Moving to Sweden from the UK: Your 2027 Relocation Guide

Moving to Sweden from the UK appeals to many people for its high quality of life, generous parental leave, efficient public services and easy access to nature. Since Brexit, though, the process involves more steps than it once did. This guide takes you through what you need to know for 2027: residence permits, registering for a personnummer, the cost of living, the best cities to consider and how to ship your belongings to Sweden.

Immigration rules, salary thresholds and fees are reviewed regularly in Sweden, so always confirm the current requirements with Migrationsverket (the Swedish Migration Agency) before you apply.

Do you need a residence permit when moving to Sweden from the UK?

Since the end of the Brexit transition period, UK citizens are treated as non-EU nationals. If you plan to live in Sweden for more than three months, you will generally need a residence permit, and if you want to work, you will usually need a work permit.

For short trips, British visitors can usually spend up to 90 days in any 180 days in the Schengen area without a visa. That allowance is for visits only. It is also worth checking whether the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS travel authorisation apply to your travel.

What if you lived in Sweden before Brexit?

UK citizens who were living in Sweden before 1 January 2021 may hold residence status under the Withdrawal Agreement. If this applies to you, check your status and documents with Migrationsverket .

What are the main routes to living in Sweden?

• Work permit: usually requires a job offer from a Swedish employer, with salary, insurance and employment terms that meet the conditions set by Migrationsverket. Sweden has a minimum salary requirement for work permits, which has been raised in recent years, so check the current level.
• EU Blue Card: for highly qualified workers who meet the education and salary requirements.
• Family ties: for spouses, partners and children of people living in Sweden, with conditions that may include maintenance and housing requirements.
• Studies: for students admitted to full-time higher education, who must show they can support themselves and have suitable insurance.
• Other routes: including permits for researchers, self-employed people and those seeking work after graduating in Sweden.

How do you apply?

Most applications are made online through Migrationsverket. In the case of a work permit, your employer usually starts the process by submitting the job offer, and you then complete your part of the application. You pay a fee when you apply and may need to visit a Swedish embassy or consulate to give fingerprints and a photograph for your residence permit card. Processing times can be long, so start early and check the latest fees and waiting times on the Migrationsverket website.

How do you get a personnummer in Sweden?

Your personnummer (personal identity number) is central to life in Sweden. You need it for many everyday tasks, from opening a bank account and getting BankID to signing up for a phone contract and accessing healthcare more easily.

Who can register?

You can usually be registered in the Swedish Population Register by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) if you intend to live in Sweden for at least one year and have the right to stay. People who do not qualify may be given a coordination number (samordningsnummer) instead, which works for some purposes such as tax.

How does the process work?

• Move to Sweden and notify Skatteverket of your move, usually by visiting a service office in person.
• Bring your passport, residence permit or proof of right of residence, and documents such as your employment contract or tenancy agreement.
• Bring marriage and birth certificates if family members are moving with you.
• Wait for your decision, then apply for a Swedish ID card from Skatteverket.

Processing can take several weeks, so plan your first month with that in mind.

What is the cost of living in Sweden?

Sweden is generally more expensive than the UK for some things and similar for others. The main areas to budget for are:

• Housing: this is often the biggest challenge, particularly in Stockholm. First-hand rental contracts can involve long queues, so many newcomers start with a second-hand sublet. Buying requires a deposit, and mortgage rules are set by Swedish regulators.
• Food: groceries are broadly comparable to or slightly higher than the UK, while eating out and alcohol tend to cost more. Stronger alcohol is sold through the state-owned Systembolaget shops.
• Transport: public transport is excellent in the cities, and monthly passes are good value if you commute.
• Childcare: preschool (förskola) fees are capped, which helps families considerably.
• Tax: income tax is relatively high and varies by municipality, but it funds strong public services.

Costs vary by city and lifestyle, so build a monthly budget using current local listings before you commit.

What are the best cities to live in Sweden?

1. Is Stockholm the right fit?

Spread across islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic, Stockholm has the largest job market, particularly in technology, finance and creative industries. It is international and well connected, but housing is the hardest to find.

2. What about Gothenburg?

Sweden’s second city has a strong industrial and engineering base, a friendly atmosphere and a beautiful archipelago on its doorstep. Housing is a little easier than in Stockholm.

3. Why consider Malmö?

Malmö is linked to Copenhagen by the Øresund Bridge, so you can enjoy a cross-border lifestyle. It is diverse, young and often more affordable than the capital.

Are university cities a good option?

Uppsala and Lund are historic university cities with a relaxed pace, strong research sectors and good links to Stockholm and Malmö respectively. Umeå, in the north, offers a lively student scene and plenty of outdoor life.

How do you ship your belongings to Sweden?

For a full household, many people moving to Sweden from the UK choose a road move with a removal vehicle and a ferry crossing. Groupage, where your goods share space with other shipments, can be more economical for smaller moves, while sea and air freight suit some routes and urgent items.

Will your goods go through customs?

Yes. Sweden is in the EU and the UK is not, so household goods arriving from the UK must be declared to Swedish Customs (Tullverket). Your removal company will usually help prepare the documents.

Can you import your household goods without duty or VAT?

Under EU relief rules for moving goods, you can often bring personal belongings and household goods into Sweden without paying customs duty or import VAT if you are transferring your normal place of residence. Conditions typically include having lived outside the EU for a minimum period, having owned and used the goods for a set time before the move, and importing them within a set period. New items, goods for business use, and alcohol and tobacco may be treated differently. Check the current conditions on the Tullverket website before you ship.

What documents should you prepare?

• A detailed inventory of your goods, with approximate values.
• A copy of your passport and your residence permit or proof of your right to live in Sweden.
• Evidence of your move, such as an employment contract, tenancy agreement or proof of property purchase.
• Evidence of your previous residence in the UK, if requested.
• Any customs forms Tullverket requires for relief on moving goods.

Which items need extra care?

• Vehicles: a car imported to Sweden must go through customs and be registered with the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen), which can involve inspections and costs.
• Alcohol and tobacco: limits and taxes apply.
• Firearms: a Swedish licence and advance approval are needed.
• Plants, food and medicines: restrictions apply, so check before you pack.
• Pets: the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) sets the rules on bringing pets into Sweden.

How long will shipping take?

A dedicated road move can be relatively quick, while groupage depends on consolidation schedules and customs clearance. Ask your mover for an estimated timeline, and consider storage if you need to find a long-term home before your goods arrive.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can UK citizens still move to Sweden after Brexit?

Yes. Most UK citizens now need a residence permit, for example for work, family or study, applied for through Migrationsverket. People who lived in Sweden before 2021 may have separate rights.

2. Do you need a job offer before moving to Sweden from the UK?

For a work permit, yes, you will usually need a job offer that meets Migrationsverket’s conditions. Other routes have different requirements.

3. How long does it take to get a personnummer?

It often takes several weeks after you notify Skatteverket of your move, and can take longer at busy times. Check current processing times with Skatteverket.

4. Do you pay duty on household goods shipped to Sweden?

Often not, if you meet the EU relief conditions for transferring your residence. New goods and some categories may be charged, so check with Tullverket before you ship.

5. Is housing hard to find in Sweden?

In Stockholm and other large cities it can be. Many newcomers start with a sublet and join a housing queue. Start your search early.

Planning your move to Sweden

From residence permits to customs documents, a move to Sweden is much easier with a clear plan. Anglo Pacific has decades of experience in international removals from the UK, offering packing, shipping, customs documentation support and storage. When you are ready, request a free quote from Anglo Pacific for your international move to Sweden.