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Moving to Sweden from the UK

Costs, Living and Migration Requirements

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Read our guide covering the cost of removals to Sweden, the process of moving to the country, and what to expect as an expat living there.

Cost to Move to Sweden from the UK

Moving costs from the UK to Sweden fluctuate from £3,740 to £5,140.

For more details, check the table below to find removal estimates to Sweden based on different household sizes and via road transport.

Property SizeAverage Cost
1-bedroom£2,100 – £3,000
2-bedroom£2,700 – £3,700
3-bedroom£3,500 – £4,800
4-bedroom£4,600 – £6,300
5-bedroom£5,800 – £7,900

Disclaimer. The final price may not fall in the estimated range given above due to your individual needs.

Your items may take 5 to 10 days to arrive, depending on the method of transport. Shipping by sea or road takes longer but is more cost-effective than by air.

Keep in mind that factors such as the company choice, distance, volume, season and mode of transport of your move will directly affect the final costs.

Find out the average moving costs to international destinations.

Move Furniture and Personal Items from the UK to Sweden

When preparing your stuff to ship it to Sweden, keep in mind the following:

  • Pack mindfully – Create an inventory list, label all items and protect fragile items. You may want to declutter, as the volume of your furniture directly affects your moving costs. Use our calculator to estimate your volume.
Calculate Your Volume
  • International removal services – You may want to consider a full-service option (packing, loading, transporting and storage) moving companies offer.
  • Declare your items – Since you will be moving to an EU country, you may need to declare your belongings at customs. Check if you need to declare goods you bring into or take out of the UK on the UK Government page.

Finding the right removal company will also make the process easier. Fill out the form below and receive 5 free removal quotes for removals to Sweden.

Moving to Sweden?
Select the size of household you want to move!

Moving Pets from the UK to Sweden

If you intend on taking a pet with you when moving to Sweden, ensure that it has been microchipped, is vaccinated against rabies and has the animal health certificate up to date.

International Moving Companies to Sweden

Looking for removals to Sweden from the UK? Discovering a suitable company for you with proven experience and reputation is important. Check out the 3 best international removals to Sweden here:

1. Top Removals

2. Mercia Movers & Storers

3. International Moving Expert

British Citizens Moving to Sweden: Requirements and Info

Migrating to Sweden after Brexit has become a little more difficult unless you happen to be an EU or EEA citizen. Keep reading to understand the visa application process and residency permits to ensure a smooth transition.

Entry Requirements

If you’re planning to move to Sweden either to work, study or, for family reasons, you must:

  • Have a valid passport or travel document
  • Financial and accommodation proof
  • Employment offer or admission letter

Sweden Visa Application from the UK

To work in Sweden, you will have to apply for a visa. For it, you must have received an offer from a Swedish employer. It also needs to meet the Swedish collective agreement standards, such as the salary and conditions.

Your employer also needs to meet some requirements – providing insurance that covers health, life and pension.

Application process steps:

  1. Obtain an employment contract
  2. Apply for the work permit with the right documentation – sometimes your employer will do it for you.
  3. Submit the work permit and pay
  4. Get a decision from the Swedish Migration Agency – waiting time is around 30 days
  5. Receive your residence permit

Do I need a visa for Sweden with the UK Home Office travel document?

Yes, either with your passport or UK Home Office travel document, if you are moving to Sweden, you will need to apply for a visa.

Sweden Residence Permit and Permanent Move

To obtain a residence permit in Sweden, you must apply for a visa (work, study, or family). If you plan to live in Sweden permanently, you may qualify for Swedish citizenship after living there for at least 5 years. If you are married to or living with a Swedish citizen, the requirement is reduced to 3 years.

For those moving to Sweden from the UK for other reasons, you can find a full list of services of the Swedish Migration Office (Migrationsverket) here.

Living in Sweden: Cost of Living and Lifestyle

Sweden is known for its high quality of life and strong economy. With stunning landscapes and nature, it’s an attractive option for many.

Cost of Living in Sweden vs UK

Living expenses in Sweden are 14% lower than in the UK, including rent. The average cost of living for one person can be around £1,300. *

*Cost of Living Comparison Between United Kingdom and Sweden, Numbeo, 2024

Look at the following table that compares the average cost of various common goods in Sweden and the UK:

 

MetricUK AverageSwedish Average
Monthly rent for a 1-bed apartment in the city centre£1,050£740
Price per square metre to buy in the city centre£4,980£4,075
Cappuccino£3.27£3.20
0.5L of draught beer£5.50£4.70
12 eggs£2.94£3.00
1L of gasoline£1.50£1.40

Source: Numbeo

Is Sweden a Good Place to Live?

