Moving to a new country is a transformative decision, and offering a refreshed view of the world, as well as new ideas, friends and opportunities. Why choose Sweden? Located in northern Europe Sweden is known for its stunning natural landscapes, it’s commitment to a high quality of life, and its innovative approach to city design and sustainability.
Feeling tempted? Read on. This guide provides the information you need for emigrating from the UK to Sweden in 2025. We’ll cover everything from work visas, to finding somewhere to live and settling in to a new way of life.
1. Understanding Sweden’s Immigration Policies in 2025
As a UK citizen, you can visit Sweden visa-free for up to 90 days. This gives you time to get first-hand experience of the country, look at accommodation, and explore potential job opportunities.
Planning to work in Sweden? For that you’ll need to obtain a work permit. This involves getting a job offer from a Swedish company and applying through the Swedish Migration Agency. Their website provides clear and helpful guidance to make the application process smooth and trouble free.
You should start the application process as early as possible as the process can take up to 4 months to complete.
2. Cost of Living and Financial Planning
Sweden has a reputation for a high cost of living but, in fact, prices in Stockholm compare favourably with day to day living in London. This is true of rent, restaurants, and general consumer goods. Groceries, however, tend to be imported and they are the one area where Sweden tends to be a bit pricier.
Cost of Living Comparison Between London and Stockholm
- Consumer Prices in Stockholm are 20.6% lower than in London (without rent)
- Consumer Prices Including Rent in Stockholm are 33.0% lower than in London
- Rent Prices in Stockholm are 51.3% lower than in London
- Restaurant Prices in Stockholm are 19.5% lower than in London
- Grocery Prices in Stockholm are 5.8% lower than in London
- Local Purchasing Power in Stockholm is 18.7% higher than in London
Financial Tips:
Currency Exchange: Keep a close eye on the GBP to SEK exchange rate so you can be sure that you’re get the most out of your money. Use an online tool such as https://www.xe.com/ to track fluctuations changes and plan your currency exchanges.
Understand Your Taxes: Sweden has a progressive tax system, so take some time to work out how much tax you’ll pay in your new home. The Swedish Tax Agency website is a good resource for this information.
Get A Banking Account: A Swedish bank account is essential to manage your everyday finances in Sweden. You can use it to receive your salary, pay utility bills and save money on international fees.
3. Finding Accommodation in Sweden
Finding the perfect home in Sweden is key to settling in, whether you’re on a year-long contract or you’re planning to live in Sweden long-term. For new arrivals in the country, renting is a popular choice, because it offers flexibility and allows you to get to know the areas where you would ideally like to live
Sweden has a rent control system which guarantees fair, consistent and predictable rental costs. It’s also useful to know that the standard of rental properties in Sweden is uniformly high. Tenants can expect well-equipped kitchens, reliable broadband, and efficient central heating.
Rental properties can be hard to come by in Sweden, especially in large cities like Stockholm or Gothenburg. Start searching for your new home as soon as you can, as it can take a while to find the right property, at the right price.
There are a number of different ways to navigate the accommodation market:
Short-Term Rentals:
- Provides a Temporary Home – Platforms like Hemnet and Blocket are good resources for this option, and Airbnb is also a possibility while you find your feet.
- Easy Leasing – The process is usually straightforward, requiring your passport and proof of income for a smooth arrangement.
- Affordable Flexibility – Short-term rentals often cost much the same as long-term options, allowing for flexibility without paying more.
Long-Term Rentals:
- Renting From a Landlord – This offers welcome stability, but this kind of rental is notoriously difficult to find. If you do manage to secure a flat with a contract from the landlord, you’ll need a Swedish Identity Number, employment contract, and proof of income.
- Subletting – This is more often the norm. You’ll find that there are more properties available, but accommodation often comes with slightly higher monthly rent. You should scrutinise the sublease agreement carefully before signing.
Tips for a Successful Housing Hunt:
- Start your search well in advance of your move.
- Think clearly about the location that will suit you best.
- Use online platforms like Bostadsmarknaden and Samtrygg and get in touch with with expat communities in Sweden for their tips on housing.
- Think about working with a relocation specialist who knows the Swedish housing market and can search on your behalf.
4. Employment Opportunities and the Job Market
Sweden’s focus on work-life balance and the strong economy makes it an attractive destinations for professionals from across the world. This makes the job market highly competitive, so you need a clear and targeted approach to succeed. Here are some tips to help you find your way through Sweden’s job opportunities:
- Learn Some Swedish – You’ll find that English is widely spoken in Swede, but don’t let this make you complacent. Demonstrating a willingness to learn Swedish will increase the number of job opportunities open to you, particularly outside of the multinational organisations in Stockholm.
- Use Your Network – LinkedIn is a great platform for connecting with professionals in your sector, so take full advantage of what it has to offer. Join relevant groups and look out for networking events designed for expats or professionals moving to Sweden.
- Use Your Time Well – Make the most of your 90-day visa-free stay by arranging meetings with potential employers, even if they aren’t actively hiring. This gives you the opportunity you to make an impression, get professional tips and learn about how job interviews work in Sweden.
- Explore Different Cities – Stockholm, being the country’s capital, is an obvious first choice as it offers plenty of opportunities in tech, finance, and creative industries. There are plenty of other cities you should also take a look at, though; Gothenburg has a strong automotive and maritime sector, while Malmö is an established hub for innovation and sustainability.
