Living in Sweden
Information about moving to, living or retiring in Sweden â including visas, working, healthcare and driving.
Getting help with living in Sweden
Help from the Swedish government
For any questions about moving to or living in Sweden, you may be able to get help from the:
The UK government and the British Embassy in Stockholm cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Sweden.
Professional help in Sweden
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Sweden, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Sweden to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Sweden. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
, including in an emergency.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Sweden before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Check which you need to live in Sweden.Ěý
You can get a visa or residence permit to:
- work
- study
- live with family in Sweden
- volunteer
- do research
For more information, read the Swedish Migration Agencyâs .
Registering as a resident
Once you arrive, you need to if you plan to stay for 12 months or more.
If you have any problems or questions about registering your residency, contact:
- the
- an
Extending or replacing your visa or residence permit
Contact the for information on how to:
- replace a lost, damaged or stolen visa or
Permanent residency
You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Sweden when your initial residence permit expires.
To find out if youâre eligible and how to apply, read the Swedish Migration Agencyâs guidance on .
Citizenship
Sweden recognises with the UK. This means that you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Swedish citizen.
To find out if youâre eligible for Swedish citizenship:
- read guidance on
- contact the
- contact the
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British Embassy in Stockholm cannot help with Swedish visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
- the
- the
- an
Residency if you moved to Sweden before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Sweden before 1 January 2021, and have been legally living there since then, you and your family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Residence documents if you moved to Sweden before 1 January 2021Â
If you moved to Sweden before 1 January 2021, make sure you have a âuppehĂĽllsstatusâ residence status card. This shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.Ěý
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES), youâll need an âuppehĂĽllsstatusâ residence status card when entering or leaving Sweden. If you have one, you will not have to register with the EES when . Without it, you may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area and denied entry to Sweden or other Schengen countries.
If you do not have a residence document
If you were living in Sweden before 1 January 2021, but do not have an âuppehĂĽllsstatusâ residence status card, you must . Youâll need to submit evidence to prove that you met the residency criteria at the time.
If your application is successful, youâll get a biometric residence card called a âuppehĂĽllsstatuskortâ.
If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal. Consider getting legal advice from an .
For more information, read the Swedish Migration Agencyâs guidance on .
Renewing your residence document if you moved to Sweden before 1 January 2021
Youâll need to renew your residence document when it expires.
Read guidance on . For more information, contact the .
Bringing family members to Sweden if you moved there before 1 January 2021
The Swedish Migration Agencyâs guidance for explains:
- which family members can join you in Sweden
- how and when they should apply for their residence document
Passports and travel
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
If you have a Swedish residence permit or long stay visa, the time you spend in Sweden does not count towards the 90-day visa-free period you can spend in the Schengen area.
Always carry your passport and residence status card or residence document when . If youâre asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your residence status card, residence document or other evidence of residence status. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.
If you have dual citizenship with an EU or country, you should enter and leave Sweden using your EU or EFTA passport.
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
European Entry/Exit System (EES)
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for . Non-EU nationals will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.
British nationals legally resident in Sweden, and who have a residence status card (âuppehĂĽllsstatuskortâ)Â or other valid EU biometric residence document do not need to register with the EES. Read the .
If youâre legally resident in Sweden but do not have a residence status card, contact the for information on how to get one.
For more information about the EES:
Healthcare in Sweden
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
To find out how to get medical treatment:
- read guidance on healthcare in Sweden and health in Sweden
- contact your insurance provider
- read about healthcare options for British nationals in Sweden
Working in Sweden
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
You can also read the Swedish governmentâs guidance on .
To work in Sweden, you may need a . Our guidance on travelling to Sweden for work explains the different work permits and visas available to you.Ěý
You do not need a work permit or visa if you have been living in Sweden legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
To apply for a job, you may need to provide a:
If you live in Sweden and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers.
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Sweden, you may need to .
Driving in Sweden
Read our guidance on moving, living and retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
The provides information on driving in Sweden, including how to:
For more information read guidance on:
- driving in the EU
- road travel in Sweden, in safety and security in the travel advice for Sweden
Driving in Sweden using a foreign driving licenceÂ
You can drive in Sweden using a valid driving licence issued in the UK or Gibraltar until the licence expires.
If you have a Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man licence, you can use it to drive in Sweden for 12 months from the date you became resident.
You cannot renew or replace any of these driving licences if you live in Sweden.
Exchanging a UK or Gibraltar driving licence
You may find it helpful to exchange your UK or Gibraltar licence for a Swedish licence. Some employers require an EU driving licence. There is no time limit for exchanging your licence and you do not need to take a driving test.
Read the Swedish Transport Agencyâs guidance on how to .
If your UK or Gibraltar driving licence is lost, stolen or expired, youâll need to . To do this, youâll need a âcertificate of entitlementâ.
A certificate of entitlement sets out the categories of vehicles youâre entitled to drive. You can get this from the authority that issued your driving licence (for example, the DVLA).
