Moving to Sweden

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the Swedish visa and residence permit system depends primarily on your nationality. If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you generally have the right to live and work in Sweden without a permit, though you may need to register your right of residence with the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) if you plan to stay longer than three months.

For non-EU/EEA citizens, a residence permit is typically required. Common routes include:

• Work Permit: If you have secured employment with a Swedish employer.
• Family Reunification Permit: If you are moving to join a family member already residing in Sweden.
• Study Permit: If you have been accepted to a university or other educational institution.
• Self-Employment/Entrepreneur Permit: For those planning to start their own business.

The application process usually involves submitting an online application, providing supporting documents, and potentially attending an interview. Processing times can vary significantly. It is crucial to verify the specific requirements and current regulations directly with the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) as rules can change.

Housing & Rental

Finding housing in Sweden, especially in larger cities, can be competitive. The rental market is primarily divided into first-hand (förstahandskontrakt) and second-hand (andrahandskontrakt) contracts.

• First-hand contracts: These are direct leases from property owners or housing cooperatives. They are highly sought after and often involve long waiting lists, sometimes years, particularly in popular areas.
• Second-hand contracts: These are subleases from someone who holds a first-hand contract. They are more common for newcomers but are often for shorter, fixed periods and can be more expensive.

Key platforms for finding housing include:

• Online housing portals and classifieds websites.
• Social media groups dedicated to housing in specific cities.
• Direct contact with housing companies or cooperatives (for first-hand contracts).

The typical rental process involves:

• Viewing the property.
• Submitting an application, often requiring proof of income or employment.
• Signing a rental agreement (hyreskontrakt).
• Paying a security deposit, which is usually one to three months' rent. This deposit is returned at the end of the tenancy, provided the property is left in good condition.

Many newcomers opt for temporary accommodation (e.g., short-term sublets, Airbnb, or extended-stay hotels) upon arrival while searching for a long-term solution.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Sweden is influenced by several factors, making each move unique. Understanding these elements can help you budget effectively:

• Volume and Weight of Goods: The more belongings you move, the higher the cost. This is often the primary driver of shipping expenses.
• Distance: The geographical distance between your current location and your new home in Sweden directly impacts transportation costs.
• Shipping Method: Options like sea freight (more economical for larger volumes, longer transit times) versus air freight (faster, more expensive) significantly affect the price.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons (e.g., summer months) can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices for moving services.
• Accessibility: Ease of access at both origin and destination (e.g., stairs, narrow streets, parking restrictions) can require additional equipment or labor, impacting costs.
• Additional Services: Opting for services like professional packing and unpacking, specialized handling for fragile or valuable items, storage, or customs clearance assistance will add to the overall expense.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth relocation. Here's a general checklist:

8 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Declutter and Downsize: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This significantly reduces moving costs and effort.
• Research & Request Quotes: Begin researching moving companies and request free quotes based on your estimated volume.
• Verify Documents: Ensure passports are valid. Gather birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, and medical histories.
• Notify Landlord/Sell Property: Give appropriate notice to your landlord or begin the process of selling your current home.

4-6 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Book Your Mover: Confirm your moving company and secure your moving date.
• Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you won't need in the weeks leading up to your move (e.g., books, off-season clothing, decorative items).
• Update Subscriptions: Cancel or transfer magazine subscriptions, gym memberships, and other services.
• Healthcare Planning: Research healthcare in Sweden. Obtain copies of medical records and prescriptions.

2-3 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Notify Utilities & Services: Arrange for disconnection of current utilities (electricity, gas, internet, water) and set up new services in Sweden if possible.
• Change of Address: Inform banks, insurance companies, and other important contacts of your upcoming move.
• Pack Essentials Bag: Prepare a separate bag with essentials you'll need immediately upon arrival (documents, toiletries, medications, a change of clothes).
• Pet Arrangements: If moving with pets, finalize all necessary veterinary checks, vaccinations, and travel arrangements.

1 Week Before Your Move:

• Confirm with Mover: Reconfirm all details with your moving company.
• Defrost Freezer: If moving appliances, defrost and clean your refrigerator/freezer.
• Collect Important Documents: Keep all critical documents (passports, permits, contracts) in a secure, accessible place that you will carry personally.
• Final Cleaning: Begin final cleaning of your current residence.

For a precise cost estimate and personalized moving plan, request a free quote on relocation123.com today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

Get help with your move →

Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Sweden: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Sweden is an exciting adventure! To help make your move as smooth as possible, this guide provides a clear overview of Sweden's customs regulations for importing your personal belongings.

If you're relocating as a new resident

If you're moving to Sweden for the first time, you can typically import your household goods duty-free. This applies to items that are owned by you, not in excess of your household's needs, constitute necessities, or have been used by you abroad, and are intended for use in Sweden.

What you'll need

• Swedish Customs form TV 740.44 or 740.46 (Swedish version) or TV 740.45 (English version).
• Proof of your move to Sweden (e.g., residence permit, work permit, or proof of residence).
• Application/Decision from the Swedish Tax Agency for Population Register registration, or a copy of "personbevis" if already registered.
• Copy of your passport (photo and identification pages).
• Ocean Bill of Lading/Sea Waybill (for sea shipments) or Air Way Bill (for air shipments).
• Household goods inventory in Swedish or English.

