Live and work in Sweden
Sweden is amongst others famous for IKEA, H&M, beautiful nature, and their meatballs. But what else? And what would it be like moving to Sweden?
Here we will try to give you a much more detailed picture of this cool country.
Latest available jobs in Sweden
Swedish speaking Trainer – Stockholm
Do you speak Swedish and are you looking for an exciting job as Trainer in Stockholm? Contact us and start your work adventure.
Swedish speaking Team Leader – Stockholm
Do you speak Swedish and are you looking for an exciting job as Team Leader in Stockholm? Contact us and start your work adventure.
Swedish Operations Manager – Stockholm
Do you speak Swedish and are you looking for a job as Manager in Service Processes in Sweden? Then we have good news! Contact us and start your work adventure.
Currency
The official valuta is the Swedish krona (ISO code: SEK, symbol: kr)
Famous people
Some notable Swedish people are Zlatan Ibrahimović, Astrid Lindgren and the DJ, Avicii
Population
Sweden has a population of ~10.4 million people, many living in Stockholm
Typical food
Köttbullar (meatballs), pytt i panna (stir-fry with veggies and meat with egg and ketchup), kanelbullar (cinnamon bun), semla (sweet roll)
Avg. working week
Sweden has a 40 hour work week, 8 hours daily spread over 5 days a week
Location
Sweden is located in northern Europe (part of Scandinavia), and borders Norway and Finland. The capital city is Stockholm.
Languages
The official language is Swedish, and they use latin script when writing
Healthcare
Swedish healthcare is ranked high on a global scale. Healthcare is primarily funded by taxes.
All you need to know about living and working in Sweden
Are you looking for a job in Sweden? There are plenty of experiences awaiting if you are considering working in Sweden for a shorter or longer period of time.The culture, landscapes and culinary traditions make Sweden stand out, and you are guaranteed a fun experience full of professional and personal growth.
Sweden offers both big city life and magnificent nature. Stockholm is one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals with its many canals and bridges. Right next to the vibrant city lies the archipelago with more than 30,000 islands, skerries and cliffs. Here you can sail, hike, fish and much, much more.
Working in Sweden
In Swedish companies, you will often find that negotiations and decisions take a little longer. In business contexts the Swedes are seeking consensus and therefore make sure to involve many parties before a decision is made. They are loyal to their partners, but it can also take a long time to build a good relationship, because the Swedish work culture is more formal.
If you move to Sweden and find a job you must pay ordinary income tax, which is divided between municipal and state tax. You must also have a Swedish bank account to get your salary. You can get a payroll account by visiting the bank, and you must remember to bring your employment contract, Swedish certificate of residence and ID in the form of e.g. your passport or driver’s licence.
Work in Stockholm
Stockholm is the economical centre in Sweden, so if you want to land a job here you have to know that it can be a struggle unless your profession is related to technology and science – these are the leading fields in the job market of Stockholm. Stockholm is also one of the cleanest cities in Europe and it’s considered a major ffrontrunner of ecological places and technology hubs.
How to find housing and jobs in Sweden
When you are planning to move abroad, it is always an advantage to do as much of the work from home as possible. In particular, the search for housing can put you under pressure if you leave without having a place to live. Today, there are many opportunities to find a home online. Start looking for housing on local, Swedish housing sites or in local Facebook groups and ask in your own network if there should be any contacts.
The job search can in the same way take place from home. Contact an international recruitment agency that often has contacts with a number of companies in the country you want to explore. At Job Squad, we match graduates with companies in the countries they wish to work in – you can read more about former experiences here.
Taxes in Sweden
As an EU citizen, you can get a Swedish Identity card by going to the Swedish tax agency (Skatteverket) with your passport, personal identity number and the money transfer receipt. Regarding tax rates most people in Sweden pay only local tax – ranging between 29.08 and 35.15 per cent depending on municipality.
Why should you live and find a job in Sweden as an Expat?
If you choose to settle down and work in Sweden, you can experience a different culture, enjoy beautiful nature and eat delicious food. At the same time you get to work in and experience the big city life, and for nordic languages, you can relatively easily learn the Swedish language. Swedish companies generally offer attractive conditions and in many cases they have experience of employing from nordic countries. Swedes value work-life balance, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy leisure activities such as fika (coffee break) or partake in outdoor adventures like skiing, hiking, or berry picking in the summer.
Popular cities in Sweden
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Life in Sweden
Sweden is known for its beautiful scenery, ranging from the archipelagos to the forests and lakes. Embrace the Swedish concept of “allemansrätten” (the freedom to roam), allowing you to explore and enjoy nature freely.
Swedes have a deep appreciation for design and sustainability. From modern furniture to stylish fashion, the Swedish aesthetic is present everywhere. Sweden also provided the world with IKEA and H&M, two globally recognised brands. The country has a high standard of living and is renowned for its social welfare system, offering free education and healthcare.
Basic facts about Sweden
In Sweden there is plenty of space since the country’s 10.4 million inhabitants are spread over 407,000 square kilometres. The impressive size makes Sweden the third largest country in EU, and the low population density is of course due to the huge, uninhabited forest areas. Most Swedes live in urban areas in the southern part of the country. Sweden borders Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by the Øresund connection. The largest cities besides the capital Stockholm are Gothenburg and Malmö.
