Are you curious about life in Sweden for foreigners? Read this article to discover the highs and lows of living in Sweden in 2024.
Is Sweden a good place to live for foreigners?
One of the nicest things about living in Sweden is how kind the people are to outsiders. It is no wonder many foreigners have chosen Sweden as their home. With foreign nationals accounting for 20% of the population, it is a diverse and opportunity-rich country.
As a couple who relocated to Sweden in 2023 in search of a better life, we have learned a lot about the advantages and disadvantages of living here. We are excited to share our own experiences to give you a broad view of what it is like to be a foreigner in Sweden.
Economic Factors
When we moved to Sweden, we had a few things to consider. The economy was one of the most important factors because it made planning easier and gave us a good idea of what it would be like to live in Sweden in 2024. To answer these questions, we did a lot of online research and talked to a few people to ensure we made the best choice.
Cost of Living
Many foreigners say that Sweden is a beautiful place to live. Still, it does come at a premium, particularly if we relocate with a family. The higher cost of living is one reason many Swedish expatriates face challenges. To give a big picture of how expensive Sweden is, we can look at recent data from Numbeo.com. They estimated that a family of four could spend around 41,582 SEK (€3,646.87) each month without the rent cost in Stockholm.
Swedish food prices are also higher than in other nations. A British travel blogger shopped for the daily meal on their trip to Sweden and made some interesting discoveries. This is what they found during this visit: A liter of milk costs around 16.50 SEK (€1.45), whereas a kilogram of minced beef costs between 123 SEK (€10.79) and 133 SEK (€11.69). They also mentioned that dining out may not be the most cost-effective option because we can spend roughly 397 SEK (€34.89) for a three-course dinner.
Because we intend to work here, it is also a good idea to understand the tax rates. To demonstrate how much tax we must pay, a Swedish government website determined that we will pay local income taxes ranging from 29% to 35%, depending on where we live and work. The average tax rate, however, is around 33%. If our income exceeds a specific threshold, we will have to pay an additional 20% in state taxes.
Income from property sales and capital gains are taxed at 30% and 22%, respectively. However, Sweden does not impose inheritance or wealth taxes. The base amount is tax-free, and you can deduct interest on loans. Understanding these financial obligations is crucial to planning for life in Sweden.
Job Market
Regardless of your considerable expertise and background, the employment market in Sweden is highly competitive. My spouse is an accountant with over five years of experience, and he obtained a job in Sweden after seven months of applying. In comparison, I am still struggling to find work here. One of our friends also revealed his difficulties. Despite having over 15 years of expertise in finance, he is still actively seeking employment in Sweden.
I investigated why it is tough to get work in Sweden, which may surprise you. The unemployment rate, which rose to 9.4% in June 2024, may lead to this problem. This figure shows the desire of many Swedes, foreigners, and fresh graduates to find work here, but the job market in Sweden could be more open in some sectors. It is even more challenging if you do not speak Swedish because many job advertisements require Swedish language competence.
Despite the challenging Swedish job market, foreigners can still find jobs in several sectors, including IT, energy, and media, without knowing Swedish. Some international companies also need foreign employees to fill vacancies in these sectors. If you are having trouble finding work, consider broadening your search or relocating to a bigger city like Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Malmö.
Networking with people through different platforms is also good since many Swedish employers appreciate references. However, Sweden is generally well-recognized for its demanding work ethic, encouraging a healthy work-life balance. Furthermore, Sweden has no minimum wage, yet the salary is more than adequate to meet your fundamental necessities. Employees may be eligible for additional hourly compensation on evenings, nights, and weekends through “kollektivavtal,” special agreements.
Quality of Life
When picking a new home, my spouse and I believe quality of life is the second most important consideration. We are considering moving abroad for an extended time to a country with a high standard of living. Thus, there are various aspects we should consider when evaluating Sweden’s quality of life. These include healthcare, education, life expectancy, safety, and security. According to our observations, Sweden consistently performs admirably in all these areas. This is more of a discussion of these issues.
Healthcare and Life Expectancy
Before my spouse and I decided to move to Sweden in 2023, we researched various countries known for their robust healthcare systems as potential new homes. Sweden soon rose to the top of our list. I also did some online research to learn more about the quality of care in Sweden and the life expectancy of its residents. In 2024, the Global Hospital Rating by Newsweek and Statista placed Karolinska University Hospital among the best in the world, evaluating over 2,000 hospitals from 30 different countries.
Recent reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) emphasize Sweden’s high-quality healthcare. Like many other wealthy nations, Sweden is seeing a rise in life expectancy. Women in Sweden now have an average life expectancy of 84.9 years, and men have an average of 81.58 years. Although this is a positive development, it also puts additional pressure on the healthcare system and increases the need for elderly care services.
Sweden also has one of the highest percentages of senior adults in Europe, with almost one in every five Swedes aged 65 or older. The average number of Swedish daughters is 1.52, which is similar to the EU average of 1.53. This demographic shift may require increased investment in health and social services.
Education
Sweden has an excellent education system, with many educational institutions offering English-language programs that attract thousands of international students to continue their studies here. This availability of quality education has made Sweden a European center of innovation. Although the performance of Swedish Students has declined slightly, according to the latest PISA data, the quality of education in Sweden is still at the top of the world.
The most recent update to the QS University Ranking affirms the quality of Swedish education. Three Swedish universities, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Lund University, and Uppsala University, are among the top 100 universities in the world, with 1503 institutions from other countries expected by 2025.
