Living in Sweden
All the tips, essential information and practical advice you need for living in Sweden.
How to vabba to look after sick children in Sweden
It's never nice for a child or their parent when a little one is ill, but families in Sweden benefit from so-called VAB policies allowing mums, dads, and other caregivers paid time off when a child is unwell.
Q&A: How will Sweden's new family immigration law affect researchers?
The previous Swedish government's law raising income requirements for foreigners with families in Sweden came into force on October 1st, 2026. The Local spoke to SULF, which represents higher education workers, about how researchers are affected.
Belong Nordic: The app to track your citizenship application in the Nordics
If you’ve ever left your home and moved abroad, you will know that there can be some confusing times. There’s usually a lot of paperwork involved too – visas, residency permits and even gaining a new nationality. While some parts of these processes are straightforward, others can be a minefield to figure out.
How to lower the monthly cost of your Swedish mortgage
The mortgage makes up the biggest chunk of a lot of home owners' monthly bills. But did you know there's a way you can lower your mortgage cost?
Reader question: Is it possible to transfer a foreign pension to Sweden?
A lot of people who move to Sweden do so mid-career. A UK reader asked us if it was possible to transfer an overseas occupation pension to Sweden. You can but it's not always worth it.
Q&A: Who is affected by Sweden's new law on family immigration?
The previous Swedish government's law tightening rules for family reunification came into force on October 1st, 2026. The Local spoke to Ann-Kari Olsson, Section Head at the Swedish Migration Agency, to find out who is affected – and how.
UPDATED: What's in Sweden's new law on family reunification?
Sweden's Tidö government may have lost the 2026 election, but many of its strict immigration policies become law in autumn 2026. Here's what you need to know about the law restricting immigrant family reunification that comes into force on October 1st.
Why now is the time to transfer your UK pension to Sweden
Foreign pensions are one of those things that often get pushed to the back of your mind – you know you should take care of it, but the process feels overwhelming, and you’re unsure where to begin or who to trust. But excellent help is available from Sweden’s leading expert in overseas pension transfers Ahmed Ben Moussa and his colleagues at the foreign pensions team offer the only end-to-end service for overseas pension transfers.
Who can study for free in Sweden?
Applications for Sweden's university spring semester opened on September 15th, and did you know that tuition-free degrees and shorter courses are available to a lot of foreign residents in the country, too?
The Local's 11 insider tips when apartment hunting in Sweden
Taking your first step onto the property ladder is always a big moment, and especially so when you're navigating the housing market in an unfamiliar country. If you're hoping to buy an apartment in Sweden, here's an in-depth guide to the things you should be thinking about.
'Reassess your cultural background': Key tips for foreign job hunters in Sweden
Many foreigners living in Sweden want to stay in the country but struggle to find a job, despite having relevant qualifications. The Local spoke to three experts for their advice.
What you need to know about applying to university in Sweden
Thinking of taking a university course in your spare time in Sweden? Applications for the spring semester opened on September 15th. Here's everything you need to know to get started with your application.
HOOONNNK! What's that noise? No need to freak out, Sweden
Don't be alarmed if you hear a long, deafening siren on Monday afternoon in Sweden. It is just 'Hoarse Fredrik' – or 'Hesa Fredrik' – and it is only a test.
Fika, meatballs and Kalles kaviar: Which Swedish foods habits have you adopted?
It's hard to live in Sweden for more than a few months without adopting some of the local food habits, with meatballs, fredagsmys, A-fil and even aberrations like tuna paste among the foods now regularly eaten by foreigners who answered The Local's survey.
How to get married in Sweden
So you want to get hitched in Sweden? Here's how.
Swedish word of the day: förtidsröstning
Swedes are able to vote in advance for elections, either by post or in election booths in schools, libraries and other municipal buildings. But where does the word for advance voting – förtidsröstning – come from?
Five tips to get your hands on a first-hand rental apartment in Sweden
They're often high quality and cheaper than the market rate, but oh so hard to come by. The Local's readers share their best tips for how foreigners without years in the housing queue can rent a so-called first-hand apartment in Sweden.
Why saying 'thanks' is often the best way to say 'please' in Swedish
Just because Swedes don't have a direct translation for the English word 'please' doesn't mean they're more rude than English speakers. Here are all the ways you can be polite in Swedish.
What you need to know if you're getting divorced in Sweden
Whether you moved to Sweden for love or relocated with a partner, sometimes a marriage just doesn't work out. Understanding how to navigate the administrative side can at least make it more straightforward.
Seven things you need to know before coming to Sweden to study
You’ve been accepted to university in Sweden, accepted your spot, and applied for your residence permit. Now it's time to prepare for your move. Maybe you’re wondering what life in Sweden will be like? Here are some tips based on my first year living in Lund, where I'm currently studying.
8 surprising perks to living in Sweden that anyone can take advantage of
From endless refillable coffee to free advice for entrepreneurs, moving to Sweden comes with a whole trove of low-key benefits that Swedes are so accustomed to they barely get a mention. The Local’s reader Gemma Casey-Swift shares a shortlist of the more hidden perks she’s discovered.
Can I take my child out of their Swedish school during term time?
Are you planning a trip abroad later in the year with school-age kids? It's good to be aware of the rules for taking them out of classes so you're not hit with a painful fine once you get home.
Five great day trips to do from Gothenburg
Gothenburg has a lively culture scene, plenty of green spaces and food and drink in abundance, but sometimes you just need to escape the city. The West Coast and nearby towns provide plenty of opportunities for a memorable day trip from Sweden's second city: here are five of our favourite destinations complete with insider tips.