Sweden is renowned for providing its citizens with first-rate care. Expats can live well since they have access to reasonably priced healthcare and education.
The infrastructure of the nation is first-rate, and contemporary cities can easily access magnificent Scandinavian forests and lakes. But all of this has a cost; taxes and living expenses are expensive, and it can be difficult to locate cheap housing.
Accommodation in Sweden
Undoubtedly one of the most challenging aspects of migrating to Sweden is finding a place to live. You must allow yourself adequate time to hunt for housing. especially if you’re traveling to a place with a severe housing crisis like Stockholm.
Apartments make up the majority of real estate in cities, whereas houses are more prevalent in smaller towns and rural locations. Swedish homes may be smaller than you’re accustomed to, but they are well-insulated and of decent quality overall.
Check to see if the area you’re relocating to offers a welcome service (invandrarservice) to assist you to settle in since the housing market in Sweden differs significantly from what many expatriates may be used to. To register with your neighborhood municipal housing authority or a housing company, you’ll need a personal identification number.
Local culture in Sweden
Many facets of life in Sweden will be recognizable to those from Europe or North America. And adjusting to your new home shouldn’t be too difficult if you’re eager to accept the local culture. English is generally spoken among the people, although learning Swedish is still essential. Attempting will go a long way toward assisting you in integrating into the community, even if you don’t speak it well.
Swedes tend to act moderately, and the idea of lagom, which roughly translates to “just enough,” is important to how they see the world. Avoid strong emotional outbursts or displays of riches if you wish to blend in.
Education in Sweden
The majority of Swedish schools maintain high standards and promote independent thought. The government funds both public and private charter schools, and children of expats are welcome to attend for free. August through June is the start of the academic year. Along with a lengthy summer break, there are vacations in October, around Easter, and Christmas.
Public schools
If you intend to stay in Sweden for a long time, public education is something you should think about. Your neighborhood municipality will place your kids in a public school that offers additional Swedish studies to aid in their integration.
Private schools
Independent schools known as friskolor receive state financing but are not required to use the national curriculum, although many do. They are an excellent choice if you want to provide your kids with a local education that differs from what is taught in public schools.
Homeschooling
Except in rare circumstances, homeschooling is prohibited in Sweden. From the age of seven to at least sixteen, kids are required to go to a recognized school.
International schools
The majority of the students in Sweden’s international schools are foreigners with transient visas. The majority of them adhere to American, British, or International Baccalaureate curricula and are centered in the larger cities. High prices and lengthy waiting lists are common.
Healthcare in Sweden
Sweden provides simple access to high-quality medical treatment. Despite not being free, treatment is frequently affordable because of restrictions on how much doctors can charge. The Swedish public healthcare system is open to residents of Sweden as well as expats from the EU. This covers doctor visits, dental work, stays in hospitals, and medicines. Although there may be waiting lists for specialized operations, you shouldn’t have to wait longer than 90 days according to the legislation.
In Sweden, private insurance is uncommon yet necessary if you do not meet the requirements for government healthcare subsidies. Private insurance can help you move up the treatment queue because many hospitals contract their services to private companies.