Your Moving to Sweden Checklist 🇸🇪

Thinking about moving to Sweden? Whether you've already packed your bags or are still weighing your options, settling into a new country can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to figure out, from preparing before your move to navigating the practical steps once you arrive. That’s why I’ve created this moving to Sweden checklist—to help make your transition as smooth as possible.

I’ve been through this myself, not just once but twice. The first time was when I made the move to Sweden, and the second was when my husband joined me later. Along the way, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to simplify the process. I’ve also helped many others make the same move, from planning their relocation to settling into life here.

📝 Essential Paperwork

Before You Move:

• Check your passport to ensure it’s valid for your entire stay.
• Apply for a visa and get a residence permit card (non-EU).
• Arrange international health insurance to cover your health needs until registration.
• Collect important documents, including originals and certified translations of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and diplomas.

After You Arrive:

• Register with Skatteverket to get your Swedish personal number (personnummer).
• Apply for a Swedish ID card.

🏠 Finding & Renting a Home

• Understand Sweden’s rental system, including the difference between first-hand and second-hand contracts.
• Set your monthly budget and decide where you want to live.
• Find a property to rent. Read the guide to finding an apartment in Stockholm.
• Get a home insurance (Hemförsäkring).
• Register your new address with Skatteverket.

Useful posts about housing in Sweden:

• How to buy an apartment in Sweden
• How to choose the best home insurance in Sweden

💰 Banking & Finances

• Open a Swedish bank account.
• Set up BankID & Swish.
• Understand pensions and savings options to familiarize yourself with Sweden's retirement contributions.

Digital banks, such as Wise or Revolut, can serve as temporary solutions until you open a local account.

🏥 Healthcare & Insurance

• Register with Försäkringskassan to access Sweden’s public healthcare system.
• Apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
• Explore private health insurance options to cover any gaps.
• Register for union and private unemployment insurance.

Find the best income insurance in Sweden

You can use Compricer to compare the best available income insurance options. Compricer will allow you to quickly compare coverage, costs, and reviews, helping you choose a policy that fits your budget and meets your needs effectively.

🚍 Transportation & Getting Around

• Get a public transport card, which is available for the metro, buses, and trains (SL for Stockholm).
• Exchange your foreign driver’s license if required, or confirm the validity of your EU/EEA license.

📱 Setting Up Utilities & Mobile Services

• Get a Swedish SIM card.
• Set up utilities for your home, including electricity, water, and internet, with local providers.

📚 Learning the Language & Culture

• Enroll in Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) classes or Swedish for Professionals (SFX) classes, which offer free classes to learn the basics.
• Learn common Swedish phrases, like how to say "happy birthday" in Sweden, to help with day-to-day communication.
• Understand Swedish customs and holidays, including Midsommar and Lucia, to celebrate like a local.

Moving to Sweden as an EU/EEA Citizen

As an EU/EEA citizen, you have the right of residence in Sweden, which allows you to work, study, or live in the country without needing a separate residence permit. This right applies if you are employed, self-employed, pursuing education, or have sufficient funds to support yourself while living in Sweden.

Moving to Sweden as a Non-EU Citizen

For non-EU citizens, obtaining a work permit is a crucial step if you plan to both work and live in Sweden. While there are other visa options available, a residence permit is required if you intend to stay in the country for more than three months.

Things to Know Before Moving to Sweden

Aside from following your moving to Sweden checklist, relocating to Sweden is a decision that warrants thoughtful consideration, and having the right information can make all the difference. Here are some essential things to know before moving to Sweden:

• Pros and Cons of Living in Sweden
• Reasons Not to Move to Sweden
• Reasons to Move to Sweden
• Cost of Living in Stockholm

FAQs About Moving to Sweden

What to pack for moving to Sweden?When moving to Sweden, pack for a range of seasons, including warm layers for the cold winters. Don't forget essentials like power adapters, important documents, and personal items—check out this moving abroad packing list for a detailed guide.

How hard would it be to move to Sweden?Moving to Sweden can be straightforward if you plan ahead, especially if you're from the EU/EEA. Non-EU/EEA citizens might find the process more complex due to visa and work permit requirements.

How much salary is required to live in Sweden?To meet the maintenance requirement for a work permit in Sweden, you need to earn at least SEK 28,480 per month, which is 80% of the current median salary. This amount ensures that you have a sufficient income to support yourself while living in Sweden.

Final Thoughts: Moving to Sweden Checklist

These steps might be overwhelming for some, but the good news is that you only have to do them once. When I moved to Sweden, I worked with a relocation agency, but I wish I had had a clearer overview of my next steps. Unfortunately, the relocation agent wasn’t much help, especially with applying for a personal number and a Swedish bank ID, which made the experience unpleasant.

However, I don't want you to go through the same ordeal, so each step in this checklist is designed to ease your transition and help you settle in Sweden with confidence.

While there may be unexpected challenges along the way, such as navigating Swedish bureaucracy and dealing with long waiting times, with patience, you’ll find that settling into your Swedish home can be an incredibly rewarding experience.