Average and minimum wages in Sweden

How Russians get to Sweden

What are the chances of emigrating from Russia?

The most unobvious way to obtain long-awaited citizenship is refugee status.
But not everyone can qualify for it. To prove the need for migration, it is necessary to demonstrate the existence of political persecution or military conditions in the home country. The second option is to study at a local university. Any student of a higher education institution has the right to a contract job. As soon as the state finds a place to place you, get a residence permit. If student age has already passed, try to find a position on your own or open your own business.

The third option is to marry a citizen of the country or reunite with the family.

Brief description of visa options for entering Sweden

In Sweden, all visas are divided into single and multiple entry. The first are intended for one trip, the second are valid for a specified period and allow you to live on the territory.

The following categories are distinguished:

• Short-term, C. Given for a period of up to 90 days. Needed to visit friends and family, start your own business, or participate in a conference.
• Transit, A and B. Issued only for travelers who need to pass through the country.
• National, D. Suitable if you need to stay with close relatives for a long time.
• Multiple for 5 years. For reunification with a spouse or parent, it is also issued for government members.
• Multiple for 1 year. To participate in various events by invitation, training, for journalists and professional drivers.

Is there a problem with illegal migration?

In 2015, a wave of illegal migration began in all countries of the European Union. The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has led to hundreds of citizens wanting to leave the conflict zone. Some countries immediately tightened their migration policies. But Sweden at first happily accepted refugees.

As a result, the number of migrants, including illegal ones, in some areas reached a staggering 80%. Only after a wave of protests rose did the local government decide to act. Already by 2021, several new laws have appeared. All illegal immigrants are immediately deported, and obtaining a visa has become not so easy.

Swedish language courses

The life of Russians in Sweden may not be successful if you do not know the local language. The government is well aware that language adaptation is a long and expensive thing. Therefore, they launched several free courses for legal migrants. To be able to attend classes, apply to your local government.

The following variations of activities are distinguished:

• SFI A and B courses. Suitable for children with only or no primary education. Aimed at people who cannot read, write, and are unfamiliar with the Latin alphabet.
• SFI B and C courses. For children aged 6 to 9 years who have completed primary school and have basic skills.
• SFI C and D courses. For adults and children aged 10 years and over with secondary school or higher education.

Availability of jobs for visitors

Who gets paid the most?

A fairly large disparity between salaries caused a stir around certain professions and led to a shortage of workers. Employees in the banking sector receive the most. If you have the appropriate education, get a job in a bank and work for 35 thousand euros per year.

Since local education is considered one of the most prestigious, teachers are required for higher education institutions. Specialists in economics, finance, and computer technology are highly paid. Among other things, academic consultants can expect a higher rate.

Programmers and engineers receive 35 thousand euros per year. To earn good money, get an education in the IT field.

In-demand professions for immigrants

In order not to be left without a job in an unfamiliar country, it is advisable to study the list of current specialties. The greatest chance of getting a contract is from data processors. In second place is the position of engineer. There are not enough people with a mathematical mind.

The third largest number of open positions is for nurses in the field of psychology. Local hospitals are constantly in need of doctors of various specializations, from general practitioners to dentists. Well-trained waiters with knowledge of languages ​​and qualified cooks are also required.

Among the list of positions in demand there are also preschool teachers in government institutions.

The state's attitude towards entrepreneurship

According to statistics, every tenth Swede who has reached adulthood has already opened his own business. More than 50% of the population wants to enter the sphere of private entrepreneurship in the future. Therefore, even a novice businessman will encounter support from his family and friends.

However, among the disadvantages of living in Sweden is the nature of local entrepreneurs. Here it is customary to resolve matters slowly and deliberately, without rush jobs or deadlines. Our Russian haste is not welcomed, so the locals rarely want to do business with us. About 5% of companies on the market operate on a franchise basis.

Important

You can choose any industry except mining. Local markets have long been occupied by gas and oil workers.