- Target Skills in Demand – The Skills Shortage List, issued by the Swedish Migration Agency, identifies occupations with significant shortages. If your skills match up with this list, you find that the process of obtaining a work permit becomes faster and smoother.
- Job Search Tools – Swedish job boards like Arbetsförmedlingen and Blocket Jobb are useful if you’re looking for a job in Sweden, or you could search English-language listings on The Local and Indeed. It’s also well-worth registering with recruitment agencies that work in your sector.
5. Language and Cultural Integration
You’ll probably be relieved to hear that Swedes learn English from an early age in school so the vast majority of them are proficient in English. Even if you arrive knowing no Swedish whatsoever, therefore, you’re unlikely to encounter any problems making yourself understood.
Despite being able to get by without doing so, learning Swedish can give you a deeper understanding of the country, and a better relationship with the people you encounter there. Here’s why:
- Deeper Connections – Speaking Swedish opens doors to more authentic interactions. Even if you make mistakes, that can spark conversations, laughter, and a sense of connections with locals. Learning the language helps you to meet people and build friendships in your new home.
- Career Prospects – Many businesses employ non-Swedish speakers, but language proficiency opens the door to a greater range of opportunities. An understanding of the Swedish language also allows you to fully participate in workplace life, from emails and phone calls to team discussions.
- Cultural Insights – As a visitor, it’s easy to get a superficial understanding of Swedish life. Learning the language allows you to gain a more profound awareness of the country you’re in, from understanding the unspoken rules to joining in a joke with Swedish friends.
6. Healthcare and Social Services
Once you’ve started work in Sweden, and have registered with the Swedish Tax Agency, you’ll be able to use the Swedish healthcare system in exactly the same way as every other Swede.
The system is largely tax funded. It isn’t entirely free at the point of use, but the fees are nominal. A standard visit to the GP costs between 11-22 euros, and a specialist appointment costs around 40 euros. Hospital stays cost 12 euros per day for 10 days, and then this sum is halved.
You’ll be assigned a doctor in your local area, and once you’re using the system you’ll be able to choose which doctor you see. The 1177 website gives you loads of useful information about finding doctors and healthcare services.
7. Education System and Options for Families
Sweden’s education system places student choice and individuality at the heart of the system. Young people have a say in where they attend school and whether to continue their education after age 15. This approach, combined with a wide range of educational options, contributes to exceptionally high attendance and attainment rates.
The Swedish School System:
- Early Childhood Education – Compulsory education begins at age 6, but heavily subsidised preschool options are available from age 1.
- Primary and Secondary School – Education is free for children between the ages 6 to 18. The teaching is in Swedish, and English students are given help to learn the language at their point of entry.
- School Choices – Families can choose from public schools (free), private schools (fee paying), and international schools (fee paying).
- International Schools – There are a good number of international schools located in Stockholm and across the country. For families planning a shorter stay in Sweden, international schools provide continuity with their home curriculum and the teaching is in English.
8. Choosing the Right Removal Company for Your Move
Selecting the right removals company for your move to Sweden is really important for a stress-free relocation. Here are some of the things to consider when looking at a range of moving companies:
- Company Experience – Look for an established company with a proven track record in international removals. Avoid newer companies that may lack the necessary experience to support you every step of the way.
- Sweden Specialists – Choose a company that focuses on removals to Sweden. They will be knowledgeable about Swedish customs regulations, routes, and driving conditions.
- Service Frequency – Companies that make regular trips to Sweden are able to offer competitive pricing and scheduling flexibility, including full or part-load shipping.
- Detailed Quotations – Request a detailed, no-obligation quote that reflects the specific size and challenges of your move. Avoid companies who simply offer vague estimates.
- Customer Testimonials – Check the removal company’s website and social media for recent reviews. Look for companies with positive and detailed feedback from customers who have moved to Sweden.
- Industry Accreditation – Check out companies’ professional accreditations like BAR, ISO 9001, or FIDI FAIM, as these demonstrate the company’s commitment to quality, standards and customer service.
- Insurance Coverage: Ensure your belongings are fully insured during transit, with options for comprehensive insurance.
- Storage Solutions – If you need storage in the UK or Sweden, take care to choose a company that is able to offer these as part of the service agreement.
- Scheduling and Notice – Ask about the company’s scheduling policy and how much notice they require to accommodate your move.
- Packing Services – Confirm whether the company offers professional packing services if you prefer assistance with this aspect.
- Customs Assistance – International moves involve customs procedures. Choose a company that can assist with customs forms and clearance.
Schepens is a UK based removal company with over a century of experience in relocations to Sweden. They offer stress-free, tailored moving services to meet the unique needs of each client. Learn more at Schepens – Removals to Sweden.
Emigrating from the UK to Sweden in 2025 is an exciting opportunity, offering new perspectives, friends, and a different approach to the work-life balance. With detailed planning and a positive outlook, it is entirely possible to take a leap out of your UK life, into a new culture, with a host of new possibilities.
With careful planning and an open mind, you can make the most of Sweden’s high quality of life and vibrant culture. Remember to seek professional assistance, such as hiring a reliable removal company, to ease your transition. Good luck with your move and your new adventure in Sweden!
