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Moving to Sweden from Canada is an exciting yet complex process that involves careful planning and budgeting. From shipping household goods and securing a residence permit to moving expenses, pet regulations, housing availability, and the cost of living in Sweden it can get overwhelming very fast. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
The cost of moving to Sweden from Canada ranges from CAD $5,000 to $15,000 using sea freight and varies depending on the distance, volume, shipping company, and season.
The largest cost when moving household goods to Sweden is the volume. One-bedroom moves can save money by sharing a container (LCL shipping), while three-bedroom moves take up an entire 20ft or 40ft container. Shipping furniture from Sweden to Canada via sea freight typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the route.
Below, we’ve listed the approximate cost of moving furniture to Sweden from Canada. These prices are based on the route Toronto to Stockholm using sea freight, with no additional services like storage or (dis)assembly. The main ports in Canada are Montréal, Vancouver, and Toronto. In Sweden, Stockholm and Gothenburg are the most common ports.
Be aware that international moving companies handle transport and customs clearance, but packing services, door-to-door delivery, and insurance are often additional expenses.
| Volume | Average cost |
| One-bedroom apartment | CAD $5,000 – $7,000 |
| Three-bedroom house | CAD $10,000 – $15,000 |
Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates.
Sweden has a few regulations for importing pets from Canada to prevent introducing new diseases or spreading rabies. While there’s no ban on any pet breeds and deworming treatments are not mandatory, here’s what to arrange when moving to Sweden with pets.
These rules apply to most dogs, cats, and ferrets. Read the rules on moving to Sweden with pets on the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) website.
You’ve decided to work with a moving company to Sweden, but where do you start? Sirelo is a good start! In the extensive database, you can browse a variety of Canadian movers who can help with an international move to Sweden. Here are some factors to pay attention to:
Here are the top Canada-based international moving companies to Sweden:
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You’ve decided to take the leap, but what are the Sweden visa requirements for Canadian citizens?
The good news is that no visa is needed when visiting Sweden for less than 90 days within a 180-day period. You can book a flight with a passport that’s valid for at least three months after your departure date and sufficient funds to support yourself (and your family) during your stay.
If you’re a Canadian moving to Sweden, you’ll need a visa after the three visa-free months. Sweden requires a residence permit from the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) before arrival if you plan to work and live in Sweden.
Here are the main ways to immigrate to Sweden from Canada:
If you’re immigrating to Sweden from Canada as a family member or job seeker, the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen) or job boards are where to find a job.
The Korta Vägen program from the Folkuniversitetet helps skilled immigrants integrate into the Swedish job market. The program supports Canadians moving to Sweden with language classes, career coaching, courses, internships, and work placements.
Coming from Canada, the cost to live in Sweden will on average be 2.1% higher excluding rent. However, since rent prices are more affordable in Sweden (especially outside the city center), it’s 7.7% less expensive when including rent. The average salaries are higher in Sweden.
Be prepared to look for sublets or short-term rentals (through Blocket or Bostad Direkt) when first moving to cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Malmö, as there’s limited availability.
Let’s look at the average cost of living in Sweden vs Canada for different items. As you can see, while the salaries in both Toronto and Malmö are similar, rent in Malmö is nearly half the price.
| Item | Toronto, Canada | Stockholm, Sweden | Malmö, Sweden |
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $28.00 | $21.33 | $18.49 |
| Pint of Beer | $8.00 | $11.38 | $10.67 |
| Regular Cappuccino | $5.45 | $6.88 | $6.52 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $4.94 | $6.25 | $5.88 |
| Single Transport Ticket | $3.35 | $6.12 | $4.55 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Center) | $2,521.76 | $2,332.45 | $1,287.65 |
| Monthly Rent (1-bed, Outside Center) | $2,096.70 | $1,492.60 | $1,110.56 |
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $4,364.25 | $4,947.18 | $4,394.27 |
Known for its excellent healthcare and public services, natural landscapes, and a work-life balance that doesn’t leave you exhausted, Sweden is a popular destination for Canadian expats. If you’re considering living in Sweden as a Canadian, you want to know the good and the bad. Here are the most common moving to Sweden pros and cons.
With an 8-hour flight and a 5-hour time difference, moving to Sweden from Canada is not a project to take lightly. From applying for a residence permit to settling into your new home, this moving to Sweden checklist makes your move overseas as stress-free as possible.
The 15 things to know before moving to Sweden:
