Living in Stockholm: the ultimate expat guide

Stockholm drives Sweden's economy, hosting headquarters of major corporations and a thriving startup scene. The city's labor market offers strong opportunities in technology, finance, life sciences, and gaming industries. While competition for positions can be intense, qualified professionals will find a welcoming business environment with excellent working conditions and competitive salaries.

Key Industries and Employment Sectors

The Stockholm region is characterized by a large service sector, with many of Sweden's largest companies maintaining headquarters in the capital. Key growth industries include information technology, fintech, gaming, clean technology, and life sciences. The city has produced numerous unicorn companies including Spotify, Klarna, and King. Traditional sectors like finance, manufacturing, and consulting also maintain a strong presence. Over 54.5% of Stockholm's workforce holds tertiary education, reflecting the knowledge-intensive nature of the local economy.

Work Permits and Employment Requirements

EU/EEA citizens can work freely in Sweden without a permit. Non-EU nationals must obtain a work permit before starting employment, requiring a signed employment contract with terms matching Swedish collective agreements. The employer must advertise the position in Sweden and the EU for at least 10 days. The minimum salary requirement is SEK 13,000 per month before tax. Processing times range from 1-4 months depending on employer certification status. Citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Hong Kong aged 18-30 may apply for a working holiday visa for up to one year.

The table below summarizes key employment indicators for Stockholm:

Sources: EURES - European Commission, Eurostat 2023

Stockholm hosts some of Europe's most prestigious universities, attracting thousands of international students each year. The city offers a wide range of English-taught programs, particularly at the master's level, making it accessible to students worldwide. Swedish higher education is known for its innovative teaching methods and strong connections to industry.

Leading Universities

KTH Royal Institute of Technology is Sweden's largest and highest-ranked technical university, offering over 60 English-taught master's programs in engineering, technology, and architecture. Ranked #78 globally by QS World University Rankings 2025, KTH has produced numerous Nobel laureates and industry leaders. Stockholm University, ranked #192 globally (QS 2025), offers 75 master's programs in English across humanities, social sciences, law, and natural sciences, with over 33,000 students including 5,000 international learners. Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) is one of Europe's leading business schools, renowned for its MBA and master's programs in finance and economics.

Tuition Fees and Admissions

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens pay no tuition fees at Swedish public universities. Non-EU/EEA students must pay both application fees (SEK 900) and tuition fees. At Stockholm University, annual tuition ranges from SEK 90,000 to SEK 140,000 depending on the program. At KTH, the full two-year master's program fee is approximately SEK 360,000. Scholarships are available through the Swedish Institute and individual universities. English proficiency requirements typically include IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90. Monthly living costs for students range from SEK 9,450 to SEK 12,350.

Sources: Stockholm University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Sweden offers free public education for all children aged 6 to 16, regardless of nationality. Stockholm also has a strong network of international schools catering to the expatriate community, providing curricula from various countries and the International Baccalaureate program. The Swedish education system emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and student well-being.

Swedish Public Schools

Public schools (kommunala skolor) offer free, high-quality education following the Swedish national curriculum. Instruction is primarily in Swedish, though schools in international areas often provide Swedish language support for newcomers. Children typically attend a preparatory year (förskoleklass) at age 6, followed by 9 years of compulsory education (grundskola) and optional upper secondary school (gymnasium) from ages 16-19. Public schools also offer after-school care (fritids) for children aged 6-13. To enroll, children must be registered with their local municipality (kommun) and hold a Swedish personal number.

International Schools

Stockholm offers several excellent international schools for families seeking English-language education. Stockholm International School (SIS) offers the IB curriculum from ages 3-18, with approximately 800 students from over 60 countries. Annual fees are around SEK 175,000-193,000 depending on grade level. British International School of Stockholm (BISS) follows the British curriculum through IGCSE and IB Diploma, with fees approximately SEK 175,000-189,550 per year. The International School of the Stockholm Region (ISSR), run by the City of Stockholm, is a publicly funded English-speaking school with no tuition fees, though enrollment is primarily for families with temporary work contracts.

Sources: Stockholm International School, British International School of Stockholm, ISSR

Finding housing in Stockholm is one of the biggest challenges for newcomers. The rental market is highly regulated, with long waiting lists for first-hand contracts through the public housing queue. Most expatriates start with second-hand rentals (sublets) or furnished apartments while exploring longer-term options. Understanding the local housing landscape is essential for a successful relocation.

