🇸🇪 Sweden
Scandinavian work-life balance with a strong tech and startup scene
Visa Options
- Work Permit (Up to 2 years (renewable, path to permanent)) — Job offer ≥ SEK 33,390/mo (from June 2026), union-vetted terms and conditions
- EU Blue Card (Up to 2 years) — Higher-education degree, job offer at elevated salary threshold, recognized qualifications
- Self-Employment Permit (2 years (renewable)) — Viable business plan, sufficient capital, 2+ years' relevant experience
- Job Seeker Visa (9 months) — Relevant qualifications/experience, proof of sufficient funds
Tax Overview
- Income Tax: ~32% municipal (avg, 28.9%–35.6% by municipality) + 20% state tax above SEK 643,100 — up to ~52–55% marginal
- Expert Tax Relief: 25% of gross employment income exempt from tax for up to 5 years, for foreign experts, researchers and key staff; applied for via the Taxation of Research Workers Board
- Corporate Tax: 20.6%
- VAT: 25% standard (food temporarily cut to 6% from Apr 2026–Dec 2027; 12% normal rate)
Cost of Living
- Comfortable living (single, typical): SEK 25,000 – 32,000/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Stockholm): SEK 12,000 – 16,000/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Gothenburg): SEK 9,500 – 13,000/mo
- Groceries: SEK 3,800 – 4,000/mo
- Utilities: SEK 700 – 800/mo
- Dining out: SEK 150 – 250/meal
- Public transport: SEK 895 – 1,060/mo pass
Relocation Checklist
- Apply for a personnummer (personal identity number) with Skatteverket
- Register your residence and get a Swedish ID card
- Open a Swedish bank account (requires BankID)
- Join Stockholm's or your city's housing queue early — rental markets are tight
- Apply for Expert Tax Relief within 3 months of starting work, if eligible
- Register with Försäkringskassan for social insurance
- Set up a tax card and confirm employer withholding
- Register with a local vårdcentral (health center)