Best places to live in Sweden 2027: moving from the UK

Sweden is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, with forests, lakes, a long coastline and cities that are easy to live in. If you are moving to Sweden from the UK in 2027, the good news is that there is a place to suit most lifestyles, from the energy of Stockholm to the cycle paths of Malmö. Before you go, you will need the right permit to live there, which this guide explains alongside our favourite places to live.

Below we cover four of the best places to live in Sweden, why so many people choose Sweden, how to move to Sweden from the UK and what everyday life is like once you arrive.

Why choose Sweden

• Quality of life: Swedish cities are clean, safe and well planned, with plenty of green space and water close to home.
• Work and life balance: generous holiday, parental leave and a culture that values time away from work. Employees in Sweden are entitled to at least 25 days of paid holiday a year under the Swedish Annual Leave Act.
• Nature on your doorstep: the Right of Public Access (allemansrätten) lets everyone walk, cycle and camp in the countryside, as long as you respect nature and landowners.
• English widely spoken: most people speak excellent English, which makes the first months easier while you learn Swedish.
• Good transport: reliable trains, trams and cycle paths make car free living realistic in the larger cities.

Best places to live in Sweden

1. Stockholm: the capital city

Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, built across 14 islands linked by bridges and surrounded by water.

Many people are attracted to the city for its seasons. If you are keen to experience cold, snowy winters and long, light summers, Stockholm could be the place for you. In winter the city looks magical. It gets very cold, but homes, offices and public transport are built for it, so you will feel warm wherever you go and you will get used to the cold faster than you think.

Summer in Stockholm is like no other. The days are long and there is plenty to do: head to the island of Södermalm for outdoor cinema and cafés, or join the Midsummer celebrations in June. There is also a wealth of history to explore, with historic buildings, the old town of Gamla Stan and many museums. The city is full of large green parks, perfect for a sunny afternoon or a morning run.

2. Malmö: the cycling city

Malmö is Sweden's third largest city, known for its sights, its waterfront and its friendly, international feel.

If cycling is a large part of your lifestyle, Malmö could be perfect. The city is built for cyclists, with a well developed network of cycle paths, and the land is flat, so cycling is one of the main ways people get around. The Öresund Bridge also links Malmö to Copenhagen, so you can reach Denmark by train in well under an hour.

The city has plenty of parks and a beautiful waterfront at Västra Hamnen that draws visitors every year. You will also find a variety of markets, including farmers' markets, flea markets and fruit and vegetable markets. Malmö is one of the most multicultural cities in Sweden, home to people from well over 100 countries, which gives it a lively mix of food and culture.

3. Gothenburg: the calmest city

Gothenburg is Sweden's second largest city and a musical hub, which makes it one of the most charming and relaxed places to live in Sweden.

The city is packed with historical sites. You can explore the Gothenburg archipelago by ferry or take a boat tour along the canals. There is a wide range of museums too, such as the Gothenburg Museum of Art, the City Museum and the Natural History Museum, so you will never be short of things to do.

The food here is also a highlight. Gothenburg is well known for its seafood, and many restaurants proudly serve local produce caught off the west coast. The Feskekôrka fish market sells fish brought in fresh that morning.

4. Helsingborg: the most entertaining city

Helsingborg is among Sweden's most visited cities, thanks to the number of things to do there.

From restaurants to museums and cultural attractions, you will always be busy. The city is well known for its theatres, and if you enjoy the outdoors there are golf courses and activities on the sea, perfect for both adults and children. Ferries cross to Helsingør in Denmark in around 20 minutes.

On the job front, Helsingborg is home to a diverse range of large and small companies, and many new businesses are choosing the city, which opens up employment opportunities for people moving there. Living in Helsingborg can also cost less than Stockholm, with property and everyday costs generally lower than in the capital.

Moving to Sweden from the UK

Since Brexit, UK nationals no longer have free movement in Sweden. If you move to Sweden from the UK in 2027, here is what to plan for, based on GOV.UK Living in Sweden guidance and the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket).

