General Essentials

Visa and Residence Permit
Ensure your visa or residence permit is in order. Non-EU/EEA citizens usually need a work permit or study visa before arrival.

Personnummer (Personal Number)
Once in Sweden, applying for a personnummer is crucial. It’s required for healthcare, banking, signing contracts, and more.

Housing Market Challenges
Finding a place to live is tough due to high demand. Start your search early, explore sublets, and consider areas outside the city center.

Cost of Living
Stockholm is expensive. Research salaries, taxes, and budgeting for essentials like rent, food, and transport.

Cultural Insights

Language
Most Stockholmers speak fluent English, but learning Swedish will help with integration and work opportunities. Free Swedish courses (SFI) are available for newcomers.

Fika Culture
Fika (coffee and cake breaks) is a social cornerstone. Embrace it—it’s a great way to connect with people.

Lagom and Jantelagen
Swedes value balance (lagom) and humility (jantelagen). Flashy displays or boasting aren’t well-received.

Reserved Social Norms
People are friendly but reserved at first. Building friendships takes time, but they’re meaningful when formed.

Work and Education

Work-Life Balance
Swedish workplaces prioritize balance and offer generous parental leave and vacation days.

Job Market
Knowledge of Swedish is often necessary for jobs outside international companies. Research your field and prepare for possible language barriers.

Education Opportunities
Sweden offers high-quality education, and many programs are in English. Schools and daycare are well-regarded but require early application.

Everyday Life

Health System
Healthcare is excellent but requires a personnummer. Without one, you’ll need private insurance for initial coverage.

Digital Society
Sweden is highly digital. You’ll need BankID for banking and other online services.

Weather and Daylight
Winters are dark, with very short days, while summers are bright and long. A light therapy lamp can be helpful during winter months.

Cycling and Outdoor Activities
Stockholm is bike-friendly, and there’s a strong focus on outdoor activities year-round, from ice skating to kayaking.

Practical Information

Public Transport
Stockholm’s public transport system (buses, metro, trains, ferries) is excellent. Get an SL card for unlimited travel.

Recycling and Sustainability
Recycling is deeply ingrained in Swedish culture. Familiarize yourself with sorting trash and using recycling stations.

Winter Preparedness
Winters are cold and dark. Invest in warm clothing and learn to embrace cozy indoor activities.

Banking and Swish
Opening a Swedish bank account and using Swish (mobile payment app) are essential for daily life.

Alcohol Regulations
Stronger alcohol (above 3.5%) is sold only at Systembolaget, the state-run liquor store. It’s closed on Sundays and has limited hours.