Salaries in Sweden

Minimum level

Most of the country's citizens working under contract earn approximately 11 euros per hour. The state does not regulate this issue as vigorously as in other European countries. Any enterprise can hire a cheap specialist. But working conditions must necessarily correspond to the wage received, otherwise the employee has the right to go to court.

The minimum rate is set individually by each region. But, if you summarize the statistics, you can understand: the poorest resident receives about 11 thousand euros per year. People without higher education usually apply for such a salary. They have not graduated from any university, they work at construction sites or at home.

Average salaries in Sweden

If you make a comparison with other European countries, you will find that Sweden has the highest average salary, even despite the rather high tax rate. Initially, an amount of 3,800 euros per month is transferred to the employee’s account.

The highest salaries are in the capital of the state - Stockholm. On average, a Swede earns about 4,400 euros per month. In other regions, the rate may differ by several hundred. The best offers are in the south and west of the country - regions close to the capital.

People pay the least in the north, despite the unpleasant climate and working conditions.

Net average income per capita after taxes

Among the advantages of living in Sweden are local salaries. The average member of a Swedish family, having paid absolutely all taxes, receives about 26 thousand euros. This figure is slightly higher than the global average.

There is a considerable gap between rich and poor. The former earn almost 4 times more than the latter. Among the working-age population over 15 years of age, almost 76% of all local residents are employed. The percentage of people working overtime is very low - only 2%. Most of the workers are men. Women prefer not to stay at the office late.

Average salary by specialty

The average salary in Sweden is very high compared to other European countries. This is one of the leading countries in terms of average income. According to official estimates for 2021, Swedes received an average monthly salary of 39,390 kroner (or 4,035 euros) before taxes. Net monthly income is approximately 2,900 euros.

The average payment per hour of work for Swedes is approximately 17 euros. Overtime hours are also allowed and are paid more. The average level may be higher or lower depending on the city. The largest salary in Stockholm.

Average monthly income of workers by profession:

• directors of companies – 7530 euros;
• doctors of higher qualifications – 6695 euros;
• lawyers – 5510 euros;
• programmers and accountants – 4630 euros;
• engineers – 4570 euros;
• dentists – 4425 euros;
• teachers of educational institutions - 4360 euros;
• agricultural specialists – 4165 euros;
• nurses – 3910 euros;
• journalists – 3795 euros;
• social workers – 3650 euros;
• photographers – 3400 euros;
• secretaries – 3075 euros;
• cooks – 2770 euros;
• sellers – 2460 euros.

Employment in agriculture is considered very successful in Sweden. The country's economy is largely built thanks to this direction. Therefore, qualified employees earn high salaries. There is also a demand for foreign specialists and trainees in this field.

Swedish education

Educational system of general, secondary and higher education

Any child who has reached the age of 1 year has the right to his place in a preschool educational institution. This stage is optional and therefore paid, but the prices are reasonable. A child visiting a kindergarten does not study, but has fun with his peers, goes on various excursions and entertainment events.

From the age of 7, a child must go to a free school. Primary education lasts from grades 1 to 3, intermediate education from grades 4-6, and senior education from grades 7-9. After this, the graduate can either go to work or enter a gymnasium. There, training lasts from 1 to 3 years, depending on the chosen direction.

Higher education is also free for Swedish citizens. If desired, the child can graduate from technical school using a shortened program. But to obtain a bachelor's degree, he must study for 5 years. The master's degree takes another 3 years. To obtain the highest degree - a doctorate - you need to study for 6 years.

What are the types of scholarships and grants?

Swedish Institute Study Scholarships is a local organization dedicated to supporting international students. With their help, any successful student receives a cash scholarship for the entire period of study. The costs are paid by the same government agency.

The International Federation of University Women provides research grants only to women. Their website indicates promising areas of scientific work. If your topic matches the stated one, submit an application to the organization and receive funding.

The Rotary Foundation Global Grants for Development helps people with post-graduate education. Funds the research and provides a predetermined amount.

Finance

Besides Stockholm, the largest cities in Sweden are Gothenburg and Malmö, where the main technology companies are located. Here, as expected, you can find a job with a relatively higher average salary compared to other regions. At the same time, the “southern” part of the country, where these three cities are located, generally noticeably exceeds the northern part in terms of average annual income, with the exception of a few communes, which account for the bulk of mining companies’ production.

