If you’re looking for work in Sweden but want to live outside Stockholm, you’re in luck—cities like Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala, and Lund offer fantastic opportunities for expats. Each has its own vibe and industry strengths, but what they all share is a growing need for international talent, especially in tech, engineering, healthcare, and research.
Let’s talk about what the job search actually looks like. First, your CV should still follow Swedish standards. That means keep it clean, concise, and to the point. One or two pages max, include your contact details, relevant work experience (starting with the most recent), education, languages, and maybe a short profile summary. A photo is optional, and references don’t need to be listed—just say they’re available upon request.
Now, where should you be looking? Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, is a hub for automotive and engineering. Companies like Volvo Group and Polestar have massive operations there, and they’re often looking for engineers, designers, and software developers. The port also supports a big logistics industry, and there’s growing demand in areas like clean tech and maritime innovation.
Malmö, on the other hand, has become a magnet for startups and creative industries. It’s just across the bridge from Copenhagen, so the entire Öresund region acts like one extended job market. You’ll find opportunities in gaming, design, marketing, and IT, especially with companies like Massive Entertainment (owned by Ubisoft) and IKEA’s global digital teams nearby in Älmhult. Malmö is also very international, so English-speaking jobs are slightly more common than in smaller towns.
If you’re in academia, research, or healthcare, Uppsala and Lund are the big players. Uppsala is home to one of Sweden’s top universities and a fast-growing life sciences sector. Companies like Cytiva and Thermo Fisher have a strong presence there. Lund, meanwhile, has major research centers like MAX IV and ESS, as well as tech jobs connected to the university and companies like Axis Communications.
When it comes to job platforms and recruitment agencies, the same advice applies as it does in Stockholm. LinkedIn is key, and you’ll also want to check out Arbetsförmedlingen (even if it’s mostly in Swedish), as well as agency sites like Academic Work, TNG, and Poolia. Many of them operate nationwide and list jobs by region, so it’s easy to filter based on city.
Even in smaller cities, employers are increasingly open to hiring English-speaking professionals, especially in technical roles. That said, knowing some Swedish still goes a long way. Not only does it help you integrate, but it also opens doors to jobs in government, healthcare, education, and more people-facing roles.
A quick word on networking—it matters just as much outside Stockholm. Most cities have startup hubs, business incubators, or coworking spaces that host meetups and events. If you’re in Malmö, check out Minc. In Gothenburg, keep an eye on events at Lindholmen Science Park. And in Uppsala or Lund, the universities and science parks often run career fairs and talks open to the public.
Finding a job as an expat in smaller Swedish cities might feel more personal and community-driven than in Stockholm, but the opportunities are very real—and often come with a great quality of life. Smaller cities can offer a bit more balance: lower housing costs, less crowded public transport, and easier access to nature, all while staying well connected to the rest of Europe.
So whether you’re drawn to Gothenburg’s industrial energy, Malmö’s creative scene, or the academic vibe of Uppsala and Lund, you’ve got options. Just take your time, tailor your CV, start connecting with people, and keep an open mind. The right job might be closer than you think.