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Digital Nomad Guide to Sweden | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Digital Nomad Life in Sweden

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By Joshua Wood, LPC

Summary: Sweden is a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Sweden are Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Uppsala. Digital nomads like living in Sweden because of its high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and vibrant culture. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $2,000 in Sweden. This budget should cover accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. The culture of Sweden is very open and welcoming. Swedes are known for their egalitarianism, environmentalism, and commitment to social justice. Swedes also enjoy a high standard of living, with excellent healthcare, education, and public services.

How do I meet people in Sweden?

When we asked people living in Sweden about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"ACTIVITIES: Academic in nature, usually for university students (Uppsala University), though there are some things such as art shows, summer races/competitions, and outdoor activities like camping, fishing and hiking CLUBS: Everything from political parties to hobbies, to what is NOT illegal according to Swedish law; ORGANIZATIONS: Everything from English-speaking, to Swedish, to support groups for immigrants, to political organizations are available;," remarked one member in Uppsala.

"Expats in Sweden often join local clubs and activities such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals alike," explained one expat living in Sweden.

What is life like in Sweden?

When we asked people living in Sweden what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Sweden is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Sweden is also a great place to work, with a strong economy and plenty of job opportunities. The cost of living is relatively high, but the quality of life is worth it. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from the country's generous social welfare system, which provides a safety net for those who need it," remarked one member in Sweden.

"People in Uppsala are academic-oriented, or are mostly blue-collar workers because of the university. Work in Uppsala is varied, but those who are in technology or engineering are usually paid better. Family is important in Sweden, and might be hard to get invited to a traditional Swedish home at first for outsiders. Socializing is not as liberal as, say Ireland, but Swedes are respectful and courteous to newcomers. Sports is academically oriented, but observance of the national team is paramount for football (American: Soccer)," explained one expat living in Uppsala, Sweden.

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Where should I live in Sweden?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"My husband was very particular on where we would live. Believe it or not, there are slumps in Sweden and Swedes are so careful about where and how they live that "addresses" are important statements of their "class". We got a tip through some friends," explained one person living in Stockholm, Sweden.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Sweden is to use online resources such as websites like Blocket, Bostad Direkt, and Hemnet. These websites allow you to search for available properties in Sweden and filter your search by location, price, and other criteria. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who can help you find a place to live that meets your needs. You can also look for rental postings on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram. Finally, you can also look for rental postings in local newspapers and magazines," said one expat in Sweden.

What do I need to know before moving to Sweden?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Sweden, they said:

"Expats considering retiring in Sweden should be aware that the cost of living is relatively high, and that the climate can be cold and dark in the winter months. It is important to research the healthcare system and to make sure that you have the necessary insurance coverage. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the Swedish language and culture, as English is not widely spoken. Additionally, it is important to research the tax system and to make sure that you are aware of any applicable tax laws. Finally, it is important to research the housing market and to make sure that you are able to find suitable accommodation," remarked one member in Sweden.

"If you enjoy a socialist-type of government and you enjoy the company of more university-bound people, then Uppsala, Sweden, is a nice town to live ! There is a variety of outdoor activities to experience, the people treat you with respect, and most citizens have a humble lifestyle in this town," explained one expat living in Uppsala, Sweden.

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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Sweden?

"Expats in Sweden appreciate the country's commitment to sustainability, with its focus on renewable energy sources and its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. They also appreciate the country's strong social welfare system, which provides a safety net for those in need. Additionally, expats enjoy the country's commitment to gender equality, with its progressive policies on parental leave and gender pay gap. Finally, expats appreciate the country's commitment to work-life balance, with its generous vacation policies and its focus on leisure activities," said one person in Sweden.

"Kind people willing to take time to get to know you. Use of bikes instead of cars when possible. Living simply and without a ton of "stuff" we American's seem to accumulate over the years," said one expat who made the move to Karlstad.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Sweden?

"Expats in Sweden often find the reserved nature of the locals to be a challenge. Swedes tend to be more formal and less likely to engage in small talk than people from other cultures. Additionally, Swedes tend to be quite private and may not be as open to discussing personal matters as people from other cultures. Furthermore, Swedes tend to be quite punctual and expect others to be as well, which can be a challenge for those who are used to a more relaxed attitude towards time," remarked one member in Sweden.

"Learning Swedish. The tax situation. Finding a home that has what I want in the area I's like to live," explained one expat living in Karlstad, Sweden.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Sweden for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Sweden for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may need to apply for a different type of permit. For example, if you are coming to Sweden to work, you will need to apply for a work permit. If you are coming to study, you will need to apply for a student residence permit. You may also need to apply for a visa if you are coming from a country outside the European Union," said one expat who made the move to Sweden.

What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Sweden?

We asked people in Sweden if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"Yes, when I first drove to my boy friends home from the airport, I turned onto a huge bike path. I had no idea it wasn't part of the road. There wasn't a sign or anything painted identifying that area was for bikes only. eeek," said one person in Karlstad.

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Sweden. It is important to be respectful of Swedish customs and traditions. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to be punctual. It is also important to dress appropriately for the occasion, as Swedes tend to dress more formally than in other countries. It is also important to be aware of the Swedish concept of 'lagom', which means 'not too much, not too little', and to be mindful of not being too loud or intrusive in public. It is also important to be aware of the Swedish concept of 'jantelagen', which is a set of unwritten rules that emphasize the importance of equality and modesty. Finally, it is important to be aware of the Swedish concept of 'fika', which is a social coffee break, and to be respectful of this tradition," said one expat who made the move to Sweden.

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What are healthcare services like in Sweden?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Sweden, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Sweden are provided by both public and private providers. The public healthcare system is funded by taxes and is free for all Swedish citizens and permanent residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally high, with a focus on preventive care and access to specialists. Foreign residents are also able to access the public healthcare system, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Sweden are able to use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats are also able to access private healthcare services, which may be more expensive but may offer more choice and flexibility," explained one person living in Sweden.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Sweden?

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the high quality of life in Sweden, with its excellent public transportation, low crime rate, and beautiful natural scenery. They also enjoy the country's progressive social policies, such as its generous parental leave and gender equality. Additionally, Sweden's strong economy and low unemployment rate make it an attractive place to live and work. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may find the high cost of living and the long, dark winters to be drawbacks. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Swedish," commented a person living in Sweden.

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About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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