What are the pros and cons of living in Sweden, and what do you need to know about citizenship?

What is the quality of life like in Sweden and what are the average salaries there?

Yulia Antonova-Andersson shared her experience of living in Sweden, as well as touched on topics such as permanent residency, citizenship, characteristic traits of Swedes, and the peculiarities of the local real estate market. In this article, you will find interesting points like "How I became fascinated with Sweden and its language thanks to the iconic rock band Roxette," the pros and cons of living in this country, Swedish culture and attitudes towards guests, living standards, working conditions, features of the real estate market, and who might find life in Sweden suitable for them.

How I became fascinated with Sweden and its language thanks to Roxette.

I was born in 1980 in Moscow and spent most of my life there before emigrating. In Moscow, I obtained two higher education degrees: one in pedagogy and the other in psychology. Currently, my work involves teaching Swedish online and organizing tours in Stockholm and other interesting places in Sweden. I also write guides and books dedicated to the cultural features and history of this wonderful country.

My interest in Sweden began with the songs of the band Roxette, which I first heard in the 90s. This inspired me to learn the Swedish language and travel around the country, as well as to create several travel guides. In the process, I made new friends and had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how the lives of Swedes are organized. Although my move to Sweden was not initially planned, it went quite smoothly, as I was aware of all the pros and cons of my new life.

My move to Sweden

Currently, I live in a small village located about 30 kilometers from the center of Stockholm, which can be quickly reached by train. My move was prompted by my husband purchasing a house in this area. For a while, I was living in two cities, but the pandemic significantly changed my plans.

Migration service and obtaining citizenship

Sometimes the situation with the migration service in Sweden feels like a lottery. Although there are official deadlines for processing documents, in practice, they are rarely adhered to. You often hear excuses like, "Sorry, we have a lot of work right now, so your case is taking longer than expected."

As a result, two people living in the same city and applying for legalization on the same grounds may face completely different response times. One may receive a positive decision in a few weeks or months, while the other might wait a whole year. Unfortunately, it's quite difficult to influence this.

• To obtain citizenship in Sweden, you first need to have permanent residency (PR).
• Permanent residency is granted after obtaining a temporary residence permit.
• The official deadlines vary depending on the grounds for submission.
• In the case of family reunification, one can apply for citizenship after three years of living with permanent residency.

Conclusion

This information will be useful for those considering moving to Sweden. Life here has its pros and cons, butlove for culture and languageIt can be a great motivation for change. The sense of belonging and the opportunity to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Sweden make life in this country particularly pleasant. If you want to discover new horizons and learn more about life in this amazing northern country, Sweden is definitely worth your attention.

Recently, Sweden has significantly updated the requirements for obtaining legal status, which now include mandatory conditions for language proficiency and having a stable income. Overall, the legalization process has become considerably more complicated compared to what it was 10-15 years ago.

Attractive aspects of life in Sweden

One of the most charming aspects of life in this country for me is its stunning nature. This is extremely important, no matter where you live: I always need natural beauty to be within easy reach. I remind you that from a very young age, I have had a passion for traveling to picturesque islands and walking by the sea. Among my favorite places in Sweden, the following definitely stand out:

• Gotland Island
• the picturesque western coast with cozy villages and whitewashed houses

Payment system for medications

Moreover, one of the significant advantages is the Swedish system."ceiling"for expenses on medications. This is also quite helpful for those who suffer from chronic ailments. If you regularly need to take expensive medications, you won't have to save up money:

• As soon as you reach the established"ceiling"For 2600 Swedish kronor (which is approximately 230 euros) at the moment, you will be able to receive all the necessary medications completely free for the next year after your first purchase.
• For comparison, this is only about216 crowns per monthwhich is equivalent to the cost of one and a half lunches.

The possibility of using a taxi

Another interesting bonus is the option to use a taxi if you encounter any difficulties with public transport. For example, if your train is canceled and you can't reach your destination quickly, you have the option to call a taxi. After paying for the ride, you will be able to:

• Send the receipt to the Stockholm transport service, and you will get your money back.
• Keep in mind that if there are only 10-15 minutes left before the next train departs, it is likely that your expenses will not be reimbursed.

