In my research, I drew inspiration from Visit Stockholm's guide on things to know before moving to Stockholm.
Get a personal identity number
The first thing that ought to be settled is the personal identity number (people’s number), without which it will be impossible to get employment, healthcare, or any banking services. The public healthcare services offered to residents in Stockholm are of good quality. But if you do not have a personal identity number, then you will need to wait or get a private insurance instead.
Challenge getting accommodation
Getting accommodation poses a challenge since it is both expensive and competitive, with rental costs being ranked among the most expensive in Europe. A lot of people depend on long queues for accommodation which could take years or short rentals through private agents. For such cities as Stockholm, where there is a high demand for accommodation, it is best to plan the accommodation arrangements ahead of time so that there are no last minute disappointments.
English is sufficient for most work environments
For expatriates, seeking employment in Sweden becomes a difficult task; searching in Stockholm may be daunting for this category. It is a plus if one speaks Swedish; however, English by itself is sufficient in most working environments. There are some fields such as IT, finance, and engineering where English speaking candidates have some opportunities, however knowing and speaking Swedish greatly enhance chances of finding work and making friends.
Fantastic public tranport system in Stockholm
The city of Stockholm is known not only for its fantastic public transport systems but also for the fact that it is a very walkable and bike friendly city. Since they have quite a number of transportation options available, the residents normally combine the use of buses, trams and the metro (Tunnelbana) to move from one place to another. For commuters who take the service often month passes are very pleasing.
Cultural adaptation
Relocation to Stockholm also includes cultural adaptation. Remember that in Sweden, the work-life balance plus the respect for individual space and time keeping are important elements in the lifestyle. The Swedish people are relatively closed though accommodating and most social functions are carried out in comparatively formal settings than other cultures. In addition, it is important to consider that Sweden is characterized by long dark winters and short bright summers, which also serves as an adjustment factor.
At last, there is a relatively expensive standard of living or rather a quality of life, which corresponds to the conviction of Stockholm. This primarily affects accommodation, eating out, entertainment, etc. Nevertheless, public amenities like education, medical facilities as well as transportation are quite good so it’s a very nice place to be if one is ready to face its practical and cultural implications.
