Living and working in Sweden: relocation made easy with KOCH Moving Logistics

Sweden – the land of a thousand lakes, endless forests and Nordic balance – delights with a unique blend of breathtaking nature, vibrant metropolises and a deeply rooted connection to the environment. For many emigrants, moving to this modern, sustainable country becomes an exciting career step – and KOCH Moving Logistics stands by your side as a reliable partner. Discover what makes living and working in Sweden so special.

Sweden ranks among the most innovative and competitive economies in Europe. The country is home to global companies such as IKEA, Volvo, Ericsson, Spotify and H&M and is a leader in sectors such as information technology (especially gaming, AI and cybersecurity), forestry, renewable energy, life sciences and mechanical engineering. Stockholm and Gothenburg are important economic centres. Thanks to EU freedom of movement, access to the labour market for Germans is completely straightforward. Unlike in Germany, where the economy is strongly shaped by export‑oriented small and medium‑sized enterprises, Sweden is dominated by large, internationally operating corporations and a very strong start‑up culture – Stockholm is considered the most important start‑up metropolis in Europe after Berlin.

The Swedish labour market offers German skilled professionals excellent prospects, especially in IT, engineering and healthcare. The unemployment rate in 2026 was about 8.2 percent – a higher rate compared to Germany (around 5‑6 percent), but structural differences in the labour market must be taken into account. The most in‑demand occupations include software developers, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts, engineers (especially in automotive and energy technology), nursing staff and specialists in renewable energy. The average gross annual salary is about 610,000 SEK (approx. 54,000 euros) and thus below the German level of about 66,700 euros. In European comparison, Sweden has a relatively high average income, but is clearly behind Germany. The normal weekly working time in Sweden is 40 hours – similar to Germany (38‑40 hours). Flexitime and job sharing are widespread. Swedish work culture is characterised by flat hierarchies, team spirit and a healthy work‑life balance – overtime is the absolute exception.

Sweden delights with a fascinating, often idiosyncratic culture strongly shaped by Lutheran work ethics, Viking tradition and modern egalitarian culture. The country is famous for the concept of lagom – the art of the right amount, of balance and modesty, which permeates the Swedish way of life. Unlike in Germany, where self‑promotion and performance are often emphasised, Sweden values social balance and harmony. The work culture is characterised by very flat hierarchies: in Swedish companies, employees and management almost always interact at eye level; everyone uses the informal "du", and ideas are discussed openly. A major difference from Germany: while hierarchical structures and formal forms of address ("Mr/Ms") are still common in German companies, Sweden appreciates equality and informal interaction.

Swedish cuisine is hearty and down‑to‑earth: köttbullar (meatballs) with lingonberries, inlagd sill (pickled herring), knäckebröd (crispbread) and the traditional prinsesstårta (green princess cake) for special occasions. Fika, the art of the coffee break, is not just a break but a social ritual – you sit together, drink coffee and eat a small pastry. KOCH Moving Logistics helps you discover these special features.

Sweden offers one of the highest qualities of life in the world. However, the cost of living is about 9‑20 percent higher than in Germany: in Stockholm, it is about 9 percent above the German average, in Malmö or Gothenburg slightly below. For a single person, monthly living expenses (excluding rent) are about 10,000 SEK (approx. 860 euros). Rental prices vary greatly: a one‑bedroom apartment in Stockholm costs between 14,000 and 21,000 SEK (approx. 1,200‑1,800 euros) – putting Stockholm in the same range as Munich or Hamburg. In Gothenburg, a one‑bedroom apartment costs about 13,500 SEK (approx. 1,150 euros), in Malmö about 11,800 SEK (approx. 1,000 euros). Compared to Germany, rental prices in metropolitan areas are similarly high, while food and restaurant prices are sometimes above the German level. The public transport network is very well developed – in Stockholm with the metro (T‑bana), buses, trams and ferries. In Gothenburg, trams run, and cities are well connected by regional trains.

Swedish work culture places great importance on equality, consensus orientation and an open, informal atmosphere. Greeting is with a firm handshake and direct eye contact – regardless of rank. All employees, from project manager to CEO, use the informal "du" and address each other by first name. Punctuality is expected, but a small delay is treated with understanding. The dress code is casual – Swedes often dress smart‑causal; suits and ties are the absolute exception. Unlike in Germany, where formal clothing is still standard in many sectors, a neat but uncomplicated style is common in Sweden. Decision‑making is often a process of consensus‑seeking, which can take longer than in Germany, where decisions are usually made hierarchically. Praise for good work is also expressed rather modestly – boasting is undesirable.

The Swedish transport system is excellently developed. The state railway company SJ operates a dense network of high‑speed trains (SJ Snabbtåg) connecting the major cities of Sweden as well as connections to Denmark (via the Øresund Bridge) and Norway. In Stockholm, the public transport network with the metro (Tunnelbana), commuter trains (Pendeltåg), trams, buses and archipelago ferries is very well developed. The metro is often called the longest art gallery in the world – over 90 stations are decorated with artworks. This is a special feature that does not exist in Germany in this form. In Gothenburg, the tram network is the largest in Scandinavia. Sweden is also one of the most cycle‑friendly countries in Europe, with a well‑developed network of cycle paths in the cities – comparable to Germany, but tending to be even more cycle‑friendly.

Living in Sweden can vary greatly depending on the region. The Swedish housing model differs strongly from the German one: while rental apartments dominate in Germany, owner‑occupied apartments (bostadsrätt) – a cooperative apartment – are very common in Sweden. Here you buy a right of use to the apartment and pay a monthly fee to the cooperative. The rental market (hyresrätt) is extremely tight in metropolitan areas, with years‑long waiting lists for public housing. Many emigrants therefore turn to the private rental market, which may charge higher prices.

When searching for accommodation, proof of income (the last three payslips) as well as the Swedish personnummer are generally required. The deposit is usually one to three months' rent. KOCH Moving Logistics supports you in navigating the Swedish property market.

KOCH Moving Logistics supports you with your move to Sweden with comprehensive services tailored to your needs. From planning to execution, our team ensures that your move runs smoothly, so you can focus on what matters most: your new life and work in Sweden.

• Personal advice: Individual solutions for your move.
• Logistics expertise: Efficient planning and implementation.
• Local network: Support with integration in Sweden.

KOCH Moving Logistics not only offers standardised moving services but also places special emphasis on personal advice and tailor‑made solutions. Our experts are on hand at every stage of the moving process to ensure that all your needs are met. We help you to quickly find your feet in your new surroundings and offer support with administrative matters, such as applying for the Swedish personnummer (eleven‑digit) and the samordningsnummer. Experience the smooth transition to your new adventure with the comprehensive service of KOCH Moving Logistics. Whether it's packing your belongings or organising your new home, we are here for you. Contact us and start your move to Sweden today!