Moving to Sweden for Work? Here’s What You Need to Know

Relocating to Sweden is an exciting prospect for international young professionals seeking new opportunities, a high quality of life, and a work culture known for its emphasis on balance and innovation. Sweden has become increasingly popular for skilled workers, with approximately 190,000 residence permit applications filed in recent years, about 132,000 of which were approved. Work permits for non-EU citizens make up a substantial part of these applications, reflecting a trend where highly-skilled workers are actively sought after by Swedish industries, particularly in tech and innovation hubs like Stockholm and Gothenburg.

In addition to job opportunities, the country boasts impressive integration initiatives, such as government-supported Swedish language courses and resources like Swedish for Immigrants (SFI). These programs are essential, as nearly 20% of Sweden's population is foreign-born, emphasizing Sweden's welcoming nature for newcomers and the support available to help them succeed professionally and socially.

However, moving to a new country comes with its challenges, from understanding visa requirements to navigating the housing market. In this guide, we'll walk you through each essential step for making a smooth transition to Sweden—from securing a job and work permit to finding accommodation, registering for a personal identity number (personnummer), and integrating into Swedish society.

Whether you're drawn to Sweden for its booming tech industry, its reputation as a hub for sustainability, or simply the Scandinavian lifestyle, this blog will provide all the actionable steps you need to take. And if you're searching for housing, make sure you check out Hemavi – we'll help you find your new home in Sweden!

Step One: Find a Job and Apply for a Work Permit

For non-EU/EEA citizens, securing a job in Sweden is a critical first step in applying for a work permit. This process is structured by the Swedish Migration Agency to ensure fair labor practices and alignment with Swedish standards. Some of the requirements you need to keep in mind include:

A signed employment contract is essential, and it must offer salary and working conditions that meet or exceed Swedish collective agreements. Additionally, the role should have been advertised in Sweden and the EU for at least ten days before the contract is signed, ensuring it was accessible to local and EU talent as well.
As of November 2023, your salary must be at least 80% of the current Swedish median income, or approximately SEK 28,480 per month, to meet the “good income” standard. This ensures that your employment will enable you to sustain a reasonable standard of living in Sweden. The maintenance requirement applies to full-time and part-time roles equally, requiring part-time employees to work enough hours to meet this minimum monthly threshold.
Employers are required to provide essential insurance for health, life, and pensions, aligning with Swedish standards for worker protection. This coverage must be in place before work begins, underscoring Sweden’s commitment to employee welfare.
For those planning to bring family members, you must demonstrate the financial ability to support them. Additionally, work permit holders looking to renew their permits must continue meeting the latest salary and employment requirements.

Once the job offer and terms are set, your employer will submit an application to the Migration Agency, including union feedback on the employment terms, which serves as an additional layer of oversight. Processing times can vary, and applicants must wait outside Sweden until their permit is granted.

Step Two: Secure Housing

Finding housing in Sweden, especially in cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, requires early planning due to high demand and limited availability. In 2024, housing demand in these urban areas remains strong, driven by population growth and urbanization, which has kept rental prices high. For instance, in Stockholm, a one-bedroom apartment can cost between 10,000 and 15,000 SEK monthly in central areas, while prices in Gothenburg range from 8,000 to 12,000 SEK, and Malmö is slightly more affordable at around 7,000 to 11,000 SEK. Utilities generally add an extra 1,000 to 2,000 SEK per month. Given the competitive market, promptly submitting a complete rental application—including proof of income, references, and sometimes a credit check—can improve your chances.

Sweden offers both first-hand and second-hand rental options. First-hand rentals come with a direct lease from the property owner but often involve lengthy waiting lists, particularly in popular areas. Second-hand rentals, or subleases, are more accessible and can be found on various online platforms which offer listings in both Swedish and English. Social networks and local Facebook groups focused on housing can also be valuable resources

Swedish rental contracts (hyreskontrakt) are standardized and include essential details such as rent, duration, and any additional costs. It’s common to pay a security deposit equivalent to one month’s rent, which is refundable upon lease termination if the property is in good condition. Notably, Sweden has strong tenant protection laws, limiting arbitrary rent increases and ensuring that landlords handle necessary repairs.

