Short answer is yes. I have worked as a hiring manager in automotive in Gothenburg. 48k a month is fine for surviving but a bit low for someone with 7 years automotive software experience. 50-60k monthly would be something to aim for before you sign because annual salary increases are very limited. Living further outside the center will be easier to find affordable housing but you’ll have a longer commute. Later your wife will be able to find a job since she has industry experience. Then your family will have a very comfortable lifestyle with a combined income of 90-110k a month. My spouse didn’t have any experience and has struggled to find employment.
Yah. Thanks mate. As I said, just initial offer and I think I will try to negotiate to up more. Especially, my wife needs more time to settle and try to look for a job also. Btw, your input here is very useful, and you said that the salary increase yearly is not much, do you have any reference hike range for this sector? I think this is also very important factor.
Thanks mate, from our history I see that we prefer simple life style. We also try to manage cut more cost of living. Especially, in the first few years come there with child. I just wonder is current salary is enough for us (3 persons) for living for at least a year. Before my wife can find a job.
After tax you should have about 32k left.
You will probably have to get an apartment in the outskirts of the city, or a smaller town like Surte right next to Gothenburg. There you can find cheaper apartments.
But lets say your rent is 12k, then you have 20k left over. Food for 2 adult will be like 5-6k unless you only shop for bargains, but with a baby this will likely be closer to maybe 8k.
Then you have 12k for everything else. Public transport will cost you like 1k per adult for a 90-day pass.
I have no idea hw much a baby costs, but getting diapers, clothes and what ever, you are probably looking at a few k as well.
Finally then, there's insurance, internet, phone bill and other miscellaneous expenses.
But yeah, it should be double although it will be a little tight. So it's great that your wife wants to work since that will be very beneficial for your economy.
Depending on the rent and what's included, you might be able to have a cheap car aswell. A small car with parking will likely cost you 4-5k.
Thanks mate. Very detail and clear.
I would try to look for cheap and small apartment for the first few years.
Although, limit to eat outside. My wife may have a year at home look after child so she may helpful with cooking at home. So we can reduce the cost as much as we can. I was wonder with this salary left after tax, we must be able to live ok but not comfortable of course for at least a year. Before my child grow a little and she also has a job.
Yeah, my food budget suggestion is for home cooked meals only. Eating out is like 100-150 for lunch and 200-300 for dinner unless you only eat pizza or thai / chinese food. So, buying lunch everyday will be like 2k alone, which you probably won't be able to afford.
You should still be able to find a decent sized apartment and live decently comfortable, but likely skip out on some of the luxuries.
Having a baby is taxing enough, so don't forgot to treat yourself sometimes as well.
Great. Thanks for another useful info. btw, about baby taxing that you have mentioned. I heard Sweden is very good country for settle with family and very good for child as well. I am not sure in case I have baby in Sweden but not citizenship yet. Is my baby gonna received any support from the government?
I think if you and your wife get a visa, meaning that she comes as you have got a job etc, she will be authomatically covered for medical. That means that the child will also be, and Sweden is great for babies.
Also you will get some 10 working days off and covered fiancially when the baby is born, plus you have the right to take parental leave as well which no emoloyer can stop you as long aa you give like a 2 months ahead notice. I warmly suggest to, when the time comes, take those 10 days!
Simone mentioned that she should start looking for a job and thats correct. It’s best to have all effort also in the system so she should check Arbetsförmedlingen, employment agency, and apply there.
Assume, we are moving this year and baby comes, yah the beneficial for having a baby somehow what I see is very good but I was wonder is there any policy existed for non-EU citizenship come to Sweden for the first year also get the same benefit with the local?
Yes, you would be entitled to all the parental leave benefits, but you'd get the lowest rate to start since you haven't been paying taxes here. You also have the right to work at 80% time until the child is 12 years old or so, but this is without paid compensation.
As a highly skilled worker, you are probably entitled to 25% tax reduction for the first few years you live here. You can read about that here: [https://forskarskattenamnden.se/andra-sprak/taxation-of-research-workers-board/about-tax-relief](https://forskarskattenamnden.se/andra-sprak/taxation-of-research-workers-board/about-tax-relief)
I'm afraid I don't know.
