The climate

If you’re lucky, the climate might set itself just right.
This can give you a chance to see the Northern Lights when moving to Sweden. The Aurora Borealis are commonly seen around Kiruna and the far north of Sweden during the start of September and is considered one of the natural wonders of the world. 

Generally, the climate can be quite temperate throughout the year across Sweden.
However, there are also moments of extremes. winters and summers showcase their own peaks, which makes for a varied lifestyle across the country. Load up on shorts and bikinis, but also scarves and jumpers.

The culture

Sweden’s culture is famously peaceful, unwilling to tolerate any hatred. This is reflected not only in the people but also in the government.
Sweden has forward-thinking policies regarding LGBTQ+, refugee, and minority rights.

This means you are likely to be welcomed to the country as a foreigner.
However, hateful opinions are not likely to be tolerated for long. general national policies are based on equality and individualism.
Swedes are also known to be direct in their communication. Expect conversations concerning opinions to feel blunt and literal.

They are definitely not one for the idea that children should be seen and not heard. Teenagers are considered adults that can handle responsibility and speak for themselves. However, Swedes, in general, can be a lot quieter than other countries’ citizens, but they are also known for their sense of humour.

This accepting nature extends beyond this too. The right of public access allows anyone to camp, ski, swim, cycle, or skate anywhere in the country.
This means that tourists and residents can have a very free experience of the physical world of Sweden.

The pre-flight technicalities

There is obviously a lot of paperwork that comes with moving to a new country, but depending on where you’re coming from, you might be surprised at the different things you need to sign up for when moving to Sweden.

Before you arrive, you should have a checklist of things to handle that include your visa permit, gaining a personal ID number and a Swedish ID card, registering for welfare, getting your insurance, bank account and bank ID set up and setting up your phone and internet.

Sweden has a national healthcare system which is available to citizens with a residence permit and a personal ID number. It is financed through taxes, however you can occasionally be given a modest fee for certain procedures with a cap of 1,100 SEK per year.

The landing technicalities

Once you get to Sweden, you can gain support from government and civil services.
This includes help with driving licences, study and career guidance, and small business support. If you have gained your licence from the EEA, you will be able to keep using it for a certain amount of time in Sweden.
If you are coming from outside the EU, you will need to apply for a new licence.

The etiquette

Swedes can seem impersonal, but it’s more an appreciation of personal space. They will not appreciate you getting too close or unnecessarily touching them. When it comes to business, keep it to a handshake with eye contact and address them by their professional title and surname. Don’t go in for a hug with a client you’ve only spoken to over the phone before and hit them with “Jim!” rather than “Mr. Whatever”.

At home, things are a lot more relaxed, but hosting can also be considered a formal affair, which means being punctual. Not too early, but not fashionably late either. Dress smart, keep your hands in view at the table, and don’t eat until the host has said “varsågoda”.

Further reading

• Work in Sweden guides
• Learn Swedish