The average annual after-tax income received by residents in different regions of the country varies from €21,000 to €60,000 (translated at the rate of €1 = 10.35 Swedish kronor). Despite these differences, the Swedish economy as a whole has a relatively low overall income gap (Gini coefficient of 0.27). However, in economically active regions of the south it may still be slightly higher than the national average.

However, a progressive personal income tax rate helps to equalize the difference in after-tax disposable income. In general, the high quality of life in Sweden is inseparable from the existing very high tax burden on personal income - according to this indicator, Sweden is among the top 5 countries in the world. It consists of two main types of taxes: regional tax , which is determined by one of Sweden's 21 counties (regions), and municipal tax , which is determined by each of the 290 communes. And depending on where you live, the aggregate level of personal income tax paid ranged from 29.18% to 35.15% in 2021.

However, this level of taxes is not an average, since the final calculation very much depends on the total annual income due to the progressive scale. If we talk about the general principle, then it affects the result as follows (data for 2021):

• If your total income for the year is less than SEK 18,800, then you do not have to pay income tax at all.
• If the total income is between SEK 18,800 and SEK 443,200, then the standard income tax is paid according to the place of residence.
• If the total income is greater than the previous level and less than SEK 625,000, then 20% is added to the standard rate.
• In other cases, 25% is added to the standard rate.

Thus, if a person earns more than 625,000 SEK (about €60,600) per year, then the tax level already exceeds half of the total income for the year. However, according to official statistics for 2021, the number of those whose personal income exceeded SEK 1,000,000 was slightly more than 100 thousand people.

Against this background, in general, the country has a fairly neutral attitude towards the Swedish Tax Agency - largely due to the fact that the taxes collected are ultimately used efficiently and transparently. At the same time, the tax service has quite broad functions and is not limited only to tax collection: for example, it will have to be contacted at the birth of a child (to register the name and date of birth) or before registering a marriage.

Spending on groceries in Sweden

Food prices

Various reviews about life in Sweden through the eyes of Russians mention food prices. They live well here even on the minimum wage, sometimes allowing themselves to buy rare delicacies.

The following prices are typical (in crowns, kilograms, unless otherwise indicated):

• A liter of milk – 10.70.
• 500 grams of white bread – 21.08.
• Rice – 23.92.
• 12 pieces of chicken eggs - 26.87.
• Local cheese – 83.86.
• Chicken meat – 90.56.
• Beef - 138.81.
• Apples - 23.67.
• Bananas – 20.91.
• Oranges – 22.52.
• Tomatoes - 26.85.
• Potatoes – 9.53.
• Onion - 10.37.
• 1 head of lettuce – 17.45.
• 1.5 liters of clean drinking water – 13.31.
• Bottle of wine – 80.00.
• 0.5 liters of local beer – 16.23.
• 0.33 liters of imported beer – 16.66.
• 20 cigarettes – 60.00.

The basic diet of the average Swedish resident

An average worker spends about 3 thousand crowns a month on food purchases. You can buy goods both in specialized stores and in supermarkets. The second option is much cheaper, so locals often go to chain groceries.

For entertainment, Swedes simply spend time with their friends. Parents often go to free museums with their children. The educational program in them is as varied and interesting as in paid ones. Therefore, up to 300 crowns are spent on leisure in one day, depending on the extravagance. This amount is used to go to restaurants or cinemas.

Standard of living in Sweden, taxes, income, unemployment

Scandinavian countries are considered expensive to live in. Compared to Moscow, prices are higher, but salaries are completely different.

Östermalm market in Stockholm: food prices will seem excessively high to Russian residents

Natalya Stolyarova, who moved to the capital of Sweden three years ago, told T-Z that the average cost of renting a studio apartment in Stockholm is 7,700 Swedish kronor (50,910 rubles) per month. It is imperative to have documents confirming solvency, for example, a contract with an employer.