However, cancellations are often caused by accidents or adverse weather conditions, leading to long delays.

The compactness of Swedish cities

Another positive aspect for me is the compactness of Swedish cities. Even a large city like Stockholm remains quite small. However, with such compact scales, a negative effect can sometimes arise: you quickly cover all the central areas and start to feel bored.

Disadvantages of living in Sweden

When it comes to the downsides of living in Sweden, many people talk about issues with the healthcare system. In emergencies, you can spend several hours in the emergency room waiting if your condition is not considered life-threatening. The waiting lists for specialists can be quite long; for example, I had to wait six months to see a neurologist. Although my situation wasn't critical, in the case of an acute condition, I would likely have been seen faster.

Another significant drawback for me is the lack of stores in close proximity. To get to the nearest store, I need to take a 10-minute bus ride. Yes, we really do live outside the city, but our neighborhood has over 13,000 people, and the absence of nearby shopping options is becoming quite noticeable.

Ultimately, life in Sweden has its pros and cons, and everyone should weigh these aspects to understand if this country is suitable for them for permanent residence.

The beginning of travels

When I first started my adventures in Sweden, I was really impressed by the punctuality of public transport. But over time, the situation changed, especially in Stockholm. In addition to the traditional jokes about unexpected snow and autumn leaves disrupting trains, new problems have emerged, such as train and commuter train cancellations due to a lack of workers and the subsequent reforms and automation. Now I prefer to travel by car as much as possible, as I don't want to rely on public transport.

Quality of services

Many people express dissatisfaction with the work of hairdressers, cosmetologists, and nail technicians. To be honest, I haven't encountered such failures, as I do simple manicure and skincare procedures myself, and my mother-in-law still cuts my hair the old-fashioned way.

Employee orientation

One way or another, Sweden cares more about its workers than its customers. Often, the priority is to maintain the health and comfort of employees rather than the quality of services. Trying to get through to government agencies turns into a real problem. I have spent an hour or more waiting to connect with an operator from the migration service or a mobile company. This is extremely frustrating, as I want to resolve issues promptly rather than waste time.

Leisure in Sweden

When it comes to leisure, Sweden has its own unique characteristics. Here, two main seasons are distinguished — summer and winter. In summer, life is vibrant: various festivals and concerts take place, and establishments are filled with vacationers. However, in winter, life seems to come to a standstill: many museums, except for a couple in Stockholm, close from October to April.

Summer vacation

This summer, my husband and I had a long-awaited vacation in August. However, by the middle of the month, we were unable to visit some museums, participate in craft workshops, or take a short cruise to the picturesque islands because the "season had ended." This was quite unexpected, considering it was August itself.

The attitude of Swedes towards foreigners

When it comes to Swedes and their attitude towards foreign citizens, it can be noted that they do not exhibit the southern openness.

In Sweden, harmony and moderation are valued, which manifest in various aspects of life: from culinary preferences to interpersonal communication and perceptions of the surrounding world. Locals tend to avoid prolonged and heated arguments, especially on political topics. If a discussion starts to escalate, a Swede may discreetly leave the conversation, and you might not even notice their absence. In conflict situations, they usually draw conclusions and may cease communication with those who evoke negative feelings in them.

Individualism and collective responsibility

Despite the fact that Swedes see themselves as individuals, collective responsibility holds an important place in their culture. Issues that need discussion and resolution are usually addressed in meetings, where Swedes tend to escalate problem-solving to a higher level, especially noticeable in government institutions and the banking sector.

There is an opinion that Swedes can be somewhat two-faced: on an official level, they welcome migrants and show kindness towards them, but in informal settings, they may feel cautious about them. However, as in any other country, there are different viewpoints among the population.

• Some believe that migrants take jobs away from local residents.

Culture and openness

However, among my acquaintances, there are many couples of mixed backgrounds, which indicates that Swedes are open to relationships with representatives of other nationalities. The government also actively organizes numerous cultural events that promote exchange and understanding between cultures.

Foreigners are offered various opportunities, such as:

• Swedish language courses
• Professional training programs

Libraries offer a variety of books in several languages, and some of them host story readings in the native language for children. Additionally, schools provide free education in the native language for students.

Education in Sweden

It is also worth noting that education in Sweden, both at the primary and higher levels, is available for free to citizens and residents with a residence permit. There are no age restrictions for admission to universities, which opens up new horizons for everyone who dreams of studying.

There are strong stereotypes that Swedes have an excellent command of English, and many people think that learning Swedish is not necessary. In fact, in everyday situations, such as in stores or restaurants, the language may not be an obstacle even in small communities.

Language proficiency and integration

Nevertheless, language skills remain an important aspect for comfortable integration into Swedish society. Coffee breaks in offices are conducted in Swedish, with the exception of international companies with a high percentage of foreign employees. Local events, announcements and news are also oriented in Swedish. Without language skills, it is difficult to become a full member of society.

Standard of living

In terms of living standards and wealth, Sweden has a high quality of life and stability that makes it an attractive country to live and work in.

Budget Allocation in Sweden

In Sweden, there is a stable system of distribution of citizens' budget funds. A significant part of income, from 22% to 30%, is spent on housing and utility costs.

About 15% of the budget is allocated for transportation and 13-14% for food. In the last few years, the country has experienced a sharp increase in electricity prices.

Electricity tariffs

Many people prefer to pay for actual consumption rather than opt for a fixed tariff, which in the past has meant higher costs. Unlike some other countries, Sweden does not have a tiered tariff system that divides tariffs into morning, daytime and night tariffs.

Prices for a kilowatt-hour of energy change throughout the day, and residents are informed of the current cost in advance, allowing them to change their habits, such as putting off doing laundry or cooking.

Rates are particularly high in the winter, with December 2021 being a record high, with electricity prices doubling compared to previous months.

December 2022 unfortunately only broke this record, but the government has offered partial compensation for the high prices. It is still unclear what December 2023 will bring: as of December 5, 2023, the cost per kilowatt was as high as 5 kroner, whereas in the fall the cost was only 2-3 eres (units of Swedish currency; 1 kroner = 100 eres).

Sometimes a negative cost per kilowatt has been recorded, which implies that the consumer actually receives money for the use of electricity, but such cases are quite rare and their impact is insignificant (less than one eire).

Prices for Public Transportation

Public transportation prices vary depending on the region where you live. For example, in Stockholm, a monthly pass for all routes costs 970 kronor (approximately 86 euros), while a single ticket for 75 minutes costs 39 kronor (approximately 3.5 euros).

Cost of Food

Food prices can also vary depending on the place of residence and the composition of the household. It is generally accepted that an adult who cooks on his or her own spends on average about 3700 kroner (approximately 327 euros) per month.

Studies show that for a comfortable standard of living a single person needs about 9500 kroner (about 840 euros), while a family with children should expect a budget between 25,000 and 30,000 kroner (2200-2650 euros).

Average Salary

As for the average salary, in 2022 it is 37,500 kroner (€3,314) per month. It should be noted that this amount is stated before tax deductions are made, which can be up to 30%.

Sweden has a progressive tax system, which means that as your income increases, your tax percentage increases. It is important to realize that the average salary is an average and the actual financial circumstances can vary greatly from person to person.

There is no national minimum wage, but for entry-level professionals with no experience, this “entry” salary level typically ranges from 23,000 to 25,000 KRW monthly.

Wages in Sweden

In Sweden, as in a number of other countries, the salaries of people in occupations such as cleaners, waiters and caregivers of the elderly and sick are most often low. However, it is worth emphasizing that the incomes of managerial staff can be much higher than average, reaching SEK 85,000-100,000 monthly. Also, some medical staff, especially surgeons, can earn comparable amounts. It is important to note that the country has high tax rates of around 50%.

