Moving to Sweden From the US
Moving to Sweden from the US takes work to accomplish. However, the benefits promise to make you soon forget the challenge of getting there. Sweden is known the world over for being safe, clean, environmentally friendly, having an excellent work-life balance, and Fika or coffee-and-sweets breaks.
Lose yourself in Sweden’s forests that occupy over half of the land, look up at night to enjoy the magic of the Northern Lights, and keep on the lookout for moose and other abundant wildlife on your way to IKEA or dinner featuring genuine Swedish meatballs.
When you’ve had enough for the day, sweat it out in one of the Country’s famous saunas.
Sweden is a nation of keen recyclers, hikers, and Fika takers, and it’s the Pop Music
How to Move to Sweden
The key to successfully relocating to Sweden requires doing plenty of prep work. Expect to spend a good deal of time and energy researching your move and preparing yourself mentally for the long, harsh winters. Embracing outdoor activities once you arrive can help take the chill out of adapting until you learn to love Sweden’s climate.
What is the Process for Moving to Sweden?
Choosing a life in Sweden kickstarts many moving parts. An essential first step in the process is to create an international moving checklist. Keep track of all the tasks that lay ahead and remain organized to reduce the impact of unwelcome surprises.
Remember to delegate as much as possible. The best international moving companies can help you every step of the way. Let them shoulder some of the more complex tasks. The process of moving to Sweden follows the steps below.
- Choose your destination.
- Create a moving budget and hold on to a few months’ savings to spend getting settled once you arrive.
- Learn about obtaining residency in Sweden and develop a plan for meeting the requirements.
- Purchase travel insurance to cover your initial healthcare needs while you wait to become eligible for Swedish healthcare.
- Make a detailed inventory of all the items you’re taking to Sweden, including household goods and vehicles.
- Organize your cell phone service, financial accounts, international driver’s license, and other must-haves before moving to Sweden.
- Pack and move to Sweden.
Best International Movers to Sweden from the US
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How Long Can I Stay in Sweden?
Americans who intend to stay in Sweden for less than 90 days don’t need to worry about qualifying for any special visas. In fact, it’s recommended that you use the 90-day opportunity before you move to visit and decide things like where to live, work, and play.
An American who plans to move to Sweden needs to obtain a residence permit to be able to stay for more than 90 days.
Expats
Work visas are challenging and time-consuming to get approved, so familiarize yourself with the process and prepare well in advance of your moving date. Foreign nationals who’ve received an employment offer from a Swedish company are eligible to apply for a work visa, assuming the company has advertised the position as available for at least ten days. Your new employer will often supply application details or even perform the task for you.
Retirees
Yes, Americans can retire in Sweden. If you plan to stay in the Country longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit. Applications must be submitted to any Swedish consulate in the US. and approved before entering the Country.
Students
To study in Sweden, you’ll need to apply for a resident permit for studies. In addition, you must have enough money on hand to pay for your first semester in its entirety and show proof that you have access to sufficient funds to pay for your entire program. Obtaining health insurance is a must for students as well.
Digital nomads
Currently, there’s no Digital Nomad visa or program for Sweden. However, you may choose from options such as a work permit, study permit, or student visa. The work permit is likely the best bet for digital nomads.
Getting Your Stuff to Sweden
Getting ready mentally to move to Sweden is one thing. Getting your possessions ready for the trip is quite another. Remember that your relocation company is on your team as you plan, organize, and execute the tasks necessary to make your move as smooth as possible.
How do I Ship My Household Items to Sweden?
Most overseas moving takes time and is typically accomplished through container shipping or, essentially, putting your possessions in a giant metal box and placing it on a cargo ship for transportation to your new home. The process typically takes four to six weeks from start to finish.
Air freight is the more costly shipping option. However, it speeds up the moving process to between two and four weeks and can easily get your household items to inland destinations.
Whichever way you get your stuff there, you may also opt to use temporary or long-term storage at your destination or in your former location. Storage options are common for persons moving long distances to keep everything simple and organized.
How Much Does it Cost to Move My Belongings to Sweden?
Moving overseas typically costs between $1,500 and $12,000. The cost of moving to Sweden or other European destinations depends on how much you take and where you’re going.
Size of Home
Approximate Moving Cost
1-2 Bedroom Home
$3500-$7000
3-4 Bedroom Home
$8000-$12,000
4-5 Bedroom Home
$11,000-$17,000
Size of Home | Approximate Moving Cost |
1-2 Bedroom Home | $3500-$7000 |
3-4 Bedroom Home | $8000-$12,000 |
4-5 Bedroom Home | $11,000-$17,000 |
How Can I Save Money Moving to Sweden?
International moving costs real money. However, there are several steps you can take to reduce the stress on your moving budget.
- Less is more. The adage of pack light is crucial for any move and doubly so when moving internationally. Purging and downsizing are the rules if you need to meet a limited moving budget.
- Your mover should offer professional packing services. However, they should also offer you the opportunity to save money by packing your own possessions.
- Unloading your own container at your destination can save cash over having your mover perform the task.