The average cost of 1 m2 in the center of Stockholm is 57,800 kroons (382,136 rubles). Apartment owners who have not lived in it for more than a year are required to sell their living space.

The tax rate depends on the amount of annual income:

• up to 19 thousand Swedish kronor (125,727 rubles) - 0%;
• 19–443.8 thousand crowns (125,727–2,936,491 rubles) - 31%;
• 443.8–645.7 thousand crowns (2.9–4.2 million rubles) - 31% of the amount up to 443.8 thousand crowns, from the remaining amount - 20%;
• from 645.7 kroons (4.2 million rubles) - 31% of the amount up to 443.8 thousand kroons, from the remaining amount - 25%.

31% of the tax is automatically withheld from the salary, but if at the end of the year it turns out that the income for the entire period was less than 19 thousand crowns, then the tax will be returned. Refunds take place before Easter.

Unemployment in Sweden does not exceed 5-6%.

Real estate situation

Who can buy real estate

Anyone who is in the country legally can purchase their own corner. To improve your standard of living as an expat in Sweden, you can invest in real estate. But such a large purchase does not give an endless right to stay on the territory. You can still be deported at any time.

The price of an apartment directly depends on the area. The average price tag on the local market is about 200-300 thousand euros. The cheapest places are in disadvantaged areas where Middle Eastern migrants live en masse. But it's not safe to live there.

Rent expenses

Important

In this country there are practically no apartments provided by individuals. Companies, both public and private, are engaged in renting out housing here. However, finding your corner is not so easy. Property owners in large cities choose between tenants, since competition is very high.

The cost of an apartment depends on where exactly the housing is located. If we are talking about large cities like Stockholm, the price reaches 15 thousand crowns per month. In small towns the minimum cost is 3 thousand.

Public utilities

To ensure that citizens do not have any complaints about communal services, the state has introduced a fair payment system. Each person must pay not just for his existence, but for the area of ​​the apartment he occupies. Moreover, taxes are almost 10% higher than in neighboring countries.

But despite this, local residents continue to save money with the help of modern technologies. Advances in science make it possible to use biofuel boilers, reducing energy costs.

The following prices are typical (euro per month):

• One-room apartment or studio - 50.
• Two-room apartments - 68.
• Three-room apartment - 85.

A little about healthcare:

• With significant social security contributions totaling around 30%, this remains a weak point in the kingdom's system.
• Although health care is free, drug prices are high and good quality drugs are unaffordable for many Swedes.
• Having made an appointment with a specialist, you have to wait up to seven days for your turn.
• An ambulance responds to calls only in emergency cases, and if, upon arriving to the patient, the doctor considers that the condition is not acute enough, then you will have to pay a fine.

Business in Sweden – preferences for full-time students?

Getting around Sweden

Need for a car

According to the latest statistics for 2021, Sweden ranks first in the ranking of countries with the number of cars per person. Therefore, it is not necessary to buy a car - there is a developed public transport network and constant traffic jams. But if you have already decided to take this step, be prepared to pay.

Buy a C-class car - 19 thousand euros. Rent - from 30 to 50 euros per day. A liter of gasoline costs 1.46 euros, and the same amount of diesel costs 1.42. Parking here is mostly paid. For one place you will have to pay from 3 to 8 euros.

Development of public transport

Any resident of the country or tourist can purchase a so-called zone card for a cost of 1.5 euros. During the specified time, you can travel along it by any public transport in the region. City dwellers most often travel by metro - the network covers all major settlements, including Stockholm.

Travel between cities or to other European countries by high-speed trains. The regions are connected by comfortable buses that travel on schedule.

General condition of roads and sidewalks

Like any country, Sweden is divided into south and north. There are many cities in the southern part of the state. The main industrial part of the country is located here. The population density is quite high, all the plains and hills are built up with high-quality roads. But in the north there are fewer routes, since not so many people live beyond the Arctic Circle.

But regardless of territorial affiliation, all roads are in perfect condition. Every year the government approves a schedule for changing road surfaces and removing snow.

