Moving from London to Stockholm

Moving from London to Stockholm represents a significant life change that combines the excitement of Scandinavian living with practical challenges of international relocation.

Before You Move

Getting a personnummer (personal identity number) should be your first priority as it’s essential for practically everything in Sweden – from opening a bank account to getting a phone contract.

  • Apply for residency through Migrationsverket if you’re a non-EU citizen
  • Register with Skatteverket (Tax Agency) for your personnummer
  • Start learning Swedish – SFI (Swedish For Immigrants) offers free courses
  • Research neighborhoods: popular expat areas include Södermalm, Östermalm, and Vasastan

Housing in Stockholm

Stockholm’s housing market is competitive, with first-hand (direct from landlord) contracts being particularly hard to secure.

Transportation

Stockholm’s public transport system (SL) includes metros, buses, and boats.

  • Get an SL Access card for public transport
  • Download the SL app for real-time updates
  • Consider cycling – Stockholm is very bike-friendly

Healthcare

Register with a local vårdcentral (health center) once you have your personnummer.

  • Emergency number: 112
  • Medical advice line: 1177
  • Private healthcare options: Sophiahemmet, Aleris

Banking

Major banks offering services in English include SEB, Handelsbanken, and Nordea.

  • Required for opening account:
    • Personnummer
    • ID card/passport
    • Employment contract
    • Residence permit (if applicable)

Cost Comparison

Expense London (approx) Stockholm (approx)
1-bedroom apartment (city center) £1,800/month 15,000 SEK/month
Monthly transport pass £150 970 SEK

Moving Your Belongings

  • Recommended moving companies:
    • Pickfords
    • Crown Relocations
    • AGS International Movers
  • Shipping time: 5-7 days by road
  • Consider timing around Swedish holidays

Important Contacts

  • Migrationsverket (Migration Agency): +46 771-235 235
  • Skatteverket (Tax Agency): +46 771-567 567
  • British Embassy in Stockholm: +46 8-671 30 00

Moving to Stockholm takes careful planning, but the city’s high quality of life, excellent work-life balance, and beautiful surroundings make it a rewarding choice.

Daily Life Adjustments

Weather and Lifestyle

Stockholm’s weather differs significantly from London, with longer, darker winters and very bright summers.

  • Winter preparations:
    • Invest in proper winter clothing
    • Consider vitamin D supplements
    • Get winter tires for bikes
  • Summer adjustments:
    • Get blackout curtains for bright nights
    • Embrace outdoor activities
    • Participate in Midsummer celebrations

Work Culture

Swedish work culture emphasizes work-life balance and consensus-based decision making.

  • Key differences:
    • Shorter working hours (typically 40 hours/week)
    • Generous vacation policy (minimum 25 days/year)
    • Fika (coffee break) culture
    • Flat organizational structures

Social Integration

Building a social network is crucial for successful integration in Stockholm.

  • Join expat groups and meetups
  • Participate in local sports clubs
  • Attend language exchange events
  • Get involved in neighborhood activities

Conclusion

While relocating from London to Stockholm presents initial challenges, particularly with housing and personnummer acquisition, the transition offers significant rewards. The city’s excellent public services, strong work-life balance, and high living standards make it an attractive destination for expatriates. Success in the move largely depends on thorough preparation, especially regarding administrative requirements, and openness to embracing Swedish culture and customs.

  • Key success factors:
    • Start paperwork early
    • Learn the language
    • Build social networks
    • Embrace local customs
    • Prepare for seasonal changes

FAQs

  1. What documents do I need to move from London to Stockholm?
    If you’re an EU citizen, you need only your valid ID. Non-EU citizens need a residence permit, proof of employment or studies, and must register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) for a personal identity number (personnummer).
  2. How do I find housing in Stockholm?
    Use websites like Blocket.se, Qasa, or Housing Anywhere. First-hand contracts (direktkontrakt) are through the housing queue at Bostadsförmedlingen. Second-hand rentals (andrahand) are more common for newcomers.
  3. What’s the average cost of living comparison between London and Stockholm?
    Stockholm is generally 10-15% less expensive than London. Rent is notably lower, but groceries and restaurants are similarly priced. Public transport is cheaper in Stockholm.
  4. Do I need to learn Swedish to live in Stockholm?
    While most Swedes speak excellent English, learning Swedish helps with integration. Free Swedish language courses (SFI – Swedish for Immigrants) are available once you have your personnummer.
  5. How does the healthcare system work for newcomers?
    Once registered with Skatteverket and having a personnummer, you have access to Sweden’s public healthcare system. EU citizens should bring their EHIC card for initial coverage.
  6. What’s the best time of year to move to Stockholm?
    Summer (June-August) is ideal for moving, with warmer weather and longer daylight hours. Avoid December-February when darkness and cold weather can complicate moves.
  7. How do I transport my belongings from London to Stockholm?
    Options include international moving companies, shipping containers, or professional EU movers. For smaller moves, services like SendMyBag or air freight are viable alternatives.
  8. What’s the process for opening a Swedish bank account?
    You’ll need your personnummer, ID/passport, and residence permit (if applicable). Major banks include Swedbank, SEB, and Handelsbanken. Some offer English-speaking services.
  9. How does the Swedish tax system differ from the UK?
    Sweden has higher income tax rates but provides more social benefits. You’ll need to register with Skatteverket and may need to file taxes in both countries initially.
  10. What should I know about the weather transition from London to Stockholm?
    Stockholm has colder winters (-3°C to 1°C) and shorter winter daylight hours than London. Summers are similar but with longer daylight hours. Winter clothing investment is essential.

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