Moving from US to Sweden in 2023

Many Americans have considered moving to Sweden, the Land of the Vikings. The breathtaking scenery, great Swedish benefits and the public transport are just some of the reasons why. Read on to find out important details about moving to Sweden from the US.

Benefits of Moving from the US to Sweden in 2023

Healthcare System

Healthcare in Sweden is topnotch. It’s almost free for all. The mother and child’s health care is entirely free. In addition, they get free access to facilities equipped with books and toys. They also get a monthly child allowance of $125 deposited to their bank accounts.

Quality of Life

They rank above average when it comes to jobs, earnings, work-life balance, housing and safety.

Fast Internet

Sweden belongs to the top 10 fast internet connections in the world. It’s also affordable compared to other countries like Europe and the US.

Best Education

Sweden has by far one of the countries that offer the best education. Every child gets free education and must attend 9 mandatory years in school. Grundskola is the primary and lower secondary school, while Gymnasieskola is the upper secondary school. There are universities that are funded and free to the citizens of Sweden.

Excellent Working Conditions

Sweden has a stable and strong economy. Although the cost of living is quite high, they do have a great income. Expats who work in information technology, construction, engineering, science and business management have an advantage. Also, most Swedish speak English but it’s expected that you at least learn the language to get better jobs.

How to Move from the US to Sweden

Apply for a Residence Permit

An American who plans to move to Sweden needs to obtain a residence permit to be able to stay for more than 90 days. The application form must be submitted to a Swedish Consulate in the USA except for the consulates in Boston, Philadelphia and the Swedish Consulate General in New York.

The requirements include 2 copies of the following documents:

• Completely filled out application form
• Notarized copies of the passport and/or other permits
• Return ticket
• Bank statements
• Confirmation letter from an insurance company (coverage equivalent to $37,000)
• Appendix D or the Family Details Appendix
• Application fee
• Other additional documents

Apply for a Work Permit

You can also move to Sweden by acquiring a work permit. An official offer of employment from an employer in Sweden is a requirement along with a valid passport. A monthly salary of $1300 before taxes is necessary.

Submit your complete application either online or at the Swedish Consulate in the US. Do ensure to submit all the necessary documents including the application fee.

Becoming a Swedish Citizen

You must be at least 18 years old to apply as a Swedish citizen, must have lived in the country for five years or have permanent residence in the country, and must not have any criminal record. You will need a valid passport.

Submit your application either online or to the Consulate’s office along with all the necessary documents needed.

Cost of moving from the US to Sweden

The average cost of moving long distance from the US to Sweden is $2750 for a 1-bedroom house. The cost varies as there are many factors that go into calculating moving costs: the number of belongings being moved, distance, packing and unpacking, special items and much more, so the best bet to know the true cost is to fill out the Instaquote above.

Most Popular Areas in Sweden

Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and the largest city in Scandinavia. It’s also considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Although it’s a little expensive, the city is home to some of the continent’s best universities, a great job market and exceptional museums. Expect to see historical buildings and beautiful public parks in Stockholm.

Malmø

An alternative to Stockholm is this city down south. With its diverse culture and community, Malmø is preferred by most expats and visitors. It’s a hub for tech and startup companies, and also home to the most unusual yet beautiful parks and gardens. The city has loads of festivals and outdoor events. Overall, this city has a great atmosphere. They also sell low rental properties.

Solna

Voted as one of the best cities in Sweden, Solna has a quieter feel and is close to Stockholm. They have a good job market and low corporate taxes which makes it ideal for startups and investors. Some of the best places to see in Solna include the Angso National Park and the Ulriksdal Palace.

Gothenburg

Enjoy a balance of city life, green surroundings and beautiful coast at Gothenburg. It’s the second biggest city after the country’s capital that is home to the largest film festivals in Scandinavia. When it comes to music and art, this city has loads of it. Gothenburg is one of the most visited cities in Sweden as it’s home to historical sites and great seafood.

Helsingborg

Real properties in Helsingborg are affordable. Rental homes are also offered at a low price. People living in this city enjoy a good quality of life. They have great theatres, golf courses, restaurants and museums.

Uppsala

Uppsala University is by far one of the best in the world. This city has a peaceful atmosphere and great nightlife. Kayaking and going on yacht tours are a few of the activities you get to enjoy.

Marstrand

This city is said to be the equivalent of Hollywood in the US. They have several tourist locations, theatres, buildings and historic museums. Marstrand is just a few minutes from Gothenburg.

Visby

Grocery prices may be higher in Visby but the rental cost is a lot more affordable compared to other cities in Sweden. This interesting city has a rich history of the Vikings rule in Scandinavia. You’ll find several historic buildings and tourist spots in Visby.

Sundsvall

Also referred to as Stone City, Sundsvall has plenty to offer for expats. Stone buildings, wide boulevards, restaurants offering great cuisine and cozy bars. It’s a cosmopolitan city that has been rebuilt beautifully.