Living in Sweden
All the tips, essential information and practical advice you need for living in Sweden.
Seven reasons to love Östergötland
More and more people are moving to this beautiful pocket of Sweden, where both nature and city life are on the doorstep. We speak to Östergötland locals to uncover some of the region’s highlights and why they love living there.
What laid-off foreigners get wrong about Sweden's 'three-month deadline'
If they get laid off while on a work permit in Sweden, non-EU foreigners theoretically have three months to find a new one and apply for a new permit. However, in practice, they have less time.
Five things you can grow on your balcony in Sweden
Want to try your hand at growing your own food or flowers but you don’t have any outside space? Don’t let that stop you. Here are Becky Waterton's top tips for what to grow on your balcony in Sweden.
Ten key questions to help you plan your Swedish pension now
Pension-planning is an important part of keeping on top of your personal finances, and that's true whether you've moved to Sweden for the long haul, plan to stay for just a few years, or are choosing to retire to the Scandinavian country.
How to fill out your Swedish tax return
The deadline for filing your taxes is May 2nd. Don't despair: these nine tips should make the process a bit easier to understand.
Eight ways to save money on food and drink in Sweden
Food prices have risen by 28 percent since 2022, but there are a few ways you can save money on your food shop. Here are our top tips.
Eleven ways to (legally) lower your Swedish tax bill
The deadline for filing your tax return to Sweden's Tax Agency is May 2nd. But make sure you don't miss out on claiming money back if you can.
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 autumn semester open on March 17th. Here's everything you need to know to get started with your application.
Who can study for free in Sweden?
Applications for Sweden's university autumn semester open on March 17th, and did you know that tuition-free degrees and shorter courses are available to a lot of foreign residents in the country, too?
How can I stay in Sweden if I lose my job?
Whether you think you might be affected by Northvolt's bankruptcy filing or you work somewhere else entirely, losing your work permit doesn’t necessarily mean there’s no chance you can stay in Sweden. But what other permits are there, and how do you qualify?
How to move your Swedish mortgage to another bank
With Sweden's Financial Supervisory Authority (FI) urging homeowners to renegotiate their mortgages, now may be the perfect time to consider moving your mortgage to another bank.
What kind of DIY work are you allowed to do yourself in Sweden?
As a homeowner in Sweden, you have significant freedom when it comes to do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects. However, some work legally requires you to call in professionals.
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' – and it is only a test.
CHECKLIST: Here's what you need to do if you move away from Sweden
What authorities do you need to inform before you leave, are you liable to Swedish tax and how can you access your Swedish pension? Here's a checklist.
KEY STEPS: How to set up and pay for your electricity contract in Sweden
So you're ready to move house, what next? In Sweden setting up electricity requires two separate contracts.
How can LGBT+ couples start a family in Sweden?
Many people reach a point in their lives when they wish to start a family, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. But what are your options if you need help to have a baby?
Swedish foodie secrets: How to find Sweden's best semla
Semlor are traditional Swedish cardamom buns filled with whipped cream and almond paste. But what should you look for in a good semla, and what should you avoid?
How to maximise your Swedish pension – even if you're not planning to stay
In the excitement of getting stuck into life in a new country and tackling all the challenges that presents, it's easy for pensions to slip down the list of things to keep track of. But don't let it fall off the radar, follow The Local's guide to manage your Swedish pension.
But what does it all mean? How to decipher Sweden's orange pension envelope
If you live and work in Sweden, you may have received an orange envelope with important information about your pension. The document can feel intimidating, but here's what you need to know in order to decipher it.
What happens if your Swedish citizenship application is rejected?
Has your Swedish citizenship application been denied, despite you meeting all the requirements? Here are your next steps, as well as how to appeal if you think the Migration Agency has made a mistake.
How to argue without offending a Swede
Italians get worked up when discussing pasta sauces. The Brits and French have arguments for fun. But in Sweden, raising your voice is a bit like taking a glass and smashing it onto the floor. Here is The Local's guide to the delicate art of having a discussion with a Swede.