🇸🇪 Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to Sweden, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in Sweden at a glance?
- Flag: 🇸🇪
- Population: ~10.6 million (national, 2025)
- Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK) — Prices are usually compared internationally in EUR or USD.
- Average salary: between SEK 500,000 and SEK 510,000 per year (~EUR 43,000–44,000)
- Live SEK ←→ Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates (Statistics Sweden, 2025 ; IMF, 2025 ; Sveriges Riksbank ; XE, 2025 )
Reviewed by Statistics Sweden, June 2025; Sveriges Riksbank, last updated July 2025; XE Financial Data Team, last updated July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to Sweden?
The cost of moving to Sweden depends on shipment size and transport method. Typical market rates as of mid-2025 are:
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR or USD) |
| 20 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~4–7 weeks | USD 1,500–3,250 (≈ EUR 1,400–3,100) |
| 40 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~4–7 weeks | USD 2,500–4,850 (≈ EUR 2,300–4,600) |
| Air freight (~1 m³ / ~200 kg, door-to-door) | ~3-7 days | USD 2,000+ (≈ EUR 1,900+) — air freight is fast but substantially more expensive (price depends heavily on origin & urgency) |
| Customs & duties fees | — | Sweden/EU applies 0–EU common duty rate depending on goods category + VAT (usually 25%) on import value including duty & shipping costs. |
Reviewed by Freight & Relocation Market Data Teams (various international shipping-providers to Sweden), last updated in mid-2025.
Use a real-time moving cost calculator for tailored quotes with ReloAdvisor.
Real-life case: “I moved to Stockholm in April 2025 with about 25 cubic meters of personal belongings using a 40ft container from Los Angeles. The total cost—including door-to-door pick-up, sea freight, and delivery to my apartment in central Stockholm—was around USD 4,800. The relocation company in Sweden handled customs clearance at the Port of Gothenburg and arranged final delivery despite limited access on narrow city streets.” — Linnea V., moved in April 2025
Importantly, many people moving to Sweden choose to relocate to one of the five most popular cities, including Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala, and Västerås. These cities combine strong infrastructure, diverse job markets, and vibrant expat communities.
What are the customs and duty rules when moving belongings?
If you’re relocating to Sweden, you may qualify for duty-free import of used household goods under Swedish Customs (Tullverket) rules. To be eligible:
- Items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months.
- Goods must arrive within 12 months after your move.
At customs, present:
- Inventory list of goods
- Passport and residence permit/registration certificate
- Proof of residency abroad
⚠️ New items, vehicles, alcohol, or high-value goods may be subject to Sweden’s standard 25% VAT plus applicable EU customs duties.
Reviewed by Swedish Customs (Tullverket), last updated in mid-2025
What is the cost of living in Sweden?
The average monthly cost of living in Sweden for a single occupant—including rent, groceries, transport, and utilities—is approximately €1,600–2,400 per month, varying by city.
| Expense | Sweden (EUR/month) |
| Rent (1-bedroom flat in city centre, Stockholm average) | ~€1,200 / outside centre ~€850 |
| Groceries (single person) | ~€300–400 |
| Transport (monthly public transit pass) | ~€80–110 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, etc.) | ~€120–180 |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in July 2025
What do I need to know about Sweden visas and residency?
Most foreigners require a visa or residence permit to live in Sweden. Options include: Work Permit, EU Blue Card, Student Residence Permit, Family Reunification Permit, Business/Investor Permit, and the Permanent Residence option after long-term stay.
- Visa categories and eligibility check: https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Startpage.html
- Visa/residence permit application portal (for appointments and documents): https://www.migrationsverket.se/English/Private-individuals.html
Reviewed by Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket), last updated in June 2025
What’s required to import a car or swap a driving licence?
Vehicles must comply with Swedish and EU emissions and safety standards. Import duties, 25% VAT, and registration fees apply.
Driver’s licences from EU/EEA countries can be exchanged without testing. Others (e.g., USA, Canada, India, China) generally require a driving test (theory + practical) before a Swedish licence is issued.
Reviewed by Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) & Swedish Customs (Tullverket), last updated in July 2025
How can I bring pets with me to Sweden?
Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by an EU Pet Passport or official veterinary certificate. A valid rabies antibody blood test is required if coming from outside the EU/EEA. Import requirements vary by species. Entry is only permitted through designated entry points approved by the Swedish Board of Agriculture (e.g., Stockholm Arlanda, Gothenburg Landvetter, Malmö).
Reviewed by the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket), last updated in March 2025
How do I open a bank account and get Sweden’s personal identity number (Personnummer)?
To open a Swedish bank account, you’ll need:
- Passport and residence permit
- Proof of address (rental contract/utility bill)
- Sometimes proof of employment/student enrollment
The Personnummer is Sweden’s personal identity number, required for tax, social insurance, healthcare, and banking. It is issued automatically when registering your residence at the local Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket).
Reviewed by Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), last updated in November 2024
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Sweden?
In Sweden, renting usually requires a security deposit (normally 1–3 months’ rent) and proof of stable income. Utilities are often not included in rent.
To rent, you’ll need:
- Passport and residence permit
- Proof of income or job/study contract
- Swedish personal identity number (Personnummer)
To buy property in Sweden, budget an extra 3–5% for taxes and transaction costs. Top areas for newcomers:
- Stockholm (capital, international hub, strong job market)
- Gothenburg (major port city, vibrant culture)
- Malmö (multicultural, close to Copenhagen)
- Uppsala (university town, historic charm)
- Västerås (affordable living, industry hub)
Reviewed by Statistics Sweden (SCB) & Swedish Real Estate Agencies, last updated in March 2025
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Sweden?
If you’re a tax resident in Sweden (living more than 183 days per year or with permanent residence), you’re taxed on worldwide income. Contributions to social insurance and pension schemes are mandatory.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax | Progressive rates: ~0%–25% state tax + ~30% municipal tax depending on income | Effective rates often 30%–55% combined |
| Social Contributions | Covers pension, healthcare, unemployment, parental benefits | ~7% employee share; employers pay ~31% on top of gross salary |
| Double Tax Treaties | Avoid double taxation | Sweden has agreements with 80+ countries |
Reviewed by Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), last updated in 2025
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, make use of the volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore comprehensive guides for Greece and Iceland with ReloAdvisor.