Transport costs in Stockholm

Public transport in Stockholm has a high level of comfort. It is represented by buses, metro and trams. In Sweden, special attention is paid to the environment, so many people prefer to travel by bicycle. This is especially true for those who work close to home. In addition, this is a good saving for the family budget. A bicycle costs 3 months of public transport fare. This is a great opportunity for those who rarely travel. Bicycle rental without a deposit or link to a credit card is widely developed in the city.

Steamships and commuter trains are popular. Buses here run on biofuel. This is also an advantage for cyclists, as exhaust fumes are minimized on the road. Transport here works stably, but only under favorable weather conditions. At the first snowfall, the metro begins to operate with delays, since many metro stations are above-ground.

Interesting fact: if public transport is delayed for more than 20 minutes, taxi costs are compensated. But you must present the purchased ticket.

Few people here can afford their own car.

It is practically not bought by those who do not have children and their own home. Parking lots throughout the city are constantly decreasing, and their prices are high. Depending on the location, the cost of an hour of parking is 5-50 CZK. This policy is targeted because with a large number of vehicles, narrow streets cannot cope with traffic.

A 3 km taxi ride within the city will cost 11 euros. Public transport fares average 3.94 euros. Gasoline for road transport in Stockholm costs 1.43 euros per 1 liter.

Socialism in practice

Features of health insurance

Each resident of the state, employed officially and under a contract, monthly transfers a single tax to the benefit of the country. Part of this money goes to health insurance - it is mandatory. At the same time, the local healthcare system is structured in an unusual way.

The hospital has the right to charge no more than 15-30 euros for a doctor’s appointment. The annual cost per patient should not exceed 100 euros. Moreover, the quota remains for absolutely all doctors. The most expensive thing is to treat teeth. You will have to pay about 60% of all expenses from your own pocket.

Social guarantees of the state in matters of insurance

Every person staying in the country legally has the right to education and treatment, receiving benefits and accruing pensions for official work. A system for protecting working citizens has been adopted here. If a person is forced to go on sick leave because of himself or a child, he receives about 70% of his salary.

About 80% of all residents receive social benefits. Payments are due to all families with a child under 16 years of age in their care. Almost all students have scholarships and grants.

How do pensioners earn income?

Every year, every able-bodied citizen of the state receives a so-called orange envelope. It contains a small statement from the account, which indicates the size of the citizen’s future pension. On average, a resident of a large province receives about 2,000 euros per month. In the regions the amount is slightly lower.

This is interesting

Retired citizens can count on the delivery of free lunches. If they prove their inability to care for themselves, the state will allocate social services. workers and caregivers. Among other things, pensioners receive the right to travel in a discounted taxi.

Love for sports

Level of medicine in the country

The healthcare system here is focused primarily on people, and not on the convenience of doctors. There are no paper media here; all patient data is recorded in an electronic database. If you feel unwell, it is better to get to the hospital on your own. An ambulance is called only in severe cases.

If necessary, you can call the consultation, describe the symptoms of your illness and get advice. The doctors here are highly qualified, the mortality rate is very low.

Attitude to sports

Healthy and happy Swedes do not like to sit at home on the couch on weekends, lazily watching TV. They prefer to enjoy the beauty of their own nature, combining travel with a useful activity - sports. They regularly go hiking and skiing.

They spend their leisure time in nature. From time to time they kayak or ride on sailboats from mountain rivers. Volleyball and football are no less popular. In the north people often play hockey.

Sweden vs Russia

Products

3–4.5 thousand crowns (22–32 thousand rubles) for food for two people per month

I am satisfied with the quality of products in Sweden. Although the stories about tasteless cucumbers and tomatoes are partly true. Groceries can be bought in three types of places: in specialized stores such as bakeries and groceries, in markets and in supermarkets.

Products in specialty stores are very tasty, but usually very expensive. The markets are also tasty and expensive. The most accessible place to buy food is in supermarkets. The most common points are four networks: Hemköp, ICA, Coop and Lidl. The first three are similar in product range and more expensive, while Lidl resembles domestic discounters, where you can buy groceries, rubber slippers, and even sewing machines.

