Stockholm, one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, is a fantastic place to live and work, with many wonderful attractions, rich history, and an admirable work culture. Sweden’s capital offers you an over-the-top life quality, with plenty of activities, surrounded by nature and wildlife, and an exceptional culture to share.
Photo by Nadine Wuchenauer from Pexels
What to expect
Stockholm is a great place to meet people from all over the world, they have many groups and clubs for expats, and they organize meet-ups and events. Sweden is number 4 in the ranks of most transparent countries in the world, making it one that gives plenty of benefits to its citizens, such as family care, health care, efficient work-life balance, parent leave, and many more.
Weather
- The first winter in Stockholm might be tough as one adapts to the cold temperatures, but the city looks absolutely stunning with a snowy layer. It snows for almost 6 months every year, but the city is fully prepared with heating to offer a comfortable and cozy experience. Some coffee shops are candlelit to provide warmth to the winter. Summers are mild and breezy!
KPIs
- Average weather: 21º C in summer and -2ºC in winter
- Average daylight hours: 18 hours in summer and 7 hours in winter
- Average rainfall: 170 days (the city receives a mix of both snow and rain)
Photo by 12019 from Pixabay.
Cost of living
- While the cost of living can be somewhat expensive, the quality of life and the benefits of living in Stockholm make it all worth it.
Finding an apartment
- When you first arrive in Stockholm, it is recommended to rent an apartment via the sublet or second-hand market so you get familiar with the lifestyle. How much you pay will depend on the area of the city you live in and how big the flat is. There are multiple websites and agencies that are glad to help you find the apartment that suits your needs, and adapts to your budget and lifestyle.
Commuting
- The best way to get around the city is by public transportation. Stockholm offers an extensive network of buses, trains, trams, and boats – all with the same ticket! It is also very nice to walk from place to place, and stop once in a while to admire the wonders of the city.
Photo by Jan Židlický from Pexels
Professional Environment
Company Profile
- Companies in Stockholm are in the range of entrepreneurship, technology, and emerging small businesses. You will notice that there are a lot of opportunities for international professionals in the fields of technology and innovation. The work culture in Stockholm is admirable! They have worked very hard to ensure the workplace is an enjoyable, happy, and positive one, with a work-life balance. Holidays are very generous, since companies in Sweden believe that productivity is better when workers take some time off and recharge. Sweden was ranked the third-best country for best work-life balance, compared to other 46 countries.
Networking
- Meeting new people in Stockholm can be a challenge at first, people are nice and welcoming, but a little reserved in the beginning. Once you get to know them, you will have great and polite friends and colleagues!
Culture
Traveling in-out
- Stockholm Arlanda Airport is connected with 49 countries, fully equipped to give you the best service possible. They have a complete service, from transportation to and from the airport, as well as leisure (food and shopping) in the building if you have a few hours in the airport. The city also has a train with many destinations close by! Sweden has an interesting mix of landscapes, with the south being flat and the north is full of mountains.
- The city has events all year long! You will always be learning new things about the Scandinavian culture through events like the Jazz Festival for the musical, the Summer Design Week for the artistic, the Smaka Good Food Festival for foodies, and the International Film Festival for those who love the cinema!
Leisure
- Stockholm has brilliant art galleries, like Fotografiska, great arenas that host concerts and sporting events, as well as an opera house and theaters with a wide variety of shows to see. There are many museums, small and large, that cover multiple topics, like the Swedish history. Even the metro is artistic, where you can enjoy all kinds of sculptures and paintings in over 90 stations. Stockholm has beautiful outdoor spaces. When the winter is over, a long summer comes along, and you can enjoy them in parks such as Vasaparken and Tantolunded, where you can sunbathe, explore the space, and more! There are nature reserves where you can hike, fish, or just take the day to relax. If you are a water lover, Stockholm is for you. It has many options, from boat trips to small beaches and lakes!
Photo by Daniel Spase from Pexels
Food
- When people think of Stockholm, the first thing that comes to mind is meatballs! Which you can definitely get (and should) in the Swedish capital. However, Stockholm has some incredible restaurants that serve food from all over the world. You can find Spanish tapas, Thai food, and much more! As well as some restaurants that are changing the perspective of Scandinavian and Nordic cuisine. Places like Tradition, giving the traditional Swedish food its real and exact taste! While other chefs are creating new and exciting dishes with Scandinavian ingredients.
Sports
- Stockholm has three strong and proud football clubs, two ice hockey teams, and bandy – one of the most popular sports in Stockholm. Due to its unique weather, Stockholm splits its sports into winter and summer, with many indoor sports played and supported year-round. When Stockholm is covered by a thick coat of snow, the ice sports begin! Ice hockey, skiing, snowboarding, and more are available in winter, both for beginners and advanced athletes!
Day trips
- Drottningholm Palace: The Queen’s Palace
- 45 minutes boat trip away from the city center lies the beautiful palace from the 17th century built for Queen Eleonora. It is now the home for the Swedish Royal Family. The palace has a colorful park, terraces, lime trees, and various bronze sculptures brought as trophies from the war.
- Sigtuna: Sweden’s First Town
- Just 45 minutes away from the north of Stockholm is Sweden’s famous town, Sigtuna. If you want to see a picture-postcard in real life, this is your destination.
- Ancient University City of Uppsala
- Just a train trip away you can visit this famous medieval university city, with an amazing history and a destination for many around the world. Here you can find the 13th-century cathedral and the University Museum. It is also fun to wander around the streets of the old town.
Photo by Nextvoyage from Pexels
We hope that you have found this guide useful.
Find more details, information, and KPIs about Stockholm in our Expat Guide.
The Fut-Ure Team will likewise be happy to help you to set up in the city if you are looking for a job in the region, or give you more information about the local Talent market (including details and advice in topics like Taxes and legal) if you are planning to open an office in Stockholm.
Take a look at our Job Offers, and contact us!
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