Sweden is consistently ranked at the top for its high quality of life and has a relatively small population, offering numerous opportunities for expats. Here are some pros and cons of living in Sweden:

Pros

 High quality of life
 Job security and employee protection
 Strong welfare system
 Sustainable and environmentally conscious country

Cons

 Competitive house market
 High living costs
 Social integration can be challenging
 Cold climate with limited sunlight

Best Place to Live in Sweden for Expats

  • Stockholm: As the capital, is the most popular destination for expats. It offers plenty of job opportunities, as many companies and start-ups are located there. With excellent public services, it’s easy to adapt to the city. Keep in mind that it will also be more expensive and finding an apartment can be difficult due to competition.
  • Gothenburg: It is the second largest city and provides a more relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for those seeking a balance between urban life and nature. The city is home to tech and automotive companies, and the cost of housing is affordable compared to the capital.
  • Malmö: Offers a great connection with Denmark. Living costs are lower, making it an attractive location for young expats. It’s diverse and has a vibrant art scene.

British Moving to Sweden

While Sweden shares some similarities with the UK, such as high living standards and politeness, moving to a new country means adapting to new social norms, legal processes, and climate, among other things.

Discover some experiences from some Brits that move to Sweden here:

Eleanora is from Italy, lived in the UK and now moved to Sweden. Her journey as a serial expat lends valuable insight into relocating to Sweden.
This user shares with us their experience about culture, daily life, and the warmth of Swedish society.

British vs Swedish Culture Highlights

Pros

 Politeness and indirect communication
 Pubs are typically social gathering places
 Tea culture
 Key celebrations such as Easter
 Christmas and Bonfire night

Cons

 Reserved but direct communication
 Less social but more in intimate spaces
 Social coffee break (Fika)
 Nature as the centre of their identity

Working in Sweden as a UK Citizen

If you are moving to Sweden from the UK, chances are finding employment is likely to be a top priority. The leading sectors in the Swedish economy are technology (vehicles, telecommunications, etc.), pharmaceuticals, chemical goods, appliances, forestry and iron and steel.

If you are still in search of work upon your move to Sweden, the following portals will be of use to you: The Local, Neuvoo, LinkedIn, Monster, Career Builder.

In terms of working culture, there is an emphasis put on ensuring a healthy work-life balance, with particular importance given to the fika (coffee break). Thus, there is normally a great amount of flexibility. However, you must remember that you’re working as part of a team, so be heedful of deadlines.

Can I work in Sweden without speaking Swedish?

Yes, it’s possible to work in Sweden without speaking the language. You will have more opportunities in international and multinational companies where English is widely spoken. In sectors like healthcare or customer-facing roles, Swedish will be necessary.

How to Move to Sweden: Checklist

To help you prepare for your move, read the following step-by-step guide:

1. Before Moving: Prepare Your Documents

Passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, medical documentation, educational qualifications, police background check and work and residence permit.

2. Get Your Personnummer

This is your Personal Identity Number and without it, you can’t reside in Sweden for longer than three months. This should be a top priority immediately after moving to Sweden as you will need it for life in Sweden and to open a bank account.

3. Healthcare System in Sweden

Much like the UK, the Swedish healthcare system is largely government-funded, although private options do exist. Of course, to access private healthcare and even to initially access healthcare when you first arrive, you will need insurance. So, don’t forget to get a policy that covers your needs.

4. Plan Your Relocation

  • Finances: Since you could find UK banking services difficult to access and conversion and transfer fees will take a toll on your bank balance, we recommend that you open a local bank account. You should consider the following options: Swedbank, Handselbanken, SEB.
  • Notify the institutions: To avoid paying tax twice you must inform HMRC that you are moving abroad.

Did you know? Sweden has an average tax rate of over 32%, positioning the country among one of the most highly taxed populations in the world. However, you don’t see them whining about it! On the contrary, the Swedish word for tax is skatt, which translates as ‘treasure’.

  • Learning Swedish: Taking lessons can help you integrate faster. You can do this before, after you arrive, or online.

5. Choose an International Removal Company

If you’re planning an international removal to Sweden from the UK, you might want one of the top international removal companies to help you move.

6. Packing Your Belongings

Unless you take ‘packing light’ to the extreme, there’s quite the packing challenge for removals to Sweden ahead of you. However, packing is an art and we’ve mastered it. So, if efficiency is your thing, then read our expert packing guide. 😉

7. Shipping Your Car to Sweden

If you change your country of residence to Sweden, you have a week to register your vehicle with the Swedish Transport Agency.

After Brexit, to ensure that you can legally drive once you move to Sweden from the UK, get your licence switched over.

Ready to Move to Sweden?

You’ve made it to the end. With everything you’ve read, you will be more than ready for removals to Sweden. So, bäst att smida medan järnet är varmt (strike while the iron is hot)and have the best possible move! Of course, we aim to help people move and thus there are some articles and FAQs that you might find useful, just check out the links below. Lycka till med att flytta (Good luck with your move)!

Frequently asked questions

How far is Sweden from the UK?

How to Move to Sweden?

Can I Drive to Sweden from the UK?

Is it Easy to Move to Sweden from the UK?

What is the Time Difference Between Sweden and the UK?

Can I Live in Sweden with a British Passport?