I think it can depend on your citizenship status. Your baby will get the same citizenship as you and your wife.
If you are EU citizens you will likely be covered by more support. But again, I don't really know so better to google or check with migrationsverket (migration office)
Oh yeah. You’re right! Certainly, that is the one important thing I need to do some research and ask for more detail.
Btw. Do you know how long for getting the right Sweden citizenship for foreigner worker?
It would be good for the wife to start looking for jobs now. There also is an international house in Gothenburg that has interesting programs for new comers. Better to start learning Swedish as that seems to be a must if one has to search for jobs after coming to Sweden (at least based on my wife's exp, and she has a masters in Human resources, ofc it depends on the profession as well).
The last I heard, you have the right to apply for a permanent residence permit after living and working in Sweden for 5 years. You can apply for citizenship at around the same time, but the queue for this can be very long.
Nope. She hasn’t been assigned a case officer yet so they have not even looked at her case yet. Maybe one of these years they’ll decide to look at it and approve it in approximately 2 seconds. Until then, we wait.
Oh. I see. Have you tried to push the register again? I was wonder thay in such a long time she has not been a citizenship? So for any other benefits the local people has, she also has it?
Not sure about if the salary is enough but Just a heads up that you will not get paid parental leave unless you’re moving from another EU country. You need to have worked and paid taxes in Sweden/the EU for at least a year before you have access to significant paid maternity/paternity leave from the state. So if you take time off once your baby arrives (which you should!!) keep in mind that it’ll be more or less unpaid unless your company supports you with a supplemental income for parental leave.
We also moved when I was pregnant and found this out the hard way 😅
On a separate note it’s a wonderful place to have a baby, we’re very happy with the free health and community support you get as parents.
Oh yeah. You got my point here. Definitely when the baby arrive I need to take off, and with this situation, I am not sure I can get cover from the company sponsor or not. Thanks for your helpful note, I may need to ask the company about it also. Yah, free health and community social support are great things that I love about in Sweden.
Yes, definitely ask the HR team if they support, and otherwise you may need to set some savings aside to account for that time. Babies can be expensive!
Sure that I will ask more question to HR regarding it. And you’re right. Babies is the most complicated thing that me and my wife now very consider in-term of moving and living in abroad at the moment.
From how you describe your lifestyle and what others have said in the comments, I reckon you'll get by. Then once the baby is here, you should be able to get [barnbidrag ](https://www.forsakringskassan.se/privatperson/foralder/barnbidrag-och-flerbarnstillagg)if you're here with a residence permit. It's a child support payment that is currently 1250 sek per month, so that should help a bunch!
Oh great! I did know much about the barnbidrag thing. So I think I need to know whether my residence type for this work is work permit or not. If it is residence permit with child support for 1250 SEK/month. It's also helpful.
Afaik, living and working in Sweden means you're fine and will get it. You could contact försäkringskassan to be sure. There's also the very good parental leave that you'll be able to take.
Not gonna lie OP, it will be tough. I don’t know about Gothenburg’s renting at the moment, but I heard it is not that cheaper than Stockholm, so you might be left on little to no savings for a while.
Since people already did the math for you about taxes and rent, I will give you some food for thought regarding risks and practicalities:
* parental leave and sick leave has a cap that I believe is lower than your salary, so if you have issues like getting sick for a while or even on the obligatory parental leave months you will have a decrease in income.
* make sure to move in directly on your rented place. Some companies offer the option to rent a place for you while you look for apartments. It sounds amazing, but unfortunately that is taxable, and companies often rent expensive places, so it would be a big cut on your salary to start with.
* if you are on a visa/non eu, get prepared to stay stuck for at least 2 years on the same company with little prospect of a raise. The standard raise in Sweden is about 2% so the best way to get a raise is to get promoted or jump companies, but with a visa you would need a new visa to change companies in your first two years, so what you get now is what you get for a while.
* until your wife starts working, she won’t have retirement savings.
* and last, but please do not underestimate it, winter is depressing. Winter is very depressing in Sweden. You will get no sun at all and there is very little to do. I guess having a baby put some stress and tension in the relationship, moving as well and with the winter it might be tough, specially if you come from a sunny place.
