Moving to Sweden
Posted on April 16, 2020
Here at Click Moves we’ve seen a big increase in the number of requests for quotations for moving from the UK to Sweden. This is not just from Swedes moving back to Stockholm, or moving to Gothenburg, but from Brits making the lifestyle choice of relocating to Sweden. So we thought that we would take a look at the benefits of living in Sweden.
According to the OECD Better life Index, when asked to rate their general satisfaction with life on a scale from 0 to 10, Swedes gave it a 7.3 grade on average, which is a high score compared to other countries in the index.
Quality of life overview
Sweden is considered by some top to be one of the happiest places in the World, and some of the key positive points that are generally highlighted by residents in Sweden are that its a very environmentally conscious country, with many healthy outdoor activities such as running, hiking, cycling, fishing, skiing etc. Its also a very efficient place with very good public transport and infrastructure. Politics is transparent and involving, and bureaucracy is minimal and progressive, there is a comprehensive welfare state, free schooling and university, and an excellent universal healthcare system.
Men and women are genuinely viewed as equals, and the comprehensive and efficient welfare state means that the poor, elderly and disabled are generally treated fairly and with compassion. In small, non-sensational ways, people look out for each other and build communities.
On the negative side, it is important to take into consideration the weather. Whilst Summer days are very long, sunny and warm – the Winter is long (7 months) and hard,
Visa Requirements for British Expats
British citizens do not currently require a visa to enter Sweden and, as citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), and on the basis that they are financially self-sustaining they have the right to work, study and live here without a residence permit for 6 months. Of course this may change after BREXIT completion at the end of 2020.
For those moving to Sweden for over a year, they will need to be registered with the Swedish Population Register, in order to obtain a personal number which is used for everything such as opening bank accounts, tax, government registration, healthcare etc
Cost if living:
Surprisingly the cost of living in Sweden is quite high, but this is mainly due to high income taxes and a sales tax of 25%. Plus restaurants, bars and entertaining (particularly in Stockholm) can be very expensive – the average cost from a bottle of wine is £18 for example.
Housing is reasonable but not what we would call cheap – a one bed apartment in Stockholm may cost around £600 per month, with a 3 bedroom home going for upwards of £1000 per month. The OECD report that the average Swede spends 19% of their gross adjusted disposable income on keeping a roof over their heads
Jobs & Working in Sweden
It can be difficult to find good work in Sweden, and is normally recommended to secure a position prior to moving, if only because your new employer will be able to help you with the paperwork of relocation and finding housing.
You’ll be a reasonably attractive employee prospect if you’re at least able to speak at a conversational level of Swedish, or if you’re qualified in a profession on the labour shortage list — which includes industries like construction, architecture, midwifery, biomedical science, civil engineering, podiatry, teaching, medicine, mechanics and more.
Click Moves is an International removal specialist with a global presence. We have a reputation for providing high quality door to door international moving service to most destinations around the World, at affordable rates. We also know a lot about what you can expect from a life overseas, so if you’re planning an international move or you just have some questions , don’t hesitate to contact us directly matt@clickmoves.com