Remember – Hemavi can help you secure housing even before you've arrived in Sweden! Our online portal allows you to filter your search, speak to landlords and view the property online, and pay your first rent securely.

Step Three: Register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket)

When you move to Sweden and plan to stay for over a year, registering with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) is essential. This process not only assigns you a personnummer (personal identity number) but also integrates you into Sweden’s Population Register. Your personnummer will serve as your primary identifier, needed for daily activities like opening a bank account, accessing healthcare, signing leases, and even setting up utilities.

To apply for your personnummer, you’ll need to visit a Skatteverket service center in person for an identity verification check, which, as of June 2024, uses digital facial comparison technology for enhanced security. When you register, be sure to bring identification documents, proof of residence, and your residence permit (valid for at least 12 months) if you’re a non-EU/EEA citizen. The registration process officially makes you part of the Swedish population and a taxpayer, which is required for accessing state benefits like healthcare

Your personnummer follows you throughout your life, remaining the same even if you leave and return to Sweden. It is also used by various government agencies and private companies, simplifying interactions across Swedish systems. In addition, once registered, you can apply for a Swedish ID card through Skatteverket, which makes proving your identity easier in everyday transactions.

Step Four: Obtain an ID Card and Open a Bank Account

Obtaining a Swedish ID Card

The Swedish ID card, available through Skatteverket, is essential for confirming your identity within Sweden. You’ll need to bring proof of your personnummer and pay a 400 SEK fee for processing. This ID card is widely accepted and simplifies in-person transactions and verifications at banks, pharmacies, and government offices. You must be registered in Sweden for at least one year to be eligible for this card.

Setting Up a Bank Account

A Swedish bank account is necessary for managing finances, receiving salary payments, and handling various transactions. Major banks, including Swedbank, SEB, and Handelsbanken, require proof of your personnummer and often your Swedish ID card to establish an account. Once you have a bank account, you can activate BankID, Sweden’s widely-used digital identification system, which provides secure access to a range of online services.

Activating BankID and Using Swish

BankID is critical for digital identification in Sweden. In 2023, over 8.5 million Swedes used BankID, logging in more than 7 billion times. It’s required for online banking, government services, and even signing digital contracts. With BankID, you can also set up Swish, a popular mobile app allowing instant money transfers through mobile numbers, a feature used by over 7 million residents for everyday payments and peer-to-peer transaction.

Step Five: Integrate and Learn Swedish

Integrating into Swedish society is greatly facilitated by learning Swedish, and the Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) program is central to this goal. SFI provides free language courses for adult immigrants, covering essential skills like reading, writing, and conversational Swedish. Each year, thousands enroll in SFI, with participants representing a diverse array of nationalities—common backgrounds include individuals from Iraq, Somalia, Thailand, and Poland. These courses not only support language acquisition but also offer social orientation and cultural insights, which help young professionals better navigate the Swedish job market and community life.

For newcomers aiming to gain residency or citizenship, learning Swedish can also be a long-term investment. Many official processes, like the Swedish citizenship test, require language proficiency, typically at B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which equates to SFI’s higher courses (Level D). Thus, participating in SFI not only aids daily interactions but also lays the groundwork for full integration into Swedish society.

Conclusion

Relocating to Sweden as an international professional offers a rewarding blend of career opportunities, social benefits, and a high quality of life. While the steps—securing a job and work permit, arranging housing (Check out Hemavi!), registering with Skatteverket, and setting up your BankID—may seem intricate, each one is an investment in building a stable and successful life in Sweden. Embracing Swedish culture, learning the language through SFI, and familiarizing yourself with local systems will greatly ease your transition, helping you feel at home faster.

With its commitment to work-life balance, robust social infrastructure, and welcoming international community, Sweden is a fantastic choice for those ready to embark on a new professional chapter. Whether you’re pursuing tech, business, or creative industries, your Swedish journey awaits with open doors.