🇸🇪 Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to Gothenburg, 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 Gothenburg at a glance?
- Flag: 🇸🇪
- Population: ~600,000 (city proper, 2025); ~1.1 million (metro area)
- Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK) — Prices are usually compared internationally in EUR or USD.
- Average salary: between SEK 480,000 and SEK 500,000 per year (~EUR 41,000–43,000)
- Live SEK ←→ Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates
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 Gothenburg?
The cost of moving to Gothenburg 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) BR LOGISTICS+1 |
| 40 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~4–7 weeks | USD 2,500–4,850 (≈ EUR 2,300–4,600) BR LOGISTICS |
| 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) ShipNEX+2 Schumacher Cargo+2 |
| 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 Stockholm), last updated in mid-2025
Use a real-time moving cost calculator for tailored quotes.
Real-life case: “I moved to Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg—was around USD 4,600. The relocation company in Sweden handled customs clearance at the Port of Gothenburg and arranged final delivery despite limited access on narrow city streets.” — Freja N., moved in April 2025
Importantly, many people moving to Sweden choose to relocate to one of the five most popular cities, including Stockholm, Malmö, Uppsala, and VästeråsThese 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 Gothenburg?
The average monthly cost of living in Gothenburg for a single occupant—including rent, groceries, transport, and utilities—is approximately €1,500–2,200 per month, varying by district.
| Expense | Gothenburg (EUR/month) |
| Rent (1-bedroom flat in city centre) | ~€1,000 / outside centre ~€750 |
| Groceries (single person) | ~€280–370 |
| Transport (monthly public transit pass) | ~€85–110 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, etc.) | ~€115–170 |
👉 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 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 Gothenburg?
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)
Top areas for newcomers:
Centrum (central, historic, close to major employers)
Linnéstaden (lively, trendy, popular among young professionals)
Hisingen / Lundby (modern waterfront development, growing tech hub)
Majorna (bohemian, creative district with strong community vibe)
Örgryte–Härlanda (family-friendly, green, calm residential area)
👉 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)
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, try a volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore relocation guides for Spain and Portugal.
