Jobs in Sweden

With Scandinavian culture becoming an inspiration for lifestyle changes, and buzzwords such as hygge and lagom popping up all over Instagram, you might be interested in traveling to Sweden. The colorful capital city of Stockholm in the east, contrasting with the snowy scenes of Lapland in the north, are just a few examples of the diverse scenery and drastically different ways of life that can be found in the center of Scandinavia. If that sounds like a Swede deal, hunt down some cool jobs abroad in Sweden!

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A Guide to Jobs Abroad in Sweden

Locations

Sweden is home to many cities that make for great city breaks, but these cities are also ideal for longer-term travel. Those looking to work abroad in Sweden can choose a location based on their lifestyle preferences. From comforting and cozy with wintery weather to modern, bright city life, jobs abroad in Sweden can be found all over.

Stockholm. The capital city of Sweden is one of the most populous cities in Scandinavia, and is actually made up of 14 islands as well as the most well-known, mainland city. Easily recognizable thanks to its colorful waterside buildings, Stockholm is a great destination for those looking to work in Sweden, receiving expats from surrounding European countries, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, in particular. Whilst working in Stockholm, travelers can visit a wide variety of museums, including the Vasa and Nordic museums, taste traditional and gourmet food at the out- and indoor markets, and enjoy a fika, or coffee break, in one of the waterfront cafes.

Malmö. Malmö, situated right on the southernmost tip of Sweden, is a hub for Scandinavian culture, with great art, music, and food scenes. It is also listed as the 7th happiest city in Europe! This could be due to a relatively low cost of living (compared to the capital), an environmentally friendly lifestyle (like the rest of the country), or the major plus of being extremely close and well-connected to mainland Europe. Residents and visitors can take a train to Copenhagen in less than 30 minutes.

Popular Job Types

There is a wide variety of popular Sweden jobs for foreigners, and the country is known for having great benefits for workers, including subsidized public services, great working conditions (including the aforementioned fikas) and generous vacation allowance. Whatever job you are qualified to do, you can probably do it in Sweden.

Education. One of the ideal international jobs in Sweden for English-speaking expats is teaching. Instructing English classes in schools and universities is one of the most accessible jobs for those looking to work abroad in Sweden, as there is always high demand for English teachers, and classrooms tend to try and create an English-only environment, meaning limited Swedish skills should not be a problem. Teaching English in Sweden for any length of time is a great option for qualified teachers, and those who want to earn some classroom experience whilst working in one of Europe’s most attractive job markets.

Healthcare. Professional healthcare workers who are looking for a change of scenery could benefit from finding a healthcare job in Sweden. There is demand for workers in healthcare in Sweden, from medical professionals such as doctors and nurses to assistants and researchers. Expats will need the appropriate qualifications to work in Sweden, but many positions are also English-speaking, making the move a little easier.

Salaries

Most salaries in Sweden are negotiable. With the increasing demand for teachers, educators can expect to earn between 20,000 krona (about $2,200 USD) and 30,000 krona ($3,400) USD per month. Salaries are based on experience and working hours. For other international jobs in Sweden, such as administration and hospitality, the salary can also be in the range of 20,000 krona per month.

Accommodations & Visas

Although rental properties are of a high standard, often including good quality furnishings and appliances, those looking to move to Sweden should allow themselves plenty of time to find accommodation. There is a shortage of housing across the country, especially in larger cities, particularly in Stockholm. Apartments are the most common choice for foreign workers.

Most people who get a job in Sweden will need a work permit. EU citizens automatically have the right to live and work in Sweden, but will need to apply for a residence permit to stay for longer than three months. Some countries will have to apply for a permit to enter Sweden, even as a tourist.

To undertake a work abroad program in Sweden, non-EU citizens will need to apply for a work permit before traveling. To obtain a permit, expats must first hold a job offer from a Swedish business. However, citizens of Australia and New Zealand can also apply for a working holiday visa. For more information about visas, see the GoAbroad Embassy Directory.

GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

Working abroad can provide expats with incredible life skills, employment opportunities, and experiences that not only place them one step ahead of the game when it comes to finding work, but also allows for personal development. Experiencing other cultures in a working environment is an impressive and worthwhile feat, sure to open many doors for expats.

The work environment in Sweden tends to be very formal and professional, so when you start your job abroad, make sure to be prepared to work hard. Small talk is uncommon, like in other Scandinavian countries, and expats should not take offense at the Swedes’ reserved nature. Remember, they probably aren’t being unfriendly; it’s just their way of minding their own business! Honesty and integrity are admirable qualities of Swedish people and are highly valued in the workplace.

For many reasons, Sweden is one of Europe’s most desirable destinations, and there is a whole host of great job opportunities for expats. What’s more, why wouldn’t you want to live in one of the world’s happiest countries? As long as you don’t mind the cold weather, Sweden could be the ideal place for your next job.