Finding Work in Stockholm as an Expat: What You Need to Know
Moving to Stockholm and looking for a job as an expat can feel like a big leap, but it’s definitely possible—and even exciting—once you know how things work here. Stockholm has a vibrant economy, particularly in tech, finance, and green innovation, and it’s one of the most English-friendly cities in Europe. That said, knowing where to look, how to present yourself, and who can help makes all the difference.
Let’s start with your CV. Swedish employers prefer a very clean, straightforward format. Keep it short—ideally just one or two pages—and stick to the facts. They appreciate clarity and don’t go for overly flashy or exaggerated descriptions. Include your contact info at the top, maybe a short summary about who you are and what you do, then list your work experience and education in reverse order. It’s totally normal to include a photo on your CV in Sweden, though not mandatory. Also, unless they specifically ask for them, just write “references available on request” at the end.
Once your CV’s in good shape, it’s time to dive into the job hunt. While you can find roles through platforms like LinkedIn or local job boards, recruitment agencies can really help, especially if you’re new to the country. Some agencies that work well with international applicants include Academic Work, Ants Tech Recruiters, Michael Page, and MultiMind. These companies often have listings in English and are used to helping expats find roles in both large companies and smaller startups.
Now, when it comes to actual companies hiring internationals, Stockholm has quite a few that are open to—and in many cases, actively looking for—non-Swedish-speaking talent. Spotify is one of the biggest names here, and they’ve built a very international team. Klarna, the fintech unicorn, is another huge employer of expats, especially in tech and business operations. Gaming company King, the makers of Candy Crush, has its offices in central Stockholm and regularly posts job openings for people from all over the world. Ericsson is another major player—especially if you’re in engineering or telecom—while companies like Northvolt and H&M offer international opportunities in everything from sustainability to fashion logistics.
You’ll find that tech roles, in particular, are much more open to English-speaking candidates. Developers, designers, product managers, and data analysts are in high demand. But even if you’re not in tech, don’t worry—there are also roles in marketing, HR, customer experience, and finance that don’t always require fluent Swedish, especially at larger, global companies.
It’s worth mentioning that while English is widely spoken in the workplace, learning Swedish—even a little—goes a long way. It shows employers that you’re committed to staying and integrating, and it can also make your social life a lot richer. There are plenty of free or low-cost Swedish classes available through programs like SFI (Swedish for Immigrants).
One more tip: networking is big in Sweden, even if it’s done a bit more quietly than in some countries. Join local meetups, professional groups, or just reach out on LinkedIn to people working in the kinds of roles you’re looking for. Stockholm has a welcoming professional community, and people are often happy to meet for a coffee and share advice.
In short, if you’re organized, patient, and willing to adapt a little to local customs, you’ll find that landing a job in Stockholm as an expat is entirely doable. And once you get your foot in the door, you’ll see why so many people love living and working here.