Exchanging a Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man driving licence
You cannot exchange a Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man driving licence for a Swedish licence. To continue driving after 12 months from the date you became resident in Sweden, you must . Youâll need to pass a theory and practical driving test.
The UK and Sweden are currently negotiating long-term arrangements for exchanging Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man licences without the need for a test. Sign up for email alerts to get notified when we update this page.Ěý
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for:
- an
- a
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Sweden, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.Ěý
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Sweden so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the for any questions about double taxation relief.
Consider getting professional advice on . To do this, find an .
National Insurance
Check if you need to pay National Insurance if youâre going to work in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Your UK state pension is calculated differently if youâve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and now live in the EU.
Claiming a Swedish pension
to find out whether you can .
You can also read guidance on .
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.Ěý
You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Claiming Swedish benefits
You may be entitled to some Swedish benefits.
To find out if youâre eligible and how to claim:
- read guidance on
Buying and renting property in Sweden
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.Ěý
The Swedish governmentâs guidance on contains information on finding a home.
Contact an if youâre considering buying property or land.
Voting in Sweden
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Swedish elections
You may be eligible to vote in Swedish local elections if you have been legally resident in Sweden for at least 3 years.
You cannot vote in Swedish general elections unless you hold Swedish citizenship.
You also cannot vote in European elections unless you hold citizenship of an EU country.
Read the Swedish Election Authorityâs guidance on .
Studying in Sweden
If you plan to study in Sweden, you must meet all before you travel.
You do not need a student visa or residence permit if you have been living in Sweden legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
For more information, read guidance on:
You can also contact:
- your higher education provider in the UK or Sweden
- the
- the
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education
The European Commission provides information about the .
All children must attend school or home school in Sweden for 9 years, from age 6 or 7 to age 15 or 16.
For more information, read the Swedish governmentâs guidance on .
Childcare
The is responsible for .
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Sweden, .Ěý
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your childâs first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Sweden, read guidance on:
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad.Ěý
The Swedish government provides information on .
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
The Swedish Tax Agency offers guidance on .
Consider taking legal advice from an .Ěý
Documents for British people in Sweden
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:Â
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Sweden, read guidance on professional services if youâre abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Sweden, read guidance on:
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
If the NHS funds your healthcare in Sweden through the S1 form, to cancel it.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Swedish authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
Updates to this page
-
Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand.
-
Updated with the start date for the EU Entry/Exit System (EES).
-
Information about the new EU Entry/Exit System (EES) added. The guidance has also been reviewed and updated as necessary.
-
Visas and residency, healthcare, accommodation and buying property, and births, deaths, marriage and civil partnerships sections updated.
-
Important information in the Working in Sweden, and National insurance sections if you work in Sweden, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.
-
Visas and residency guidance updated, following the 31 December 2021 residency deadline for people with rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
-
Visas and residency section updated: deadline for residency applications extended to 31 December 2021.
-
Guidance reviewed for Money, tax and banking, Benefits, Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships, and Useful information sections.
-
Guidance reviewed for Passports and travel, Healthcare, Working in Sweden, Studying in Sweden, Emergencies, and Returning to the UK sections.
-
Professional qualifications section updated for British citizens who are moving or moved to Sweden after 1 January 2021 and those living there since before 1 January 2021.
-
Working in Sweden section updated: new guidance for frontier workers
-
See Driving section for when you can exchange your UK driving licence; see Working in Sweden for update on frontier worker permits; see Studying in Sweden for student healthcare registration.
-
Healthcare section updated including guidance on the S1 form and applying for EHIC and GHIC cards; working and studying inâŻSwedenâŻsection updated with link to Department for International Trade (DIT) guidance on working or providing services, updated with information on funding eligibility for students, and with link to DIT guidance on recognition of professional qualifications.
-
Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.
-
Updated as the transition period ends with new information on pet travel and moving to Sweden
-
Visas and residency section updated on how to apply for the new residence permit. Passports and travel section updated on carrying proof of residence when travelling.
-
Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers
-
Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021
-
Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
-
New information on the proposed Swedish special residency process permit added to the ´visas and residency after Brexit´ section.
-
Brexit update: Register for new Q&A session for UK nationals on 7 October in central Stockholm. See the âattend one of our citizens outreach meetingsâ section.
-
Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
-
Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
-
The guide contains new links to government guidance on returning to the UK in case of a no-deal Brexit.
-
EU Exit update: updated EU Exit information in the visas and residency, healthcare, driving licences and working sections
-
We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
-
EU Exit update: Added information about outreach event to EU Exit section
-
EU Exit update: Updated information on passports. You must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip.
-
EU Exit update - Updated information on access to healthcare
-
EU exit update - updated information on pensions and driving
-
EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in Pets section.
-
Updated link to driving in Sweden
-
Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.
-
updated
-
updated information
-
updated information
-
updated information
-
Added an updated Living in Sweden guide
-
First published.