Situation in the IT sector

When it comes to information technology workers, a highly qualified person in a management position can expect an average income of 77,000 SEK, equivalent to about 6,800 euros. Notably, by 2026, the country is forecasting a shortage of IT professionals as well as medical professionals, including doctors, midwives, nurses, dentists, educators and civil engineers.

Job search

There are several ways to look for a job:

• through public employment services;
• specialized agencies;
• professional networks such as LinkedIn.

Oral recommendations are also common. Companies often post job advertisements for positions that may already have candidates who were referred by acquaintances.

Opening a business

From a business opening perspective, this process in Sweden is not considered complicated, as most steps can be done online. There are several forms of business organization, similar to sole proprietorships and limited liability companies; however, the "self-employed" status is absent.

Instead, opportunities for "interest-based activities" are being offered, for example:

• mushroom or berry picking;
• embroidery;
• knitting.

This can bring in a small income, but with limits on maximum earnings. It's important to remember that the main goal of such activities should not be profit, and the self-employed person is responsible for paying taxes and filing declarations.

The process of buying and renting housing

When it comes to the process of buying or renting a home, becoming a homeowner in Sweden can be quite challenging. Most people looking to become property owners resort to loans. Real estate prices vary, and in Stockholm, they are traditionally high. Rent also changes depending on the location; in the capital, it can be two to three times higher than in the northern regions of the country.

Information about rental prices

According to statistics, renting an apartment with an area of 70 square meters in Täby, located approximately 16 kilometers from the center of Stockholm, cost nearly 11,000 Swedish kronor (972 euros) each month. When calculating the rental price, not only the condition of the property is taken into account, but also the age of the building.

• New buildings usually cost more.
• While apartments built in the 1960s and 70s can be found at a more affordable price.

Options for renting housing

In Sweden, you can rent housing either directly from the owner or through secondary tenants. The first option is considered more reliable, although it is more expensive. To enter into such a contract, you need to get in line, as housing is offered for long-term rentals. However, it is important to note that:

• The sale of a rented apartment is prohibited.
• Replanning is not allowed.
• The transfer of housing as an inheritance is also not allowed.

Conclusion

Life in Sweden is a unique experience that combines many pros and cons. Throughout my time in this country, I not only fell in love with its nature and culture but also faced realities that can be both inspiring and, at times, disappointing.

The process of migration and obtaining citizenship has become a real challenge for me. I naturally expected certain difficulties, but the reality exceeded all expectations. The variety of stories from people wanting to legalize their status clearly shows that Sweden can sometimes act unpredictably in this regard. Nevertheless, despite the challenges, all difficulties can be overcome if one maintains patience and perseverance.

The advantages of living in Sweden

Speaking of the advantages of life, one cannot help but mention:

• Open-minded people.The Swedes are ready to help and support newcomers, which creates an atmosphere of friendliness and mutual understanding.
• Nature.Unforgettable landscapes and cozy corners are my personal happiness.
• Medical system.Access to medical services and the healthcare insurance system, although they have their nuances, still offer residents a Swedish level of comfort.

Disadvantages of living in Sweden

On the other hand, the municipal system has its drawbacks, concerning both healthcare and infrastructure:

• Queues in clinics.In the bustling streets of Stockholm or in small villages, it's not uncommon for shops to be out of walking distance.
• Medical services.Queues in medical institutions can test one's patience to the limit.

However, despite these shortcomings, Sweden continues to be a home for me, a place that accommodates both joys and challenges. It is a country where nature and culture blend with innovation and tradition, creating a unique atmosphere for living. I want to keep exploring Swedish horizons and share my knowledge and experiences with anyone who decides to discover this wonderful country.

At the end of my journey in Sweden, I can say: it's not just a country, it's a way of life. And if you decide to come here, be prepared for each day to be filled with discoveries, values, and, of course, moments that make you reflect on what truly matters in life.