Finding somewhere to live
Local housing queues + BoverketRenting in Sweden is competitive, especially in big cities. Most first-hand contracts (förstahandskontrakt) come through a queue system (bostadskö). Until you reach the top of a queue, most people rent second-hand (andrahand).
Steps
- 1
Sign up for the bostadskö in every city you'd consider living in — most are free or cost a few hundred kronor per year. Your queue time starts the day you sign up.
- 2
Search for second-hand contracts on Blocket Bostad, Qasa, Bostad Direkt and Facebook groups for your area.
- 3
Always sign a written contract. Read it carefully — get it translated in Klara if it's in Swedish.
- 4
Check that the landlord has permission to sublet (andrahandstillstånd) from the owner or the housing company — ask to see it.
- 5
Never pay cash, and never pay a deposit before you've seen the flat and signed the contract.
- 6
Once you have a contract, register your new address with Skatteverket so post and authorities reach you.
Good to know
- Watch out for scams: anyone asking for a deposit by Swish before viewing is almost always a scammer.
- A first-hand contract is the most secure. Even after you find one, stay in your bostadsköer for the future.
- If you're new in Sweden, ask your kommun, employer or university if they have short-term housing for newcomers.