The Rental Market

Stockholm's housing market distinguishes between first-hand contracts (directly from landlords, with strong tenant protections) and second-hand contracts (sublets, usually short-term and more expensive). The public housing queue through Bostadsförmedlingen can require 5-30 years of waiting time for desirable areas. Second-hand rentals are available through platforms like Blocket Bostad, Qasa, and Samtrygg. Security deposits typically range from 1-3 months' rent. Expect to pay approximately SEK 14,000-20,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, and SEK 25,000-35,000 for a two to three-bedroom unit. Outside the center, prices drop to SEK 8,000-12,000 for smaller apartments.

Popular Neighborhoods

Östermalm is Stockholm's most upscale district, central and close to cultural attractions, with premium rents. Södermalm is trendy and artistic, popular with younger professionals and known for its vibrant nightlife and creative scene. Kungsholmen offers a quieter, family-friendly environment with parks and waterfront access while remaining centrally located. Vasastan is fashionable and quiet, close to parks and popular among tech workers. Bromma and other outlying areas offer more affordable housing with good transport connections.

Sources: Numbeo 2025, Stockholm News, Career Sweden/Qasa Survey

Stockholm offers an exceptional quality of life with world-class cultural institutions, beautiful natural surroundings, and a vibrant social scene. From historic old town to cutting-edge museums, from archipelago adventures to cozy winter traditions, the city provides endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

The Vasa Museum houses the remarkably preserved 17th-century warship and is Sweden's most visited museum. ABBA The Museum celebrates Sweden's most famous pop export with interactive exhibits. The Fotografiska contemporary photography museum offers stunning exhibitions in a waterfront setting. Skansen, the world's oldest open-air museum, showcases Swedish cultural history and wildlife. Moderna Museet features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. The Nobel Prize Museum in Gamla Stan explores the history of the prestigious awards. Many museums offer free admission on certain days.

Outdoor Activities and Nature

The Stockholm Archipelago, with over 30,000 islands, offers sailing, kayaking, and swimming in summer, and ice skating and hiking in winter. Djurgården island provides green spaces, walking trails, and waterfront cafes just minutes from the city center. Stockholm is exceptionally bike-friendly, with 760 kilometers of cycling paths. In winter, residents enjoy ice skating at Kungsträdgården and cross-country skiing in nearby forests. The Swedish concept of allemansrätten (right to roam) allows access to nature throughout the country.

Nightlife and Social Scene

Södermalm is the heart of Stockholm's nightlife, with trendy bars, clubs, and live music venues. Stureplan in Östermalm attracts a more upscale crowd. The city hosts major festivals including Stockholm Culture Festival in August and Stockholm Pride, one of Europe's largest LGBTQ+ celebrations. Expat communities organize regular meetups through platforms like Internations and local Facebook groups.

Sources: Visit Stockholm

Daily life in Stockholm combines Scandinavian efficiency with a relaxed, nature-oriented lifestyle. The city offers excellent public transportation, a strong culture of work-life balance, and easy access to outdoor activities year-round. While adjusting to the dark winters can be challenging, the long summer days more than compensate, offering endless opportunities to enjoy the city and its surroundings.

Public Transportation

Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL) operates Stockholm's comprehensive public transport network, including the metro (Tunnelbana), buses, trams, commuter trains, and ferries. The metro system features 100 stations, many decorated with stunning artwork earning it the title of "world's longest art gallery." A single ticket costs SEK 43 and is valid for 75 minutes across all transport modes. Monthly passes cost SEK 1,070 for adults (SEK 650 for students, seniors, and youth under 20). The SL Access card or the SL app makes payment convenient and cashless. Stockholm is also highly bike-friendly with extensive cycling lanes and rental options through Stockholm City Bikes.

Swedish Lifestyle and Culture

Swedish culture emphasizes lagom (balance and moderation), reflected in the strong work-life balance with generous vacation days and flexible working arrangements. The tradition of fika—a daily coffee break with colleagues or friends—is central to social and professional life. Swedes value punctuality, personal space, and equality. While Swedes may initially seem reserved, friendships develop through shared activities and patience. English is widely spoken, but learning basic Swedish demonstrates respect and aids integration. Most services and shops are cashless, with Swish (a mobile payment app) being the preferred payment method.

Sources: SL - Stockholm Public Transport, Visit Stockholm

Stockholm is one of Europe's more expensive cities, though high salaries and excellent public services help offset costs. Understanding the cost structure is essential for financial planning. Housing typically represents the largest expense, followed by food, transportation, and leisure activities.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

A single person can expect to spend between SEK 18,000 and SEK 32,000 per month depending on lifestyle and housing choices. The table below provides a breakdown of typical monthly expenses:

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Families should budget for larger housing, increased grocery costs, and potential school fees if choosing private education:

Sources: Numbeo 2025, SL