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Northern lights over Stockholm.

Photo: Andreas Thomée

Categories: Before

A practical guide to smooth your move to Stockholm

Publish date: 9 December 2024

Moving to a new city always presents its fair share of challenges. Across this site you'll find plenty of guidance from people who have made the move and can help you feel right at home. But if you want to get straight into the nitty gritty, this collection of links is here to help.

Before you buy your ticket

Get residence permits

If you think you’ll have to go through a lot of red tape before you can move to the Stockholm Region, we have some great news. It’s actually quite easy, even if you're from outside the EU/EEA area.

Find a home

Stockholm is a very popular city and the housing market is quite competitive, which makes finding a place of your own somewhat tricky. But don’t worry, there’s help to be had.

Find a job

There are quite a few ways of discovering job opportunities. Here are a few of the best.

Bringing your family

Stockholm is a very family-oriented city with an excellent and affordable childcare system. It also offers free education for children and young people up to age 19.

Know the culture

South African native Samantha Govender tells us 20 things she wishes she'd known before moving to Stockholm.

On your arrival

Victor Gårdsäter. Art in the subway by ©Åke Pallarp/Bildupphovsrätt(2024) and ©Enno Hallek/Bildupphovsrätt(2024)

Register in Sweden

In order for you to exercise your rights it’s important that you are entered into the population register at the Tax Agency.

Open a bank account

If you stay for more than a few months, a Swedish bank account is a good idea.

Make new friends

Get to know new friends by joining meetups, networks and coworking spaces.

Start a company

Stockholm is one of the world’s hottest start-up cities, and setting up a business in the Stockholm region is a straightforward process.

Find a job

There are quite a few ways of discovering job opportunities. Here are a few of the best.

Insurance

Do yourself a favour and sign up for household insurance. It might just save you a lot of trouble. No matter how long you’re staying, make sure you are covered before coming to Sweden. 

Taxes and Pension

The taxation system in Sweden is straightforward, as is reporting your taxes. And if you work and pay tax in Sweden, you earn a pension. Here’s how it all works.

Learn Swedish

Yes, people speak great English here, but learn Swedish to open lots more doors.

Download useful apps

Check out our list of 23 handy smartphone apps that will make your life in Stockholm a lot easier.

Internet and Media

Stockholm is the most connected city in the world and communication services are very affordable.

During your stay

Victor Gårdsäter

Family in Stockholm

Stockholm is a very family-oriented city with an excellent and affordable childcare system. It also offers free education for children and young people up to age 19.

Education

Education is a great way to engage in the city’s cultural and social life and meet new people. 

Healthcare

The healthcare system in Stockholm is world-class. Here are the steps you'll take to get access to it once you're here.

Transportation

Public transportation information, how to get a Swedish drivers license and register a vehicle.