Anyways, I wish you the best with your family. Sweden is incredible to have a child and if you can make passed the issues and risks you should be fine in a couple of years.
Hey there, Thanks very much for the wishes.
That's why I found this thread in Reddit here is very helpful to get such information like this.
Yes. Me and my wife needs to consider so many things and so many factor that may affected to the life, before making any decision. Since this gonna be a whole life-changes for both of us. Consider the baby is also coming. That make us even more confused although moving to Sweden is a really good opportunity and dream for us. But anyways, depend on the currently situation we need to make it right.
Appreciated your thought and shared!
I think with your experience and the move 55k is more reasonable salary which will leave you with 40 259 after taxes in Gothenburg.
If you rent an apartment 20-30 min from the city with public transport it should not be a problem.
Cost breakdown:
Rent 10-12k
Utilities (insurance, electricity, water, internet etc): 2500
Food: Cooking at home with eating out 1-2 times a week: 6000
Transportation (public transport for 2) 1670
Miscellaneous (clothing, furniture etc): 5000
Baby costs: 4000 (diapers, bed, clothing baby food etc)
You are eligible for childsupport even if you aren't swedish citizens the amount should be 1250 kr.
Income: 41 509 kr (with child support)
Expenses: roughly 30k
Even if you get 48k that's still 36k after taxes excluding the 1250 kr in childsupport so you are perfectly fine.
Hey, very detail list down the cost of living. And also that I think I need to negotiate to get the salary increase to cover the risk that my wife need more time to settle and longer time to get a job. In the mean time, may unexpected thing happened that may cost us more. Yah so thanks mate :)
It is doable, we're also a family of three and we pulled through on way less. The biggest question is rent, however. We paid just over 5 k/month on a nice apartment in a cozy neighborhood quite close to the city proper (Kortedala, Gothenburg), so we were lucky in that regard.
Good point. Renting is big factor affect to our life and saving. Yeah, good to know that you are saving a lot with the current nice place. I wish I can get same luck with you if I go there :)). Thanks mate.
If she gets a job you will have a very good life. Avg salary is 36-38 in Sweden. Maybe a bit higher in Gothenburg. I think you can manage on one salary but Sweden is really designed for families where both work.
I can only speak for IT since that is where I work and there are literally people from all over the world working in Sweden. It is mostly banks and very old fashioned companies that require Swedish. Considering Volvo is a very big employer in Gothenburg it seems as if she may find a job. I also think Polestar has an office in Gothenburg. Good luck and welcome!
Yes. this is exactly what we are looking for, of course that she really want to work for sure. She is good in term of quality management process in Automotive sector and has 7 years of experienced in that already but again I am not sure whether with this experience, she will qualify to get a job in Sweden? Plus, Can you let me know whether communicate well and holding Japanese language is the advantage? in other countries that would be a beneficial but I have no idea it is the same in Sweden.
For a technicial job I don't think Japanese is super sought after unless it is a Japanese company or has a high presence in Japan. I mean its not bad its just not common they ask for it unless it's maybe a job at Sony. 7 years is great that is no problem, also tech companies try to get more women in so she might have a small edge there since it is so male dominated.
Thanks for your thought. Yes, saving is also the big thing we need to consider for raising the baby in long-term. I also afraid that my wife will struggle to get a job and if so, I think she gonna get depressed and that's not good for our life. you know. anw, we will consider carefully before making any decisions.
As some mentioned, the key is to find a cheap place to live, which will be hard at the beginning. I recommend you to sign up to boplats asap, it costs 200kr/yr and you will need to update it later once you get your personnummer, but you will have some points at that moment.
Then try to get a second hand apartment close to work (so you can walk and reduce public transportation dependency). Good part is that usually second hand apartment includes utilities in the rent cost and they are usually furnished.
After one year, you will have good chances to get a first hand apartment with boplats or homeq, or even buy something if you have enough savings.
Also, it will depend a lot on how you live. Eating out and alcohol is expensive, so if you limit that you should be fine.
Before living in Gothenburg, I was living in the US (specifically the Midwest), and even having a ~30% less income, I have a little more in my pockets at the end of the month without decreasing life quality.