Visits and the 90 day rule

UK nationals can visit Sweden and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180 day period without a visa. You will register in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) at the border, and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to apply to UK visitors once it launches. Check GOV.UK Sweden travel advice before you travel.

Residence and work permits

To stay longer than 90 days you need a permit from Migrationsverket, usually applied for before you travel. The main routes are:

• Work permit: you need a job offer from a Swedish employer that meets Swedish salary and terms requirements, including a minimum salary level set by Migrationsverket.
• EU Blue Card: for highly qualified workers with a higher salary.
• Family ties: if your partner or parent lives in Sweden.
• Studies: a residence permit for higher education.
• Self employment: for people starting or taking over a business in Sweden.

UK nationals who lived in Sweden before 1 January 2021 and hold residence status under the Withdrawal Agreement keep their rights.

Registering and settling in

• Population register: if you plan to stay for a year or more, register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to get a personal identity number (personnummer). You need it for banking, healthcare and many everyday services.
• Healthcare: once registered, you can use public healthcare through your regional health service, paying small patient fees.
• Driving: GOV.UK explains when you can drive on a UK licence and when you need to exchange it for a Swedish one.
• Pets: dogs and cats need a microchip, rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate. Our pet shipping service can help.

Shipping your belongings: finding a removal company to Sweden

Most household moves to Sweden travel by road and ferry, either as a dedicated load or shared groupage with other customers' goods, which suits smaller moves. Swedish Customs (Tullverket) allows household goods to be brought in free of duty when you move your residence, as long as you have owned and used them for a set period before the move.

When choosing a removal company to Sweden, look for an international mover who handles packing, inventory and customs paperwork for you. Pickfords international removals cover Europe, and our packing services protect fragile items in transit. The cost depends on volume, distance and service, so request a free quote. Our moving abroad checklist helps you plan the timeline.

If you are keeping a home base in the UK, self storage from £18 is a simple way to hold on to furniture while you settle. Drive-up self storage suits long term storage. Choose a secure facility to keep your belongings safe at all times.

Swedish lifestyle

• Fika: the daily coffee and cake break is a social ritual at work and at home.
• Lagom: the idea of "just the right amount" shapes everything from design to spending.
• Seasons: summers are light late into the evening and winters are dark, so many people make the most of the outdoors year round, from swimming in lakes to cross country skiing.
• Cashless living: card and mobile payments are used almost everywhere.
• Family life: schools are free, childcare is subsidised and parental leave is generous, which is why many families with children choose Sweden.

Moving with children? Read our guide to moving home with a family. If you are also comparing Nordic options, see our guide to moving to Norway from the UK.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I move to Sweden from the UK after Brexit?

Yes, but you need a permit to stay longer than 90 days. Most people apply for a work permit with a Swedish job offer, or a permit based on family ties or study, through Migrationsverket before moving.

• How do I get a personal identity number in Sweden?

Once you have the right to live in Sweden and plan to stay for at least a year, register with Skatteverket. If approved, you receive a personnummer, which you need for banking, healthcare and most contracts.

• Do I need to speak Swedish to live in Sweden?

Many people speak excellent English, especially in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. Learning Swedish will help you settle and widens your job options, and free Swedish for immigrants (SFI) classes are offered by local councils once you are registered.

• What is the best place to live in Sweden for UK families?

Stockholm offers the most international schools and jobs, while Gothenburg and Helsingborg offer a calmer pace and good access to the coast. Visit in winter as well as summer before you decide.

• How long does it take to ship furniture to Sweden?

A road and ferry move to Sweden usually takes days to a few weeks depending on whether you choose a dedicated load or shared groupage. Your mover will give you a timeline when you book.

• Can I bring my pet to Sweden from the UK?

Yes. Dogs and cats need a microchip, a rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate, and dogs need tapeworm treatment before entry. Check the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) rules before you travel.

Ready to start your move? Request a free quote for your move to Sweden or get in touch with our expert team for personalised advice.