Surprisingly, in the fields of life sciences and medicine, Karolinska Institutet is among the top 10 universities in the world, ahead of some of the world’s top universities, such as Yale University, UC Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania, and the National University of Singapore. Swedish universities are generally among the top 500 best universities according to QS rankings.
Safety and Security
If you are considering moving abroad, you must consider your safety and security first. Since coming to Sweden in 2023, I have noticed a lot of other people who have moved here discussing security worries. There have been numerous reports of gang violence and terrorism threats in Sweden recently, which is understandable if you are thinking about moving here.
Sweden, however, is still secure for foreigners. The Swedish government is implementing steps to make the country safer, most notably by preventing illegal immigration. More crucially, Sweden’s NATO membership in 2024 will likely strengthen the country’s security. As part of a strategy to keep everyone safe, the Swedish Armed Forces are addressing various issues, including disinformation, cyberattacks, and attacks on critical infrastructure.
Living Conditions
After gaining a comprehensive understanding of Sweden’s economic aspects and general standard of living, it is good to know the current living circumstances in Sweden. Before relocating to Sweden, you should consider two main things: housing and climate. These elements significantly affect your everyday existence and overall Swedish living experience.
Housing
More than three out of ten million residents live in rental housing in Sweden. Over half of these rentals are public housing, meaning municipalities own them. This type of housing offers flexibility in daily life, reliable services, predictable living costs, and a chance to have a say in your living environment.
However, the Swedish housing market is difficult, especially in high-demand areas like Stockholm and Skellefteå, where housing options are limited. As a result, many newcomers find themselves living in suburban or rural areas, relying on private or public transportation to commute to work. We recommend starting your house search as early as possible to expedite the process.
You may also consider renting, co-living, or short-term lodging. Adopting a proactive and flexible strategy for your search can increase your chances of finding a suitable house. Furthermore, connecting with local expat groups might provide helpful information and housing possibilities. In my last article, I discussed how to find accommodation in Sweden.
Weather and Climate
Before relocating to Sweden, it is important to recognize that the climate differs significantly by region. In northern Sweden, winters can be extremely cold, with temperatures dropping below -30°C. On the other hand, summers throughout the country, even in the far north, can reach a comfortable +20°C. In southern Sweden, winters are generally milder, with temperatures around 0°C/32°F.
Sweden’s northern latitude also means that summers offer long days with plenty of daylight, while winters are dark and short. To stay informed, I recommend checking the SMHI (Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute) website for the latest and most accurate weather updates. This resource provides detailed information that will help you prepare for your stay in Sweden.
Social and Cultural Integration
As you settle into your new life in Sweden, it is crucial to understand the importance of social and cultural integration. This involves learning the language, familiarizing yourself with social services, and adapting to family life in a new culture. This effort is essential for a smooth transition and meaningful experience.
Languages
Approximately 10 million people speak Swedish as their primary language. However, Sweden recognizes five additional languages: Finnish, Meänkieli, Romani Chib, Sami, and Yiddish. Although most Swedes are fluent in English, they would rather speak Swedish in daily interactions where it can be difficult for us to join the conversations. Thus, mastering Swedish is the best solution for this problem.
I suggest enrolling in the Swedish government’s SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) course to help you with language skills. Since Swedish is a Category I language, it is relatively easy for English speakers to learn. Achieving proficiency typically requires 23 to 24 weeks of study or 575 to 600 hours.
Social Welfare and Family Life
Sweden has outstanding social welfare and family-friendly policies, particularly those affecting immigrants. The Swedish government offers generous parental leave, allowing new parents to spend more time with their children. This technique helps families to focus on childcare while developing strong and lasting ties. Sweden also provides many childcare options in addition to parental leave.
Numerous institutions provide children with excellent childcare and educational opportunities while their parents work. This suggests that children receive high-quality attention and enriching activities, relieving working parents’ stress. These supportive measures are vital for families adapting to life in a new country.
Swedes Tend to be Solitary
Swedes are generally polite and friendly, but they prefer not to engage in casual conversations with strangers. This cultural characteristic can make it difficult for newcomers to connect, especially if they are not relocating to school. As a result, we should start conversations with Swedes. Many programs can connect us with Swedes, one of which is language cafés.
These are usually held once a week in each city. You can easily find them through the city’s library and ask about their language café programs. Language cafés are a great way to practice Swedish and meet new people since the community has the same interest in learning the language.
Having hobbies is another good way to meet new people and create friendships in Sweden. You can join a sports club, a course, a yoga class, or volunteer at local events. These activities can help you connect with Swedes and expats.
Conclusion
There are many opportunities and challenges to living in Sweden as a foreigner. One of the best things about living in Sweden is how welcoming the Swedes are. They are kind and open, which makes it an excellent place for immigrants. Despite the high cost of living and the challenging employment market, Sweden maintains a solid social welfare system that ensures a high quality of life.
The country has tremendous career prospects as well as superb healthcare and education systems, and many people are drawn to living in this beautiful Scandinavian country. Understanding what Sweden has to offer is crucial to making the most of your time here. With the proper preparation and a willingness to embrace the local culture, Sweden can be a fulfilling and rewarding place to live.
[…] As I discuss on my previous post about how good life in Sweden is in general. The situation is similar here. I’ll give you a quick overview of the job market here. Most jobs in Northern Sweden are in local industries like mining, forestry, and technology. […]