Sweden is considered one of the most prosperous European countries with a high standard of living and social standards, a strong economy and developed democratic institutions, beautiful nature and happy people. The Swedish healthcare system is of excellent quality and efficiency, thanks to which the state is included in the TOP-10 countries with the best medicine in the world.
The population of Sweden in 2022 is about 10.2 million people, while at least 20% of the inhabitants are of foreign origin. These are mainly representatives of other Scandinavian countries – Finland, Norway, Denmark, as well as Poland, the former Yugoslavia and regions such as Syria, Iraq and Somalia. We will talk about prices and the cost of living, taxes, employment, wages, education, medicine, the pros and cons of living in Sweden in 2022 further.
Pros and cons of living in Sweden
When planning a move to the Kingdom of Sweden, it should be borne in mind that the further north the settlement is located, the more severe the climatic conditions are there. By the way, not only the capital – Stockholm attracts immigrants. The best cities to live in Sweden are Stockholm, Malmö, Gothenburg, Uppsala and Lund.
Almost everyone knows the once popular Swedish music group ABBA, the quality car brand Volvo and Europe’s largest clothing retailer H&M. But not many people know what are the pros and cons of living in Sweden. Let’s highlight the main ones.
Pros of living in Sweden
• Sweden has a very high standard of living and an efficient welfare system.
• A large, developed and stable economy with a strong innovative potential opens up good prospects for starting your own business in Sweden and building a successful professional career. In the annual ranking of the Doing Business agency, the Kingdom of Sweden ranks 10th out of 190 countries in the world.
• The lion’s share of Swedish citizens is fluent in English. Even in the field of higher education, a huge number of courses are offered in English. And not only in master’s programs, but also in the bachelor’s program.
• Excellent ecology, cleanliness on the streets, ideal infrastructure and quality medicine.
• At first glance, the Swedes seem distant and cold, but after a short conversation it becomes clear that they are very cheerful and friendly people who are always ready to help a foreigner.
Cons of living in Sweden
• Sweden is a very expensive country.
• In some Swedish cities (even in the south) there is a lack of heat and sunlight. At the same time, winter days are very short, and summer days are excessively long.
• The influx of migrants in recent years has contributed to the fact that many locals are irritable towards foreigners.
• Difficult situation in the real estate market, including rent.
• High taxes (especially for rich people).
Prices and cost of living in Sweden
Living in Sweden is very expensive. Especially when it comes to large settlements – Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, and not such small towns as Kalmar or Jönköping. On average, the monthly expenses of a single resident of Sweden are at least 12,410 kroons (1,210 euros), and for a family of two, 22,640 kroons (2,210 euros).
Renting a one-room apartment in Sweden in the central part of the city will cost about 7,850 kroons per month (765 euros), and in remote areas about 5,545 kroons (540 euros). The price of one square meter of real estate in the center is 58,825 crowns (5,730 euros), and outside the city 33,380 (3,255 euros).
Jobs and salaries
Jobs and salaries in Sweden Official employment in Sweden requires applicants from third countries, including Russia and Ukraine, to obtain a special permit from the Swedish authorities. To draw up this document, a local employer must be very interested in the services of a foreign specialist. One of the important conditions is that Swedes and citizens of the European Union do not apply for a vacancy for at least 10 days.
The period of consideration of documents for issuing a work permit in Sweden can take 2-5 months. In case of employment for a period of more than 3 months, a foreigner is issued a residence permit card for a maximum of 2 years with the right to further renewal. Demanded professions in Sweden are programmers, doctors, engineers, builders, teachers and seasonal workers in agriculture (picking berries and mushrooms).
There is no minimum wage in Sweden. Rates are fixed separately in each sector of the economy through collective agreements between trade unions and employers. According to the Swedish Statistical Office, the average salary in Sweden in 2022 is 39,675 crowns per month (about 3,770 euros). After paying taxes, 2,800 euros remain. Working in Stockholm on average brings about 3,300 euros net.
Medicine in Sweden
Health care in Sweden is heavily funded by taxes, which requires the consumption of a large amount of available resources. The fee for one visit to the clinic is 100 kroons (9.7 euros), while standard health care services range from 100 to 300 kroons depending on the city.
In Sweden, a patient must never pay more than SEK 1,100 (€105) for medical consultations during the year. A similar figure is provided for prescription drugs. When visiting a doctor, the maximum contribution is 400 kroons (39 euros).
In conclusion, we note that the average life expectancy at birth in Sweden in 2022 is 82 years, with men living around 80 years and women 84.