- If your moving date is flexible, let your mover know in exchange for a discounted rate.
- Use an international moving cost calculator to discover where else you can save a few dollars.
- Compare individual moving companies based on price and the services they can provide.
- Don’t be shy about asking for discounts from your mover. A good moving company understands that flexibility on its part is good for business.
International Moving Calculator
Can I Ship my Car to Sweden?
Shipping your car, truck, or motorcycle to Sweden is possible. However, there are some requirements to fulfill to clear Swedish customs. When you contact a professional international mover for a quote, let them know you intend to move your auto, and they will walk you through the process.
The following documents will be necessary to clear your car into Sweden.
- Sales Contract / Bill of Sale / Car Registration
- Declaration of Use to Customs, Vehicle Tax Declaration
- As much as 20% import tax and 9% Value Added Tax
Navigating Swedish Customs
Swedish customs monitors everything that comes into the country, whether it’s a commercial product or your best Sverigedräkten and Folkdräkter. One of the services your international moving company provides as part of your move is assisting you with the paperwork and compliance requirements for wherever you’re moving. For the most part, leaving behind cleaners, liquids, food, or hazardous materials will make your experience through Swedish customs a piece of Princesstårta.
Should I get moving insurance?
Your stuff is traveling a long way. Nobody likes to talk about it, but things can happen that could damage your possessions. Purchasing additional international or marine insurance costs an average of 3% of your shipment’s declared value and is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Can I Take My Pets to Sweden?
Your pets are welcome in Sweden. Most EU countries observe similar rules and require comparable documentation. Your pet will need a valid, signed veterinary certificate, current and valid rabies vaccination, and an identifying tattoo or microchip.
In Sweden, all dog owners must register themselves and their dog at the Central Dog Registry (Centrala hundregistret) administered by the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket).
How Much Does it Cost to Live in Sweden?
The cost of living in Sweden is quite high due to the high standard of living. Salaries are also rewardingly high. However, taxes to pay for healthcare and education is costly, and rent is expensive. Transportation and fuel are also on the spendy side.
To be fair, utilities, groceries, public schools, and internet services are all quite affordable.
How Much Money Should I Take to Sweden?
Plan on taking savings totaling at least three times your monthly expenses. Upfront fees upon your arrival in the country could include a housing deposit equalling up to three months of rent, insurance, and setting up your new home.
The visa or residency permit you obtain may also have additional financial requirements to meet.
Living in Sweden
English is widely spoken in Sweden. However, just in case, consider picking up some basic Swedish language skills to navigate government offices and legal matters.
Finding a Place to Live in Sweden
Swedish rental housing is available through private and government properties. Private rentals can be hard to find and expensive if you run across one. Government rentals are more reasonably priced but come with additional hoops to jump through. Your best option for finding a place to live in Sweden is to contact a private housing agency.
Finding a Job in Sweden
The most direct route to employment in Sweden is to apply directly to a company that interests you. Each company is likely to have its own application process. Check individual company sites for application directions.
Korta vägen is your answer if you have a degree and are looking for a shortcut to Swedish employment. The program fast-tracks foreign nationals with a degree into positions related to their field.
Korta vägen is a tailor-made course that strongly increases your chances of employment and prepares you for any supplemental university studies
The Swedish Public Employment Service also offers job searches, support, and training.
Getting Around in Sweden
Sweden is a large country where flying to faraway cities is the quickest and easiest option. You’ll have plenty of options if you’re more of a train fan. Consider buying a rail pass if you frequently travel, as individual tickets can get costly. Book your train travel as far in advance as possible to save money.
Traveling by car is excellent in Sweden. The roads are well-maintained, and traffic jams are almost nonexistent. Always be alert for animals such as deer, elk, or moose on the roadways.
Healthcare in Sweden
Everyone who resides in Sweden, regardless of their home country, has access to the same healthcare as Swedish citizens.
If you plan to stay in Sweden for a year or more, you’ll need to get a personnummer or a Swedish tax identification number. The ID number provides access to the public health system. If you won’t be staying in Sweden long, and don’t have a personnummer, Be sure to protect yourself with private or international health insurance.
Education in Sweden
Sweden is one of the most expensive places to study in the EU. But, the education is top-notch and highly innovative. That said, tuition in Sweden is still less costly than in many US universities. Expect tuition costs of between $ 9,000- US$ 17,000 per year.
There are also several tuition-free schools in Sweden, including Linköping University, Uppsala University, Stockholm School of Economics, and Malmö University.
How do I Find an International Moving Company?
Finding the right international moving company for you is crucial for making the adventure to your new home as seamless and straightforward as possible. Ensure your mover is up to the task by meeting the following criteria.
- The company is listed and in compliance with FMCSA
- Listed and in compliance with the Federal Maritime Commission
- Is appropriately licensed and insured
- Offer additional moving insurance protection
- Can provide checkable referrals from past customers
Get an International Moving Quote to Sweden
Contact your international moving company and request a moving quote. You’ll have the opportunity to speak with a professional who can provide all the information you need to get you pointed in the right direction to start your journey today.
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