Good to know

• You must intend to stay in Sweden for more than one year.
• Your goods must arrive within one year after you have formally moved into Sweden.
• The customs exemption does not apply to spirits, liquors, wines, beers, and tobacco products.

Returning residents

If you're a Swedish resident returning after living abroad, you can also benefit from duty-free import of your household goods. You must have been domiciled in Sweden previously and have stayed abroad for at least one year.

What you'll need

• Swedish Customs form TV 740.47 (English version).
• Proof of your move to Sweden (e.g., residence permit, work permit, or proof of residence).
• Application/Decision from the Swedish Tax Agency for Population Register registration, or a copy of "personbevis" if already registered.
• Copy of your passport (photo and identification pages).
• Certificate from your employer proving work abroad and in Sweden.
• Ocean Bill of Lading/Sea Waybill (for sea shipments) or Air Way Bill (for air shipments).
• Household goods inventory in Swedish or English.

Good to know

• You must be in Sweden and have registered your domicile in Sweden to qualify for duty exemption.
• Your goods must arrive within one year after you have formally moved into Sweden.
• The customs exemption does not apply to spirits, liquors, wines, beers, and tobacco products.

Diplomatic moves

For diplomatic shipments, duty-free entry is granted.

What you'll need

• Exemption permit from the Swedish Foreign Department (TV 740.22 – application for duty-free import).
• Stamped (by Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs) packing lists and alcohol list (if applicable).

Good to know

• Your embassy or consulate must complete, stamp, and sign an "Application for Duty Free Import" and send it to the Swedish Foreign Ministry for approval.
• Once approved, you can bring alcohol without customs duty, alcohol tax, and Swedish VAT.

Moving after marriage (Wedding Trousseaux)

Wedding gifts can be imported under the same conditions as general removal goods.

What you'll need

• All documents required for general removal goods (see "If you're relocating as a new resident").
• Copy of your marriage certificate.

Good to know

• The gifts must have been received or promised in close connection with the wedding.

Inherited belongings

Inherited items can be imported duty-free.

What you'll need

• Copy of the Will of the deceased or a certified relevant extract.
• Inventory (if the Will or other document does not specifically detail the items).

Good to know

• You must be able to prove that you have inherited the items.

Bringing special items

Vehicles (Motor cars, motorcycles, caravans, trailers)

Importing a vehicle to Sweden has specific conditions for duty-free entry.

What you'll need

• Bill of sale / sales invoice.
• Certificate of registration.
• Insurance documents.
• Proof of use and ownership of the vehicle for at least 6 months before shipping (for immigrants) or 12 months (for returning residents).
• Proof that you are moving to Sweden (e.g., residence permit, work permit).
• Decision from the Swedish Tax Authority concerning registration in the Population Register.
• Copy of passport.

Good to know

• For immigrants: You must have owned and used the vehicle for more than 6 months.
• For returning residents: You must have lived outside Sweden for at least 12 months and have owned and used the vehicle for more than one year.
• If the vehicle has been owned for less than 6 months, it must meet Swedish Standards.
• If you receive duty/tax exemption for your vehicle, you must not transfer it (sell, lend, pledge, rent, or give away) to anyone else within the first year without first notifying Swedish Customs and paying applicable duties, VAT, and other taxes.

New furniture, household items

New items that have not been used are subject to customs duty and VAT.

What you'll need

• Commercial invoice.
• Movement certificate (if applicable).
• EC-certificate (if applicable).
• Invoice for freight and insurance.

Works of art, antiques, precious metal objects

Antiques and works of art, when shipped as part of your household goods, can generally enter duty-free. Precious metal objects are also allowed duty-free under the same conditions as other household articles.

Good to know

• If antiques or works of art are imported for re-sale or as commercial goods, they are subject to duties. For commercial goods, a certificate stating value and proof of being over 100 years of age is necessary.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main customs forms I need?
You'll need specific Swedish Customs forms, either TV 740.44/740.46 (Swedish) or TV 740.45/740.47 (English), depending on if you are a new or returning resident. Always ensure you have the latest version.

Can I import alcohol and tobacco duty-free with my household goods?
No, customs exemption for household goods does not apply to spirits, liquors, wines, beers, and tobacco products.

Is there a time limit for my goods to arrive in Sweden?
Yes, your household goods must arrive within one year after you have formally moved into Sweden.

Do I need to be in Sweden for customs clearance?
If you are a returning resident, you must be in Sweden and have registered your domicile to get duty exemption.

What if I want to sell my duty-exempt vehicle within the first year?
If you received duty/tax exemption, you must notify Swedish Customs before selling, lending, pledging, renting out, or giving away the vehicle within the first year, as you will then need to pay applicable duties, VAT, and other taxes.

What if I'm importing new furniture?
New furniture and household items that have not been used are subject to customs duty and VAT, and you'll need commercial invoices for them.

For personalized assistance with your move to Sweden, please contact relocation123.com.

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