There is a great exchange between Denmark and Sweden – not only culturally, but also in terms of labour. Copenhagen is rich in Swedish labour, just as many Danes work in for example Malmö and other cities that can be reached in a short amount of time.
Swedish culture
You may find the Swedes a little reserved, as they often behave politely and a little more cautiously in public. However, Swedish society and the Swedish welfare model are broadly similar to the Danish and Norwegian one, and you will therefore experience small, whimsical differences rather than huge surprises.
The Swedes are also known for their fantastic grip on music, perhaps best exemplified by ABBA, Avicii, and Zara Larsson. Sweden also has a proud tradition of Nordic, minimalist design – and although many know the Swedish furniture tradition best as IKEA, the country holds far more than that. In Sweden, traditions are highly valued, and the midsummer celebration after a long and dark winter is one of the highlights of the year that you must not miss.
Where to learn Swedish?
If you plan to stay longer than expected in Sweden, we recommend that you learn the language. The Swedish Institute offers free courses to learn Swedish, but also you visit the website Learning Swedish where you can learn the basics and it’s for adults. Also, “Swedish for immigrant” (SFI) is a program with multiple free courses around the country that you can make use of.
Eat Swedish specialties
Swedish cooking is something else and more than the infamous surströmming, which most Swedes are actually not so happy about. Sweden’s long coastline ensures that the kitchen can be supplied with plenty of seafood, and the potato is also an important ingredient in Swedish dishes. Popular eats are marinated and fried herring, meatballs and stews with boiled potatoes as an accompaniment. When the crayfish season begins in August, the Swedes cover up for crayfish feasts, which involve both party hats, schnapps and old shows. They also have the famous kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) and very tasty sweets and pastries in general.
Still not convinced about Sweden?
Living in Sweden means experiencing the magic of long summer days and snowy winters. It means joining in Midsummer celebrations, witnessing the Northern Lights, and enjoying the Christmas markets.
Sweden offers a wealth of attractions and sights to explore. Start with Stockholm, the capital city, known for its stunning architecture, historic old town (Gamla Stan), and beautiful waterways. Visit the Vasa Museum, where you can see the well-preserved Vasa warship from the 17th century. Explore Gothenburg, the country’s second-largest city, with its charming canals, lively food scene, and the Liseberg amusement park. Head north to Lapland for a chance to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and experience unique Sami culture. Don’t miss the picturesque coastal towns and islands, such as Visby on Gotland and the Stockholm Archipelago, with their scenic landscapes and charming medieval history.
When in Sweden, you should also make sure to try traditional Swedish dishes such as köttbullar (meatballs) served with lingonberry sauce and creamy mashed potatoes, gravlax (cured salmon) typically served with dill, mustard, and rye bread, and smörgåstårta, a unique Swedish sandwich cake made with layers of bread, fillings like smoked salmon, shrimp, and vegetables, and topped with mayonnaise and garnishes. And remember to try the delicious Swedish pastries, including kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) and semla (a cardamom-flavored bun filled with almond paste and whipped cream), often enjoyed during Fettisdagen (Shrove Tuesday) celebrations.
FAQ
No, as an EU citizen, you do not need a work visa or permit to work in Sweden. EU citizens have the right to freedom of movement within the European Union, including the right to work in any EU member state without a work permit. Read more about it here.
The cost of living in Sweden can be relatively high compared to many other countries. Expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and dining out can be quite costly, particularly in major cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg. Rent prices, in particular, tend to be high. However, salaries in Sweden are also generally higher, which helps offset the higher cost of living. It’s important to note that the cost of living can vary depending on individual circumstances, lifestyle choices, and the specific region within Sweden. It’s advisable to plan and budget accordingly when considering living in Sweden.
Sweden has a varied climate with distinct seasonal changes. The weather in Sweden can be described as mild to cool in the coastal areas and more continental in the inland regions. Summers (June to August) are generally pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Winters (December to February) are cold, especially in the northern parts, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall. Spring and autumn can be unpredictable, with temperatures varying between mild and chilly.
English proficiency is generally high in Sweden, with a large percentage of the population having a good command of the English language. English is taught as a mandatory subject in schools from an early age, and most Swedes, especially younger generations, are comfortable speaking English. In major cities, tourist areas, and among those working in the tourism industry, you can expect to find a high level of English proficiency. Even in more rural areas, you can often find people who can communicate in English, although the level of fluency may vary. Overall, language barriers are rarely an issue for English-speaking visitors in Sweden.
Sweden has one of Europe’s most efficient and largest networks for transport with train. Other than that, their bus and metro system is also of high standards and it is easy to move around.
Sweden has a renowned healthcare system known for its high-quality and accessible care. The Swedish healthcare system is primarily tax-funded and provides comprehensive coverage to all residents. It offers universal healthcare, ensuring that everyone has equal access to medical services and treatments. Patients can choose their healthcare providers, and the system focuses on preventive care and early intervention. Sweden places great emphasis on research and innovation in healthcare, leading to advancements in medical technologies and treatments. The healthcare system in Sweden is characterized by efficient organization, patient-centered care, and a strong commitment to public health.