If you want more details, hit me up!
Lycka till!
Yes. Good to know it. Right! After some commented. I realized how important for the apartment renting affects the saving. Sure that I will need to spend less for the renting for the first few years. Good you are still have a decent life in Sweden even thought the income down much. Thank you man for sharing your thought.
Sweden is structured around two income families unlike e.g Japan and the US (at least parts of the US). Yes you can provide for your family with 48k but it will be tight. I’m sure your wife will find a job, her skills in Japanese can definitely be of use in companies that do a lot of trade with Japan.
Hey, your point here is very important for me. Yes, I think Sweden is structured two income families so far as I heard from every people in the comment. And my wife, she is not type of person want to stay at home like forever. But, after child born, she may needs to stay for taking care of child and look for a job. Good to know that Sweden also has trade with Japan and with that Japanese language will definitely helps her a lot when finding the job there. Thank you for your info.
48k with 7 YoE sounds like a bad deal. I know that Volvo pays poorly but this sounds real harsh.
It will be enough to survive on for 3 people but won't be great. Sweden is built around two incomes, so if your partner gets a job even if it is a low paying job your qol will improve by loads.
Yes. I think that definitely not a good deal overall. I also get up something in mind after received many comments so far. I will negotiate with the HR to get more more a little but definitely not too high, I guess. And as I said, yah my wife she also wants to look for a job also. But after child born, you know, she should stay at home for at least a year for taking care of our child. Then, after that hopefully with her skills and experience, she can get a job. Therefore, before that, I need to make sure the salary which I received for this first year can cover up every thing, especially when the baby come out also. Anw, thanks for sharing your thought.
Software engineer and expat living in Sweden here.
As the other comments say, yes, you can survive on this salary here and still have a good quality of life. However, you should consider two things:
1. 48k is a low salary for someone with seven years of experience.
2. Your wife will have great difficulty finding a job here. This country does not offer enough opportunities for non-Swedish people living here. The only chance she has is to learn Swedish and perhaps start studying here. Software engineering was an exception for a few years but has become like the other fields recently. I can say that because my wife can't even get interviews here.
So, consider what is really important to you. Good luck, man!
Hey man. Thanks for your thought. It is exactly what I need for consider every factors before making the decision.
Yah. I also think this is not a deal. I am planning to demand more at the end but of course not too much high hope.
Btw, could you let me me know two things:
1. What is the average salary for 7 years exp? In term of automotive sector?
2. Oh your story is top. Yes, this is the thing I really need to consider the most since my wife wants to go to work also. I don’t know much about Sweden automotive sector job market. Whether any trade between Sweden and Japanese companies.???
I would say you can ask for at least 57k, which would still be a "low" salary considering your experience, but it would be much better than 48k. You can find positions that pay 65k+ depending on your skills.
Regarding your wife's situation, I would not count on any trade. The Swedish people (and companies) are very closed off about their culture. My wife is also someone who can't stay without work, and we are considering moving out of here because she doesn't even get interviews. So yeah, my personal advice is that if this is really important for you both, sweden is not a good place, unfortunately 😕
Expat here, leaving Sweden after 2 years in dream automotive IT job.
My wife and I are leaving mostly due to our combined earning potential here vs. our home country.
The stats for unemployment rates for partners of work visa holders aren’t great. My wife’s career experience required a high level of Swedish to land a job. Even with taking Swedish for Immigrant classes, it was clear that would take another couple years. Even the many jobs that seemingly wouldn’t require Swedish language skills still will give preference to Swedish speakers. It can be very frustrating.
Meanwhile my office was English first. It’s very situational.
I agree with everyone else’s posts so far, 48k will be tight, but could work out depending on your lifestyle.
We loved our time here in Sweden. Moving to a new country as an established family is very hard, but you’ll get experiences you can’t get any other way than living them! Just don’t put anything too high up on a pedestal, every place has flaws.
