Move to Sweden in 2025: The Ultimate Guide

Are you considering a Move to Sweden in 2025 but don’t know where to start? Thinking about making Sweden your new home?

Whether you’re drawn to its stunning landscapes, strong work-life balance, or world-class public services, moving here is a big step, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Sweden has several pathways for relocation, depending on whether you’re coming for work, studies, family, or even to start your own business. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from visas to finding housing and settling in like a local.

I hope this move to Sweden guide helps make your transition smoother and gives you a clear path to settling in Sweden.

1. Move to Sweden: What Are Your Options?

Before you pack your bags, it’s important to figure out the best way for you to move. Sweden offers different immigration routes, including:

• Moving for Work – Whether you’re getting hired by a Swedish company or starting your own business.
• Moving to Study – Sweden has top-notch universities and vocational programs.
• Starting a Business – If you’re an entrepreneur, Sweden is a great place to launch a company.
• Moving with Family – Joining a spouse, children, or other close family members in Sweden.
• Seeking Asylum – If you’re fleeing persecution or other hardships.

2. Move to Sweden for Work

For EU/EEA Citizens

If you’re from the EU/EEA, good news! You don’t need a visa or residence permit! You can move freely and start working immediately. However, there is a catch, after three months, you’ll need to prove you have a job or enough savings to stay.

If you plan to stay in Sweden for more than a year, you will need to register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to get your Personnummer (Swedish personal identity number). This means you will be listed in the Swedish Population Register. Details such as your name, address, date of birth and civil status are recorded in this register. There is no need to be listed in the Swedish Population Register if you plan to live in Sweden for less than one year.

To be registered in the Swedish Population Registry, you must prove your right of residence in Sweden. You generally qualify if you are employed, self-employed, or have sufficient means to support yourself.

For NonEU/EEA Citizens

If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need a work permit before arriving in Sweden. Here’s how it works:

• Your employer must sponsor you with a job offer that meets salary and insurance requirements.
• Work permits are issued by the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket).
• If you’re highly skilled, you might qualify for an EU Blue Card, which allows easier mobility within Europe.

Work Permit Requirements

• Your salary must be at least 27,360 SEK per month (as of 2024).
• Your employer must provide insurance (health, life, occupational injury, pension).
• If your job is in a regulated profession (like healthcare or law), you need proof of qualifications.

Renewing or Switching Jobs

Work permits are initially valid for 2 years and can be extended. The good news is that after 4 years of continuous work, you can apply for permanent residency.

3. Move to Sweden to Study

For EU/EEA Citizens:

• No visa required.
• Public universities offer free tuition (yes, free!).
• If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, you must register for a Personnummer.

For Non-EU/EEA Citizens:

• Tuition costs between 80,000–200,000 SEK per year.
• You’ll need a student visa (residence permit for studies).
• You must prove you have at least 9,450 SEK per month for living expenses.
• Health insurance is required.

How to Apply for a Student Visa:

• Get accepted into a full-time Swedish university program.
• Pay your first tuition installment.
• Submit your application via Migrationsverket.
• Provide proof of financial means & health insurance.
• Wait for approval (can take 1–3 months).

4. Moving to Sweden to Start a Business

Sweden is a great place for entrepreneurs, but the process differs based on where you’re from.

For EU/EEA Citizens:

• No residence permit required.
• You can start a business freely but must register with Skatteverket for taxes.

For Non-EU/EEA Citizens

• You need a self-employment residence permit.
• You must submit a business plan and proof of at least 200,000 SEK in funds.
• Your business must show profitability within 2 years.
• Application processing takes up to 9 months.

5. Moving to Sweden with Family (Family Reunification)

If you have close family in Sweden, you can apply for a residence permit based on family ties. Fun fact: In the first half of 2024, close family ties to someone in Sweden was the second largest basis for granting a resident permit in Sweden- according to the Swedish Migration Agency.

Who Can Apply?

