Moving to Spain from Sweden: Complete 2026 Guide

Spain is the top destination for Swedish emigrants, attracting approximately 4,000 Swedes annually. As an EU citizen, you enjoy full freedom of movement. No visa required, just register and escape the Nordic darkness.

Key Facts for Swedish Citizens

Visa: Not required (EU citizen)
Registration: NIE certificate required after 90 days
Citizenship: 10 years residency required
Dual Nationality: Sweden allows dual citizenship (since 2001), but Spain requires renunciation

EU Free Movement Rights

As a Swedish citizen, you have the fundamental right to live, work, study, and retire in Spain without any visa or work permit. This freedom of movement is one of the core benefits of EU membership. You can enter Spain with your Swedish passport or national ID card and stay indefinitely.

While no permission is needed to relocate, registration with Spanish authorities is mandatory if your stay exceeds 90 days. This straightforward process grants you official resident status and access to Spanish public services.

Swedish Emigration to Spain

Spain has long been the favorite destination for Swedes leaving their home country:

Leading Destination: Approximately 18-19% of Swedish emigrants to OECD countries choose Spain. More than any other country
Annual Migration: Around 4,000 Swedes move to Spain each year
Net Emigration: In 2024, Sweden recorded net emigration for the first time in over 50 years, with many choosing Spain
Established Communities: Large Swedish populations on the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and in the Canary Islands
Mix of Ages: From retirees seeking sun to young professionals and remote workers

Why Swedes Choose Spain

Climate: Escape Swedens long, dark winters for Spains 300+ days of sunshine
Cost of Living: Significantly lower than Sweden, especially housing, dining, and services
Quality of Life: Mediterranean lifestyle, outdoor culture, and relaxed pace of life
Healthcare: Excellent public healthcare system accessible to EU residents
Proximity: Just 3-4 hour flights from Stockholm to major Spanish cities
Swedish Communities: Established networks, Swedish shops, and social groups in popular areas
Remote Work: Growing number of Swedish digital nomads and remote workers
Tax Advantages: Lower tax rates compared to Swedens high-tax environment

Registration Process

EU citizens must complete several administrative steps when establishing residence in Spain:

Empadronamiento. Register at your local town hall (Ayuntamiento) to establish official residence. This is your first step and required for most other procedures.

NIE Certificate (Green Card). Apply at the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or police station. This foreigner identification number is essential for working, buying property, or opening a bank account.

Social Security Number. Required if you plan to work in Spain. Apply at the Social Security office (Tesoreria General de la Seguridad Social).

Tax Registration (NIF). Necessary if you become a Spanish tax resident or conduct economic activities in Spain.

To register as an EU citizen, youll need to demonstrate sufficient resources to support yourself and have health insurance coverage. This can be through employment, self-employment, Swedish pension, or savings.

Path to Spanish Citizenship

Swedish citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain. This is the standard requirement for most EU nationalities.

Important dual citizenship consideration: Sweden has allowed dual and multiple citizenship without restrictions since July 1, 2001. If you acquire citizenship in another country, you will be allowed to keep your Swedish citizenship. However, Spain does not have a dual citizenship agreement with Sweden.

This means that while Sweden fully permits dual citizenship, Spain will require renunciation of Swedish citizenship when naturalizing. Since Sweden does not revoke citizenship for acquiring another nationality, the practical enforcement becomes a matter of Spanish law. Many Swedish residents in Spain choose to maintain their Swedish citizenship and EU residence rights rather than pursue Spanish citizenship.

Requirements for Spanish citizenship include:

10 years of legal, continuous residence
Clean criminal record in Spain and Sweden
Passing the DELE A2 Spanish language exam
Passing the CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain) exam
Proof of integration into Spanish society

Spanish Consulates in Sweden

Spain maintains diplomatic representations across Sweden:

Embassy of Spain in Stockholm. Djurgårdsvägen 21, Stockholm. Tel: +46 8 522 808 00. Email: [email protected]. Consular section: +46 8 662 67 45. Open Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00, consular hours Mon-Thu 10:00-13:00.

Honorary Consulate in Gothenburg. Swedens second city, serving western Sweden.

Honorary Consulate in Helsingborg. Serves southern Sweden/Skåne region.

Honorary Consulate in Malmö. Serves the Öresund region.

The embassy is accessible by Bus or Tram to Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund (150m walk) or Metro to Karlaplan (1.4km walk).

Tax Considerations

Sweden-Spain Tax Framework

Both Sweden and Spain are EU member states with a Double Taxation Agreement in place. Tax planning is particularly important for Swedes given Swedens high tax rates.

183-Day Rule: If you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, you become a Spanish tax resident and must pay taxes on your worldwide income to Spain.

Key Points:

Swedish Pensions: Treatment depends on pension type. Coordination between Pensionsmyndigheten and Spanish authorities required
Employment Income: Taxed in the country where the work is performed
Tax Rate Comparison: Spains top rate (~47%) is lower than Swedens (~57%). Significant savings possible.
Beckham Law: Special tax regime for new residents may offer flat 24% tax rate for 6 years on Spanish-source income
Wealth Tax: Both countries have wealth taxes, but Sweden abolished its wealth tax in 2007
Social Security: EU coordination rules apply. You generally pay into one system only

Frequently Asked Questions

Is English widely spoken in Spain?

English is common in tourist areas and major cities, making initial settling easier for Swedes. However, learning Spanish will significantly improve your quality of life and integration. Most Swedes with strong English skills find Spanish relatively accessible.

Can I keep my Swedish citizenship if I become Spanish?

Sweden allows dual citizenship unconditionally since 2001. However, Spain requires renunciation of Swedish citizenship when naturalizing. Most Swedes in Spain choose to maintain their Swedish citizenship and EU residence rights.

Where do most Swedes live in Spain?

The largest Swedish communities are on the Costa del Sol (especially around Marbella and Fuengirola), Costa Blanca (Alicante area), and the Canary Islands. Barcelona and Madrid also have significant Swedish populations, particularly younger professionals.

What about Försäkringskassan benefits?

Swedish social insurance benefits can be complex when relocating. Some benefits can be maintained, others transferred, and some may cease. Coordination with Försäkringskassan is essential before moving. EU coordination rules apply, but individual circumstances vary.

We Handle Everything

Relocating to Spain involves numerous administrative procedures that can be complex and time-consuming. Our team specializes in helping Swedish citizens navigate Spanish bureaucracy efficiently.

We assist with:

NIE registration and EU residence documentation
Tax residency planning and optimization (important given Swedish tax rates)
Social security coordination between Sweden and Spain
Property purchase procedures
Business establishment in Spain
Citizenship applications (with full dual nationality implications advice)

Schedule a Consultation

This guide provides general information about moving to Spain from Sweden as of 2026. Immigration and tax laws can change. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with our legal team or book a consultation.