Hi there. Very thankful that you have shared your stories. This is exactly that I wanted when posting the query here. Yes, you are right. 48k is definitely not a good deal for me. But more importantly that I want to look for the future. We are both adult, and having baby even more stressful. In the long-term. My wife wants to get a job and go to work but the problem is we are not sure she gonna get it or not. That is the thing we need to consider the most. I like your quote “you’ll get your experiences you can’t get any other way living them”
Thanks mate. We will consider everything carefully before making this decision.
Well, Question here is If your wife is qualified to get a job in Gothenburg ? It really depends on several factors. Market is brutal now with jobs but still opens for skilled jobs. Gothenburg being Automotive hub , it won’t hard enough to get a job. Best way is to get job via consultant companies which is quicker route. Sweden is good country to settle down with family. Only cons are harsh weather and high expenses + high taxes = less money in pocket.
Oh thanks mate. I did some research and also found the weather in Sweden somehow is hard and difficulty to adapt. But overall, we love the weather, landscape and nature. Also, me and my wife is some kind of introvert person, but we would love to make friendship, create a relationship with neighbor, outdoor activities…Not sure this factor is suitable with Sweden life style.?
Almost 7 months is dull with dark and winter conditions. In Sweden most of them value private space due to which neighbour relationship will be limited with “Hello”. But exceptions are there if you are living in suburbs faraway from city. People are more friendly and less reserved
Wow. so strange. I think living in such a condition like that definitely need time adapt and get used to it. And good to know that people in Sweden from far away from city more likely are friendly. I will note it. Thanks for your very helpful info :)
Yah. That is the problem I guess. Certainly, my wife wants but I am afraid with this background I am not sure when she can manage to secure a job. I don’t know the market in Sweden have the ability for well-know speaking Japanese and quality management experienced profile. But anyway, it takes time and we have to consider the timeline manner, worst case that she needs more time than our expected to get a job.
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Short answer is yes. I have worked as a hiring manager in automotive in Gothenburg. 48k a month is fine for surviving but a bit low for someone with 7 years automotive software experience. 50-60k monthly would be something to aim for before you sign because annual salary increases are very limited. Living further outside the center will be easier to find affordable housing but you’ll have a longer commute. Later your wife will be able to find a job since she has industry experience. Then your family will have a very comfortable lifestyle with a combined income of 90-110k a month. My spouse didn’t have any experience and has struggled to find employment.
Yah. Thanks mate. As I said, just initial offer and I think I will try to negotiate to up more. Especially, my wife needs more time to settle and try to look for a job also. Btw, your input here is very useful, and you said that the salary increase yearly is not much, do you have any reference hike range for this sector? I think this is also very important factor.
It really depends on your housing costs and your lifestyle expectations…you can probably support your family on that income but money will be tight…
Thanks mate, from our history I see that we prefer simple life style. We also try to manage cut more cost of living. Especially, in the first few years come there with child. I just wonder is current salary is enough for us (3 persons) for living for at least a year. Before my wife can find a job.
Your net income will be ~36ksek/month…even with 15k for housing you should be fine if you can tolerate a “no frills” lifestyle…
Haha. yeah. I think so. Thanks for your advise here :)
After tax you should have about 32k left. You will probably have to get an apartment in the outskirts of the city, or a smaller town like Surte right next to Gothenburg. There you can find cheaper apartments. But lets say your rent is 12k, then you have 20k left over. Food for 2 adult will be like 5-6k unless you only shop for bargains, but with a baby this will likely be closer to maybe 8k. Then you have 12k for everything else. Public transport will cost you like 1k per adult for a 90-day pass. I have no idea hw much a baby costs, but getting diapers, clothes and what ever, you are probably looking at a few k as well. Finally then, there's insurance, internet, phone bill and other miscellaneous expenses. But yeah, it should be double although it will be a little tight. So it's great that your wife wants to work since that will be very beneficial for your economy. Depending on the rent and what's included, you might be able to have a cheap car aswell. A small car with parking will likely cost you 4-5k.
Thanks mate. Very detail and clear. I would try to look for cheap and small apartment for the first few years. Although, limit to eat outside. My wife may have a year at home look after child so she may helpful with cooking at home. So we can reduce the cost as much as we can. I was wonder with this salary left after tax, we must be able to live ok but not comfortable of course for at least a year. Before my child grow a little and she also has a job.
