Living in Uppsala: the ultimate expat guide

Uppsala's economy is driven by education, healthcare, and a world-renowned life sciences cluster. The city benefits from its proximity to Stockholm while maintaining lower living costs and a more relaxed pace. Non-EU citizens typically need a work permit or EU Blue Card to work in Sweden, with applications processed through the Swedish Migration Agency.

Key Employment Sectors

The life sciences and biotechnology sector is Uppsala's largest growth industry, with major employers including Cytiva (formerly GE Healthcare, employing 1,300 locally), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Fresenius Kabi, and Biotage. Uppsala University and Uppsala University Hospital are among the region's largest employers. The healthcare sector actively recruits general practitioners, nurses, and biomedical analysts. Education professionals, particularly primary and secondary school teachers, are also in demand.

Work Permits and Salary Requirements

For highly qualified professionals, the EU Blue Card requires a minimum monthly salary of SEK 52,000 (as of July 2025). Standard work permits require terms matching Swedish collective agreements. The unemployment rate in Uppsala County stands at approximately 6.6%, below the national average of 8.5%.

The following table summarizes key employment indicators:

Sources: EURES, Swedish Migration Agency, Ekonomifakta

Uppsala is synonymous with academic excellence. Uppsala University, founded in 1477, is the oldest university in Scandinavia and consistently ranks among the world's top 100 institutions. The city also hosts the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), specializing in environmental and life sciences.

Uppsala University

With over 44,000 registered students and 2,300 doctoral candidates, Uppsala University offers more than 120 Master's programs and 5 Bachelor's programs taught entirely in English. Popular fields include life sciences, computer science, sustainable development, and international business. Tuition fees for non-EU students range from SEK 90,000 to SEK 145,000 per semester depending on the program. The university operates on a sequential course system where students complete one course at a time rather than studying multiple subjects in parallel.

Admission and Student Life

Applications are submitted through University Admissions Sweden between mid-October and mid-January for autumn intake. Uppsala's unique student nations—13 student associations dating back centuries—organize social events, housing, and activities. Each nation has its own building with libraries, pubs, and event spaces. The famous Walpurgis Night (Valborg) celebration on April 30th draws thousands of students for one of Sweden's largest festivities.

Sources: Uppsala University, University Admissions Sweden

Sweden provides free, compulsory education for all children aged 6–16 (förskoleklass through Grade 9). Public schools teach primarily in Swedish, though several international and bilingual options exist in Uppsala for expatriate families.

International Schools

Uppsala International School (UIS) offers the Cambridge International Curriculum from Year 1 through Year 13, including IGCSE and A-Level programs. Instruction is 100% in English. Tuition fees range from approximately SEK 108,000 to SEK 156,000 per year. The Internationella Engelska Skolan (IES) Uppsala provides bilingual education for Grades 4–9, with up to 50% of lessons in English, and is publicly funded with no tuition fees. Kvarngärdesskolan, a municipal school, offers an international bilingual section from preschool through Grade 9. For upper secondary students, Katedralskolan offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.

Preschools and Enrollment

Preschool (förskola) is available for children from 12 months. Fees are income-based, with a maximum of SEK 1,783/month for the first child (2025). Applications are made through Uppsala Municipality. For school enrollment, families need a Swedish personal identity number or can apply for a temporary number through the municipality. Most schools include free hot lunches and learning materials.

Sources: Uppsala International School, Internationella Engelska Skolan, Uppsala Municipality

Finding housing in Uppsala requires patience, as demand often exceeds supply. The rental market is dominated by first-hand contracts obtained through housing queues and second-hand sublets. Starting your search early and registering with multiple housing providers is essential.

Popular Neighborhoods

Luthagen, northwest of the city center, is favored by academics and families, offering parks, cafés, and proximity to university faculties. Svartbäcken combines old and new architecture near the Fyrishov sports complex. Fålhagen, minutes from the center, provides a mix of housing types. Kåbo offers tranquil villa neighborhoods with gardens. Flogsta, west of the center, is primarily a student area with affordable options. Gottsunda, in the south, is known for cultural diversity and more affordable rents.

Rental Costs and Process

The main rental queue is Uppsala Bostadsförmedling, with an annual fee of SEK 305 and a placement fee of SEK 800. Average rents vary by area and size. Expect to pay approximately SEK 8,500–10,500 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center and SEK 12,000–16,500 for a three-bedroom apartment. Rental contracts typically require proof of income and references.

Sources: Uppsala Bostadsförmedling, Numbeo

Despite its modest size, Uppsala offers rich cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and a vibrant student-driven social scene. From Viking history to botanical gardens, there is much to explore.

Historical and Cultural Attractions

Uppsala Cathedral (Domkyrkan), standing at 118.7 meters, is Scandinavia's largest church and the final resting place of Swedish royalty including Gustav Vasa. Uppsala Castle, built in the 1540s, overlooks the city and houses the Uppsala Art Museum. Gamla Uppsala, 5 km north, features ancient Viking burial mounds and the Gamla Uppsala Museum with exhibits on Norse mythology. The Gustavianum, Uppsala University's museum, displays an eccentric collection including a 17th-century anatomical theater and Egyptian mummies.

Parks, Gardens, and Outdoor Activities

The Botanical Garden offers 200-year-old greenhouses and beautifully landscaped grounds—perfect for picnics. Linnaeus Garden, restored to its 18th-century appearance, celebrates the famous botanist Carl Linnaeus. Stadsskogen (City Forest) provides hiking and skiing trails minutes from the center. The Fyris River is popular for kayaking and riverside walks. For families, Pelle Svanslös Park recreates scenes from the beloved Swedish children's books about a tailless cat.

Nightlife and Social Scene

Uppsala's student nations host pubs, clubs, and the traditional gasques (formal dinners with dancing). Popular restaurants include Domtrappkällaren for traditional Swedish cuisine and Hamnpaviljongen with river views. The Uppsala Konsert & Kongress hosts concerts and cultural events in a striking modern building.

Sources: Destination Uppsala, Visit Sweden

Uppsala offers a compact, walkable city center where most daily needs are within reach. The city has a strong cycling culture, with dedicated bike paths throughout. Swedish culture values work-life balance, with concepts like fika (a coffee break ritual) and lagom (moderation) shaping daily routines.

Public Transportation

UL (Upplands Lokaltrafik) operates city buses, regional buses, and train connections. Since January 2024, Uppsala County operates as a single zone—one ticket covers travel anywhere in the region for 75 minutes. A single ticket costs SEK 39, while a 30-day pass is SEK 1,030 for adults. Students receive discounted rates. The UL app allows easy ticket purchase and journey planning. Train services connect Uppsala to Stockholm Central in about 40 minutes and to Arlanda Airport in just 17 minutes (with an additional SEK 132 passage fee for train access to the airport terminals).

Practical Considerations

Shops typically close by 6–7 PM on weekdays and earlier on weekends. Sweden is largely cashless, with card payments accepted almost everywhere. The Systembolaget is the government-run store for alcohol stronger than 3.5%. Uppsala has excellent healthcare through the Uppsala University Hospital. English is widely spoken, though learning basic Swedish helps with integration. Winters are cold and dark (December daylight around 6 hours), while summers bring long days with the famous midnight sun effect.

Sources: UL, Uppsala Municipality

Uppsala offers a slightly lower cost of living compared to Stockholm—approximately 15–20% less—while maintaining access to the capital region. The following tables provide estimated monthly budgets based on typical expenses.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

This estimate assumes a modest lifestyle with a rented apartment outside the immediate city center:

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

This estimate includes two school-age children and a car:

Sources: Numbeo, UL, Uppsala Municipality