A guide to moving to Sweden

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Important information you need to know when moving to Sweden

Want to move to Stockholm? Considering moving to Malmo? Or thinking about an international removal to Gothenburg. Here’s the moving advice you’ll need for any international removal to Sweden

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Stockholm skyline with view of gamla stan in stockholm, sweden
Red tent in a snow covered field in Sweden with the Northern Lights bright overhead

Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To Sweden

Please note. That many of these things will not apply to you if you are moving from another EU (European Union) State and/or you are a citizen of the EU (European Union) due to the free movement of goods throughout the EU.

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to Sweden:

  • Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods)
  • Swedish Customs Form Foersaekran
  • Detailed moving inventory in English or Swedish – We will complete this if you want us to undertake a full packing service for your removal
  • Ocean Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to Sweden for you.
  • Letter of Employment / Lease Agreement, etc. showing employment or time abroad for at least 1 year (from origin country)
  • Residence Permit (foreigners)
  • Diplomatic Franchise (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
  • Letter of Employment / Lease Agreement, etc. showing employment and residence in Sweden for at least 1 year

We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to Sweden. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at Swedish Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.

Christmas fair in Stockholm, Sweden

Additional Removal Advice for Removals to Sweden

  • Household goods, including but not limited to, furniture and personal effects must be used for at least 6 months prior to import.
  • Shipments must arrive within 1 year after the owner’s arrival (foreigners).
  • For returning citizens, the consignment must arrive in connection with their own return (see Customs form to determine immigrant and returning person status).
  • The shipper must be in Sweden upon Customs clearance but is not required to be present during the clearance process.
  • Household goods and personal effects must not be brought into Sweden for commercial use or for the use of other persons.
  • The detailed moving inventory must be descriptive, stating contents of each item and carton and cannot include expressions such as “miscellaneous,” “garage items,” “PBO” (packed by owner),” etc.
  • A physical inspection of the shipment is generally not required for Customs clearance, but Customs may request that one be completed.
  • A Customs exemption is granted for goods other than alcohol for persons immigrating or returning to Sweden after more than 1 year outside the European Union (EU), and must have had a permanent residence in Sweden for at least 1 year.
  • All wooden material used for crates, liftvans, bulk heads, etc. to all EU countries must be made of treated wood per the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM15) and with certified stamp. This does not apply for manufactured furniture.

Popular Destinations in Sweden

Gerson Moving Services is vastly experienced in international removals to cities all over the globe. Their long history and detailed knowledge of different countries makes them the perfect choice for your move. Here are some of the most popular destinations we are asked to move people to in Sweden:

Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala, Västerås, Örebro, Linköping, Helsingborg, Jönköping, Norrköping, Lund, Umeå, Gävle, Solna, Växjö, Södertälje, Borås, Karlstad.

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Additional Services for your move to Sweden

Moving Your Money

If you’re moving to Sweden, it’s very likely you’ll need to exchange a significant amount of currency. Many people lose out by using their bank, assuming it’s the only option. However, there are specialist currency exchange providers that offer more competitive rates and can help you save thousands. To find out how to make your money go further during your move, speak to one of our move managers, click here, or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335.

Get Move Liability Cover for your international removal to Sweden

We always advise taking out move protection liability cover with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

Discover Our GMS Xtra Value Services

Gerson Moving Services goes beyond standard removals, offering a full range of relocation solutions to make your move seamless. Our value-added services include international currency transfer, home and school search, visa and immigration support, health insurance, container tracking, car purchase and leasing, and temporary accommodation. We also provide expert packing, secure storage, customs clearance, and pet relocation, ensuring a smooth transition whether you’re moving locally or internationally. With our end-to-end relocation management, you can trust Gerson for a stress-free, efficient move.

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Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning to move your vehicle to Sweden:

  • Original Sales Invoice (must include price, date, and place of purchase)
  • OBL
  • Title / Registration
motorbike-crating for shipment

Additional Import Advice

  • The shipper must be present for Customs clearance.
  • The vehicle must be used and owned by the shipper for at least 1 year prior to import.
  • Only one vehicle per person can be imported.
  • Vehicles not included as part of the household goods shipments are subject to Customs fees, duties and value added tax (VAT).
  • Customs clearance takes approximately 1-2 days.
  • Vehicles may not be sold within one year of import.

Relocating Your Pets to Sweden

These documents will be required when planning to relocate your pet to Sweden

  • Veterinary Health Certificate
  • Vaccination Record

Additional Import Advice

  • Permission from the Agriculture Department is required.
  • All animals are subject to quarantine regulations.
  • The quarantine period takes approximately 4 months.
  • The owner must be present for Customs clearance.
Dogs traveling by airplane. Boxes with live animals at the airport

Restricted & Dutiable / Taxable Items

Think very carefully before moving these items to Sweden. Items on this list will be taxed and/or require specific permission to import. In all cases they must be declared prior to you relocating to Sweden:

  • Medicines (a doctor’s prescription is required and must be for personal use only; only a 5-day supply is permitted)
  • New furniture (a sales invoice with prices, date and place of purchase as well as a removal packing list is required)
  • Plants, fruit and vegetables (a Plant Passport / Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the Plant Protection Service may be required; contact the destination agent for specific information)
  • Products and goods made from animals (special permission is required)
  • Alcohol and Tobacco
  • Must be declared and are subject to tax and duty
  • Subject to destruction at Customs discretion (charges will still apply)
  • Importation may be expensive
  • Customs clearance takes approximately 3 weeks
  • Contact the destination agent for details

Prohibited / Banned Items

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Do not move any of these items to Sweden:

  • Narcotics and illegal drugs

The following additional items are prohibited in GMS Baggage/Courier Consignments:

  • Aerosols (all kinds, Hairspray, Deodorant etc)
  • Aftershaves / Perfumes / Fragrances
  • Airbags
  • Alcoholic Drinks or Bottles
  • Ammunition of any kind
  • Animals of any kind (Dead or Alive)
  • Any items containing Petrol (Liquid, Gas or Fumes)
  • Biological Samples
  • Car Batteries
  • Cash & Cards (Credit / Debit)
  • Chainsaws
  • Cheques (Bank)
  • Christmas Crackers
  • Counterfeit Currency
  • Dangerous Goods
  • Driving Licence
  • Drugs (Including Prescription)
  • Engines
  • Excrement / Filth
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Fish (Dead or Live)
  • Foodstuffs (all kinds)
  • Hazardous Goods
  • Human Remains (including ashes)
  • Infectious Substances
  • Knives
  • Laptop Computers, Mobile/Smart Phones or Tablets
  • Lighters
  • Lottery Tickets
  • Nail Varnish / Nail Varnish Remover
  • Oils
  • Paints
  • Passports
  • Perishable Goods (All)
  • Plants / Seeds etc
  • Printer Toner
  • Seatbelt Tensioners and Steering Wheels
  • Stamps
  • Tobacco
  • Water
  • Weapons (all kinds, including replicas)
  • Windscreens

Disclaimer: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This information is provided as a guide only. While Gerson Moving Services has exercised reasonable care in publishing this information, Gerson Moving Services makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.

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