• Spouses, registered partners, or cohabiting partners.
• Children under 18 years old.
• (In rare cases) Parents of dependent adults.

For EU/EEA Citizens:

• Family members can move freely but must register for a Personnummer.

For Non-EU/EEA Citizens:

• You’ll need a residence permit.
• Your family member in Sweden must prove financial stability and provide housing.
• If applying as a partner, you must show proof of a real relationship (joint accounts, messages, etc.).
• Processing takes 6–12 months.

6. Seeking Asylum in Sweden

Sweden provides asylum for individuals fleeing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political beliefs, gender, or LGBTQ+ identity.

• Applications are handled by Migrationsverket.
• While waiting, asylum seekers receive temporary accommodation, legal aid, and healthcare.
• If granted, they receive a residence permit (temporary at first, but can lead to permanent residency).

7. Finding Housing in Sweden

Housing can be tricky, especially in cities like Stockholm, Gothernburg or Malmö.

Types of Housing

• First-hand rental (Förstahandskontrakt) – Long waiting lists, but gives secure tenancy.
• Second-hand rental (Andrahandskontrakt) – Subletting (most common for newcomers).
• Bostadsrätt – Buying an apartment (requires a Swedish bank account & mortgage).

Where to Look:

• Blocket.se, Hemnet.se, Bostad Direkt (rental and sales listings).
• Municipal housing queues (Kommunal bostadskö). Each minicipal has a housing queue, you will need to register and be an active member by showing interest in the houses recommended to you. Most of these queue have yearly membership fees.

8. Registering for a Swedish Personal Number (Personnummer)

A Personnummer is essential for healthcare, banking, and employment.

How to Apply

• Visit Skatteverket with your passport, residence permit, and proof of address.
• If approved, you’ll receive your Personnummer in a few weeks.
• For short stays, apply for a Samordningsnummer instead.

9. Healthcare & Insurance in Sweden

• EU/EEA Citizens: Covered by the EHIC card, but should register for Swedish healthcare if staying long-term.
• Non-EU/EEA Citizens: Must have private insurance until receiving a Personnummer.

Key Healthcare Services

• Vårdcentral – Primary healthcare center.
• BVC (Barnavårdscentral) – Child healthcare & vaccinations.
• 1177 Vårdguiden – Non-emergency health info.
• Akutmottagning (ER) – Emergency care (call 112 for ambulances).

10. Integrating into Swedish Society

• Every county in Sweden offers free Swedish lessons through SFI (Svenska för invandrare – Swedish for Immigrants). You can choose to study full-time, part-time, in the evenings, or even online; whatever fits your schedule! If you’re between jobs, it’s a great way to stay engaged, and if you’re working, evening classes make it manageable. While most Swedes speak excellent English, they genuinely appreciate when you make an effort to learn their language. Plus, speaking Swedish helps you feel more connected to the culture and daily life.
• Sweden can feel a bit reserved at first, but the key to finding your community is Facebook groups -they’re huge here! Whether you’re looking for fellow expats, parenting groups, hobby-based clubs, or even a group that alerts you about police roadblocks (yes, really!), there’s something for everyone. If you want to make Swedish friends, joining a sports club or hobby group is your best bet. Apparently, that’s how Swedes let people into their circle…you’re welcome!
• Embrace Swedish traditions: One of the best ways to truly feel at home in Sweden is to join in on the local traditions! From celebrating Midsummer with flower crowns and dancing around a maypole to indulging in Fika (Sweden’s beloved coffee and cake ritual), these cultural moments bring people together. Don’t forget to try a semla during Fat Tuesday or take part in Lucia Day festivities in December. The more you embrace Swedish traditions, the more you’ll feel like you belong!

Moving to Sweden

Moving to Sweden is a big step, but with the right planning, it can be a smooth and exciting transition. Whether you are moving to Sweden with Family or by yourself, once you know where to start, the process becomes much simpler.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments or If you are curious about what’s like to living in Sweden, here is my 12 reasons why i love it here.