Living in Sweden
All the tips, essential information and practical advice you need for living in Sweden.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
What you need to know before moving to Sweden
Starting a new life overseas is an adventure and a challenge, and however much research you do beforehand, there are bound to be aspects of the local culture or bureaucracy that come as a surprise.
'Everything is on hold': The ups and downs of working in Sweden in summer
Office fruit disappears, trains and restaurants shut down, and it is impossible to get anything done if it involves a Swedish colleague. The Local's readers report from Sweden's deserted summer offices.
QUIZ: Can you pass The Local's mock Swedish citizenship test?
Proof of knowledge of basic Swedish civics, history, geography, and culture will now be required to obtain Swedish citizenship. An official study booklet for the new test is now out. How well do you know the material?
How to grow your own fruits and vegetables in Sweden
Whether you were a keen gardener or not before you moved to Sweden, growing in the Nordic climate might not be quite what you're used to. The Local spoke to master gardener John Taylor for his tips on growing veg in Sweden.
Swedish bucket list: Seven train trips you should try this summer
Planning a train trip in Sweden this summer but don't know where to start? Here are our top picks for railway travel across Sweden.
An essential guide to travelling through Copenhagen Airport with kids
Flying with children can be stressful at the best of times, so here are The Local’s best tips for departing from Copenhagen Airport with your kids in tow.
How to survive a children's birthday party in Sweden
If you've moved to Sweden as a family, you might find that children's birthday parties are your first big opportunity to make Swedish friends. So here's The Local's guide on what to expect and how to host one.
How to sell your house or apartment in Sweden – six key points
If you want to sell your house or apartment it's a good idea to prepare well in advance, but you may not always have that option. These are six things you should be considering if you need or want to make a sale.
How to make sure you don't offend your Swedish in-laws
Meeting your in-laws for the first time is nerve-wracking in any country, but just so you're not taken by surprise: here's an informal set of rules and habits you may encounter if they're Swedish.
How to save money at Sweden's airports
Sweden is not a cheap country by any means, and the extra charges at airports can make travelling feel even more costly. Luckily, there are ways to make trips to Swedish airports more affordable.
How Indians can protect their residency rights in India after becoming Swedish
Because of India's ban on dual nationality, Indians generally have to renounce their citizenship if they want to naturalise in Sweden. That said, there is a way to retain residency rights and links to India – even without an Indian passport.
How to turn the one Scandinavian language you are learning into three
The Local Sweden's Deputy Editor, Becky Waterton, who speaks fluent Danish and Swedish (and understands Norwegian), gives her best tips for how to learn to understand the other Scandinavian languages if you already speak one of them.