Essentials
The language
Learning the language is an exciting part of living abroad. It will also open doors in both your social and work life and help you during your time here.
There are many ways to learn; among other things you can enrol in a class, make use of online tools or join a Språkcafé where internationals and locals meet and practice the language they are learning. This is also a great opportunity to meet people!
While English is widely spoken in Sweden, mastering Swedish can significantly enhance your career prospects and enrich your life experience. Another way to learn the language is to enrol in Swedish for immigrants (SFI), which are free courses for all new Swedes.
Healthcare in Sweden
Swedish healthcare is overall of very good quiality and largely tax-funded. Compared to many other countries it is very affordable, but the amount you pay when seeking healthcare varies. For example, it costs more to seek care at an emergency department than at a healthcare centre. There is often no charge for childen and young people.
If you or someone in your family needs medical care, you can usually get help at a healthcare centre (vårdcentral). Call 1177 if you are unsure where to seek care, there you can speak Swedish or English.
Read more about how healthcare works in Sweden (1177.se)
Taxes in Sweden
Sweden is renowned for its high taxes. But as an individual living here, you get a lot in return, including a generous social welfare system, affordable preschools and healthcare, and world class public transport.
Paying taxes in Sweden is very straightforward: employers pay payroll tax on top of your salary every month, income tax is deducted directly from your monthly salary, and value-added tax is included in the price of food, goods and services. Every person is taxed individually, even when married.
Read more about taxes in Sweden for Individuals and employees (skatteverket.se)
The Swedish school system
Sweden has a strong tradition of accessible and inclusive education. Lifelong learning is built on flexible learning pathways, ensuring individuals continuously develop skills and adapt to new demands – at every stage of life.
Schools in Sweden are generally free of charge, and all students in Sweden are entitled to free or subsidized school meals, ensuring that every child has access to nutritious food during the school day.
Salaries
Like most places, the salaries here vary greatly depending on your profession, qualifications, experience and from company to company. To give you a rough idea of what to expect, here is a list of salary statistics for a number of occupations.
Monthly salaries (SEK)
The first figure represents the 10th percentile and the second figure the 90th percentile.
- Economics and finance managers: 40,200 – 106,600
- Human resource managers: 39,000 – 105,800
- Sales and marketing managers: 44,100 – 101,900
- IT managers: 48,000 – 103,600
- IT operations managers: 44,100 – 86,200
- Managers in information, communication and PR: 42,000 – 111,500
- Software and system developers: 33,100 – 58,000
- Engineers and technicians in construction: 31,000 – 55,900
- Engineers and technicians in chemistry and chemical engineering: 29,700 – 56,300
Welcome House
When moving to Sundsvall & the High Coast region you get a free service to help you get prepared and settled in.
Find out more about Welcome House and relocation services.
Moving to Sweden
Moving to Sweden for work means getting familiar with some processes, from how your citizenship affects the steps you need to take to Sweden’s digital way of handling many practical tasks.
Checklist – prepare before you start
- Check that your passport is valid
- Translate degree certificates, diplomas and references if needed
- Gather employment records and reference letters
- Prepare family certificates
- Check required professional licences
- Arrange apostilles or legalisations
- Make digital copies of key documents
- Use an email address you check regularly