Near our house there are stores of almost all chains. When I have time and energy, I try to buy basic products at Lidl, and buy something specific in more expensive stores - it turns out much cheaper. Dairy products, meat and vegetables are the same almost everywhere, but prices can differ by one and a half to two times. A family of two people spends 3–4.5 thousand crowns (22–32 thousand rubles) per month.

A liter of milk costs 10-20 crowns (70-140 rubles), meat - 50-500 crowns (360-3.6 thousand rubles), fish - 120-500 crowns (900-3.6 thousand rubles) and more. The price of fruit depends on the season, but on average apples cost 20 crowns (140 rubles) per kilogram, grapes - about 40 crowns (290 rubles). Cucumbers - 25 crowns per kilogram (180 rubles), tomatoes - 30–80 crowns (220–580 rubles).

Alcohol stronger than 4.5 degrees can be purchased exclusively in the Systembolaget chain. It is very expensive (wine - from 60 crowns, or 430 rubles, and ad infinitum), and upon purchase, they will most likely require a document.

Russian diaspora in Sweden

Features of the Russian diaspora in Sweden

This country has a close connection with our state. Some Russian businessmen open their own businesses here. Ordinary residents are following the oligarchs' trail, increasingly choosing Sweden as a place to live.

That’s why there is a developed Russian diaspora here. Anyone who has moved can turn to their compatriots for help. Local residents even celebrate their holidays, such as Maslenitsa.

Where do Russian immigrants live?

Like most emigrants, our compatriots live mainly near Stockholm. There are fewer Russians in local regions, but they are also found. Some live in the north. Immigrants from Russia, accustomed to difficult conditions, are not afraid of the cold climate and poorly developed infrastructure.

Opinions of living Russians

Yuri:

“I chose Sweden as a place for my business - I tried to rise in Russia several times, but the corrupt officials crushed me. Yes, you have to pay huge taxes here. But in return you get confidence in the future and the conviction that tomorrow no one will knock on your door with a weapon.”

Gennady:

“I didn’t choose whether to live in Sweden - five years ago my parents made the choice for me. I studied at a local university and got a job in a bank. I work, I don’t complain about anything, in principle. But if I had to choose, I would probably go to Canada or the USA - there are fewer migrants there.”

Olga:

“I do not recommend any mother to transport her child here! Propaganda, migrants from the Middle East and juvenile justice are everywhere. The choice is yours, but I either leave or leave my husband.”

Pros and cons of living in Sweden

Pros and cons of moving to Sweden

First of all, Russians are forced to move to Sweden by the advantages of local life:

1. Good ecology. The state makes a lot of efforts to preserve and protect the environment and natural landscapes.
2. High quality of goods produced in the country.
3. Security of long-term investments.
4. Average European price level.
5. A developed social protection system, including free education and medical care, a high level of unemployment benefits and pensions.
6. No corruption. All government services are distinguished by efficient work and compliance with legislation.
7. Visa-free travel within the EU countries.
8. High incomes of the population.
9. Well-developed transport infrastructure.
10. Swedes' widespread fluency in English.
11. Measured, peaceful and calm way of life.

But we should not forget about the disadvantages inherent in life in Swedish society. Among them:

1. The need to learn Swedish.
2. High taxes, reaching 30% of income.
3. Imposition of additional excise taxes on luxury goods and alcohol.
4. Cold and wet climate.
5. High prices for real estate, transport, internet.
6. Lack of the usual opportunity for Russians to call an ambulance.
7. Calm and measured, bordering on slow, with a cold and reserved mentality of the locals.
8. The presence of a law requiring that sexual contact be agreed upon with a partner.
9. Government loyalty to migrants. The open door policy is exacerbating social problems as a result of the influx of refugees from Africa and the Middle East.
10. Exclusion from the period of legalization of time spent studying at the university, which significantly delays the moment of obtaining permanent residence.

There are also controversial issues that each individual person can classify as pros or cons depending on their own beliefs. This applies, for example, to the legalization of same-sex marriage or permission to euthanasia.