Finding accommodation will be one of the main priorities when contemplating a relocation.

Sweden does not have a social housing system in the same way that it exist in other countries (subsidised housing aimed at low-income households). Swedish municipalities must, under Swedish law, provide housing to all residents, regardless of their income but, as a result waiting lists are long.

Alternatively, If you are looking for a rental apartment, you can contact local property companies in your chosen town/city. You can search for "fastighetsbolag" or "bostadsföretag" to find information.

To compare property rental prices in Sweden, please use our free online Cost of Living calculator.

If you wish to buy a property in Sweden, the real estate transfers procedure is relatively quick and effortless and there are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Sweden. If this something that you wish to explore, you can contact a property agent (fastighetsmäklare) for more information and advice and contact your bank to find out what amount you're able to borrow (if needed).

If you're selling a property in your country of residence, prior to moving to Sweden, you should be aware that, in Sweden, the value of any capital gain is taxed when a property is sold. If the property is sold after you have moved, you'll be taxed on the capital gain according to the Swedish tax regulations. If you sell your property in the country you are moving from before you register in the Swedish Population Register, the capital gain will not be taxed in Sweden.

When considering moving to Sweden, you'll need to know what type of visa to obtain, and whether you'll qualify. This depends, largely, on whether you want to live in Sweden long or short-term.

When applying for a Swedish visa, you'll need to go through the application process if you plan to stay in the long term.

EU/EEA citizens and those moving from neighbouring Nordic countries need to register within the Swedish Tax Authority once getting employed, as well as having a valid passport for entry. However, many non-EU nationals who reside within the UK are still required to Schengen visa. You can travel to countries within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within a 180 period without an additional visa.

If you are not from these countries, you'll also need to obtain a temporary or permanent residence permit, work permit, or self-employment visa.

In special circumstances, you may be able to obtain a national visa (D-visa) in order to stay longer than 90 days (and a maximum of 1 year). This VISA would be for those who need to travel often for business purposes and spend more than 90 days in a 180 day period in Sweden. This could also apply to parents who travel back and forth to visit their children in Sweden.

If you wish to relocate to Sweden for more than one year you'll need to complete the Swedish population registration.

Once registered you'll obtain a personal identity number which you'll need to move forward with securing accommodation, healthcare, setting up your bank account and for employment.

When visiting the tax agency, depending on if you are moving by yourself or with family, you'll need to bring; your passport, any documents proving your civil status, the birth certificates for any children who are moving with you, and your residence permit. 

When relocating to Sweden, you'll need to apply for various insurances to keep you safe.

You'll need to register as a resident in Sweden to access state healthcare. To obtain healthcare locally or privately, you'll need to have a residence permit, a Swedish tax ID and must visit a local healthcare centre. In addition to this, you can also acquire a perosnummer card, which can be processed within a couple of weeks. However, to be permitted this card, you will need to provide a residency permit for over one year and must show that you have private insurance for your healthcare.

Social insurance is extremely important in Sweden. This insurance covers anyone who works and lives within Sweden; this insurance provides financial protection for families, children, people who may have a disability illness, work injury, or old age.

If you're looking to buy a property, we recommend that you should apply for a homeowner’s insurance covering the loss or damage to your private property, personal injuries, and liability for damages caused to others.

You must ensure your car before driving within Sweden. and other available insurances include (but are not limited to)  pet insurance and unemployment insurance.

Banking is extremely important when relocating to a new country and managing your finances is one of the key components when relocating. Ex-pats can easily open a bank account; however, until you register within the Swedish Tax Authority, you'll have restrictions on what account you can open.

It's essential that, when you open a bank account, you understand how the tax system in Sweden works; If you are an EU/EEA resident, you're legally allowed to open a bank account.

If you're not an EU/EEA resident and do not own a Swedish tax number you may face some difficulties but you'll still be able to open and access an account.

The requirements to open a bank account will vary depending on your bank, and depending on whether you're an EU/EEA national. If you are an EU/EEA resident and don’t have a Swedish tax number you have the right of residency and are allowed to open a simple account.

If you are a non-resident and plan on living within Sweden for up to 6 months to a year, you will need to register within the Swedish tax system- which is a very straight forward process.

To open a bank account, you 'll need the following documents:

1. A proof of address
2. Your passport
3. A Swedish ID card

Whilst you might be keen to drive once you have moved to Sweden, you might not be able to do so straight away, so you'll be pleased to know that public transportation is popular and easy to use.

Travel coupons can be bought easily at kiosks and information centres and can used on a variety of transportation lines including buses, metro, and tram systems.

We recommend that, if you wish to travel on public transport, you should travel by train where possible; Sweden has one of the largest rail operators offering four different train services which include high-speed trains, intercity trains, regional and commuter trains.

Most cities in Sweden will have train and bus services available which are operated under the same ticket system.

To compare the costs of public transort in Sweden to any other major city in the world, please try our free online Cost of Living Calculator. 

If public transport is not for you, driving is a great option to see the never-ending delights of Sweden. The minimum age for driving a car is 18 and if you have a valid driving license from an EEA, then you can use your license in Sweden. If you're not an EEA citizen, you'll be required to take a driving and theory exam and must acquire a driving permit. 

When moving to a new country, we know that finding the right education for your child is important. So, you'll be pleased to know that the education system in Sweden is of extremely high quality.

There are various options for schooling for your child; you can choose from both private and public education and in Sweden, students have the opportunity to choose where they go to school regardless of where they may live.

Children can start education with optional preschool, between the age of one and five. They can then go to kindergarten when they turn 6, after which they will then enter compulsory education. until they are to sixteen. The can then continue for three years of additional education.

The schooling times depend on the school year; however, the average start time is 8:15 am-3:30 pm.

Within secondary school, Swedish students can pick from eighteen national programs; six are for those seeking higher education (university) and twelve are vocational. Requirements vary between programs, but students must have passing grades in Swedish, English, and Maths within their compulsory education.