Relocating to Sweden: The 2025 International Shipping Guide

The boxes are piling up, the scent of packing tape is in the air, and your mind is already wandering to crisp Swedish air, cozy fika breaks, and the promise of a new life. Relocating to Sweden is an exhilarating prospect, but between the dreams of northern lights and cinnamon buns lies a mountain of logistics. And the biggest peak on that mountain? Figuring out how to get all your treasured belongings across the world.

As an expat who has navigated this process, I know the feeling. It can be overwhelming. But don't worry. This guide is your map and compass, designed to walk you through every step of international shipping to Sweden in 2025. We'll break down the options, decode the customs rules, and give you the practical, on-the-ground advice you need to make your move as smooth as a calm Swedish lake.

Your Shipping Options: Sea, Air, or Full-Service?

First things first, you need to decide how your life’s possessions will make the journey. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer; the right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and the volume of goods you're shipping.

1. Sea Freight: The Cost-Effective Marathon

This is the most common and budget-friendly option for a full household move. It’s slower, but the cost savings are significant. You'll typically encounter two choices:

• Full Container Load (FCL): You rent an entire 20-foot or 40-foot container. This is ideal if you're moving a 3+ bedroom house with furniture. It's more secure as your container is sealed at your home and only opened after clearing customs in Sweden. It's also slightly faster than LCL because you aren't waiting for other shipments.
• Less than Container Load (LCL): Your belongings are consolidated into a shared container with goods from other people. This is perfect for smaller moves, like a one-bedroom apartment or just a few key pieces of furniture. You only pay for the space you use, but it can take longer as the container needs to be filled and then de-consolidated at the destination port (usually Gothenburg).

2. Air Freight: The Speedy Sprint

If you need items to arrive quickly, air freight is your best bet. It’s significantly faster than sea freight (think 1-2 weeks vs. 6-10 weeks) but comes at a much higher price. Most expats use air freight for a small, essential shipment—items you'll need immediately upon arrival while you wait for your main sea shipment. This "first-night" box might include essential documents, some kitchenware, bedding, and a few favorite comforts.

3. Professional International Movers: The All-Inclusive Package

For a truly stress-free experience, a full-service international moving company is the way to go. They offer door-to-door service, which means they handle everything:

• Professional packing and inventory creation
• Transport to the port/airport
• All shipping and freight charges
• Crucially, managing the complex customs clearance process in Sweden
• Delivery to your new Swedish home and unpacking

While this is the most expensive option, the peace of mind it provides is often worth the investment, especially for first-time international movers.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Decoding Swedish Customs (Tullverket): Your Key to a Tax-Free Move

This is the most critical part of the process. Get this right, and you'll save yourself a lot of money and headaches. Sweden, as part of the EU, has a system called "Transfer of Residence Relief" (flyttsakstullfrihet) that allows you to import your personal household goods free of customs duty and VAT.

To qualify for this relief in 2025, you must meet these conditions, as outlined by the Swedish Customs Agency (Tullverket):

• You must be moving your primary residence to Sweden.
• You must have lived outside the EU for a continuous period of at least 12 months prior to your move.
• The personal property you are importing must have been owned and used by you for at least 6 months before you moved.
• The goods are for your personal use and not for commercial sale.
• You must import the goods within 12 months of establishing your residence in Sweden.

The All-Important Paperwork

Your moving company will guide you, but it’s essential to have your documents in order. The key document is the Swedish Customs Form TV 740.45, "Application for relief from customs duty and tax for personal property."

Alongside this form, you will need to provide:

• A detailed inventory list (packing list) of everything you are shipping, with estimated values. Be specific! "Box of kitchen items" is not enough. Write "12 plates, 8 glasses, 1 coffee maker," etc.
• A copy of your passport.
• Proof of your residency outside the EU for the last 12 months (e.g., utility bills, rental agreements, employment contract).
• Proof of your new residence in Sweden (e.g., a Swedish rental contract, property deed, or an employment contract).
• Your Swedish Personal Identity Number (Personnummer), if you already have one. This number is the key to life in Sweden, and having it can significantly speed up the customs process.

What's Restricted or Prohibited?

Be very careful about what you pack. Some items are strictly controlled or forbidden.

• Alcohol and Tobacco: You can bring in limited quantities as part of your move, but anything exceeding the personal allowance is subject to high taxes. It's often cheaper and easier to just buy new stock in Sweden.
• Firearms and Ammunition: Require special permits from the Swedish Police Authority (Polismyndigheten). The process is complex and should be started months in advance.
• Plants and Food Products: Many plants, seeds, and fresh food products are restricted to prevent the spread of diseases. Check with the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) for current rules.
• Pets: Moving with pets involves a separate, detailed process including microchips, rabies vaccinations, and EU health certificates.

The Nitty-Gritty: Costs & Timelines

So, how much will this actually cost, and how long will it take?

Estimated Shipping Costs in 2025

Costs vary wildly based on volume, distance, and service level. The table below provides a rough estimate for a door-to-door sea freight shipment to Gothenburg. Always get at least three binding quotes from reputable movers.

Disclaimer: These are 2025 estimates for illustrative purposes only. Actual costs will vary.

Your Planning Timeline

A successful international move is all about planning.

• 3-4 Months Before Move:
  • Research and get quotes from at least three FIDI or IAM-accredited international movers.
  • Begin decluttering. Be ruthless! Shipping costs are based on volume, so don't pay to ship things you don't truly need.
• 2 Months Before Move:
  • Book your chosen moving company.
  • Start gathering your required documents for customs.
  • If moving with pets, start the veterinary process.
• 1 Month Before Move:
  • Finalize your detailed inventory list as you pack (or as the movers pack).
  • Arrange for a small air shipment of essentials if needed.
  • Confirm packing dates, shipping dates, and insurance coverage with your mover.
• Packing Week:
  • Set aside important documents, valuables, and items for your "first-night" box to carry with you.
  • Supervise the packers and make sure everything is labeled correctly.
  • Sign the bill of lading (the contract for your shipment).

Choosing the Right Moving Company

Your mover is your most important partner in this journey. Look for companies with certifications like FIDI (Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux) or IAM (International Association of Movers). These organizations hold their members to high standards.

When you get a quote, ask these crucial questions:

• Is this a binding quote or just an estimate?
• What services are included (packing, materials, customs clearance, unpacking)?
• What is your insurance coverage, and what are the options to increase it?
• Do you have a partner agent in Sweden who will handle the delivery? Who are they?
• Can you provide references from other clients who have moved to Sweden?

Arriving in Sweden: The Final Steps

Once you land in Sweden, your first priority should be to register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to get your Personnummer. This number is essential for almost everything, from opening a bank account to getting a library card, and your customs agent will likely need it to clear your shipment.

Your moving company's local agent in Sweden will contact you once your shipment arrives at the port. They will handle the final customs clearance using the documents you provided. Once cleared, they will schedule a delivery date for your new home. When your belongings arrive, inspect all boxes and furniture for any damage before signing the delivery receipt.

A Final Thought

Moving to Sweden is a huge undertaking, and the shipping process can feel like a complex puzzle. But by planning ahead, understanding the customs requirements, and choosing a trustworthy partner, you can turn a stressful process into a manageable one.

The logistics are temporary. Soon enough, the boxes will be unpacked, your home will feel like your own, and you'll be out exploring your new city, coffee and kanelbulle in hand. The adventure is just beginning.

Välkommen till Sverige! (Welcome to Sweden!)