centre (vårdcentral) and receive subsidised medical services.
2.4 Opening a Bank Account
A Personnummer is usually required to open a Swedish bank account. Some digital banks may accept newcomers without one.
3. Sweden at a Glance
3.1 Regions & Geography
Sweden is divided into 21 counties, with landscapes ranging from forests and lakes to coastal islands and arctic regions. Major regions include Stockholm, Västra Götaland, Skåne and Norrbotten.
3.2 Politics & Economy
Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a strong welfare state. Its economy focuses on innovation, sustainable energy, advanced manufacturing and technology.
3.3 Climate & Weather
Sweden has four distinct seasons. Winters are cold with snow in the north; summers are mild and sunny. Daylight hours vary significantly between seasons.
4. Why Many Canadians Choose Sweden
- World-leading healthcare and social systems
- Safe, clean and environmentally conscious communities
- Strong job market in tech and engineering
- Excellent work–life balance
- Beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor lifestyle
5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life
Life in Sweden is organised, efficient and balanced. Major cities offer excellent public services, cultural events and transportation. Expect expenses such as:
- Electricity, heating and water (cost varies seasonally)
- Public transport passes (highly recommended)
- Internet and mobile services
- Healthcare fees (subsidised but not entirely free)
6. Transportation & Getting Around
6.1 Public Transport
Sweden has excellent public transport networks in major cities (Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö), including metro, buses, trams and ferries.
6.2 National Rail System
The train network, operated by SJ, connects cities across Sweden and neighbouring countries.
6.3 Driving in Sweden
Sweden drives on the right-hand side. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to exchange your licence after gaining residency.
7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit
7.1 Everyday Culture
- Strong emphasis on equality, punctuality and personal space
- Fika (coffee break) is an important cultural ritual
- Outdoor recreation is a big part of Swedish life
- English proficiency is very high
7.2 Popular Cities & Attractions
- Stockholm: Archipelago, museums, royal palaces
- Gothenburg: Cultural events, port area and parks
- Malmö: Modern architecture and coastal life
- Kiruna: Northern lights and arctic landscapes
- Visby: Medieval UNESCO town