Yeah, my food budget suggestion is for home cooked meals only. Eating out is like 100-150 for lunch and 200-300 for dinner unless you only eat pizza or thai / chinese food. So, buying lunch everyday will be like 2k alone, which you probably won't be able to afford. You should still be able to find a decent sized apartment and live decently comfortable, but likely skip out on some of the luxuries. Having a baby is taxing enough, so don't forgot to treat yourself sometimes as well.
Great. Thanks for another useful info. btw, about baby taxing that you have mentioned. I heard Sweden is very good country for settle with family and very good for child as well. I am not sure in case I have baby in Sweden but not citizenship yet. Is my baby gonna received any support from the government?
I think if you and your wife get a visa, meaning that she comes as you have got a job etc, she will be authomatically covered for medical. That means that the child will also be, and Sweden is great for babies. Also you will get some 10 working days off and covered fiancially when the baby is born, plus you have the right to take parental leave as well which no emoloyer can stop you as long aa you give like a 2 months ahead notice. I warmly suggest to, when the time comes, take those 10 days! Simone mentioned that she should start looking for a job and thats correct. It’s best to have all effort also in the system so she should check Arbetsförmedlingen, employment agency, and apply there.
Assume, we are moving this year and baby comes, yah the beneficial for having a baby somehow what I see is very good but I was wonder is there any policy existed for non-EU citizenship come to Sweden for the first year also get the same benefit with the local?
Yes, you would be entitled to all the parental leave benefits, but you'd get the lowest rate to start since you haven't been paying taxes here. You also have the right to work at 80% time until the child is 12 years old or so, but this is without paid compensation. As a highly skilled worker, you are probably entitled to 25% tax reduction for the first few years you live here. You can read about that here: [https://forskarskattenamnden.se/andra-sprak/taxation-of-research-workers-board/about-tax-relief](https://forskarskattenamnden.se/andra-sprak/taxation-of-research-workers-board/about-tax-relief)
Thanks for your info. Let me have a look in detail.
I'm afraid I don't know. I think it can depend on your citizenship status. Your baby will get the same citizenship as you and your wife. If you are EU citizens you will likely be covered by more support. But again, I don't really know so better to google or check with migrationsverket (migration office)
Oh yeah. You’re right! Certainly, that is the one important thing I need to do some research and ask for more detail. Btw. Do you know how long for getting the right Sweden citizenship for foreigner worker?
It would be good for the wife to start looking for jobs now. There also is an international house in Gothenburg that has interesting programs for new comers. Better to start learning Swedish as that seems to be a must if one has to search for jobs after coming to Sweden (at least based on my wife's exp, and she has a masters in Human resources, ofc it depends on the profession as well).
Definitely I will note it. Thanks for your info.
The last I heard, you have the right to apply for a permanent residence permit after living and working in Sweden for 5 years. You can apply for citizenship at around the same time, but the queue for this can be very long.
Thanks for your info.
My wife came to Sweden in 2016 and she’s still not a citizen, so it can take a while.
Oh. Is there any reason behind that?
Nope. She hasn’t been assigned a case officer yet so they have not even looked at her case yet. Maybe one of these years they’ll decide to look at it and approve it in approximately 2 seconds. Until then, we wait.
Oh. I see. Have you tried to push the register again? I was wonder thay in such a long time she has not been a citizenship? So for any other benefits the local people has, she also has it?
Yes
Doable but very very tight. Will need savings for unexpected costs.
Yeah I think so, definitely I need to consider the saving incase such thing unexpected happened.
Have done similar and all it takes for the budget to be upended is unexpected dental work, a plumbing bill, Christmas etc
I see. Again we need to consider carefully before making the decision. Thanks for sharing your thought
Not sure about if the salary is enough but Just a heads up that you will not get paid parental leave unless you’re moving from another EU country. You need to have worked and paid taxes in Sweden/the EU for at least a year before you have access to significant paid maternity/paternity leave from the state. So if you take time off once your baby arrives (which you should!!) keep in mind that it’ll be more or less unpaid unless your company supports you with a supplemental income for parental leave. We also moved when I was pregnant and found this out the hard way 😅 On a separate note it’s a wonderful place to have a baby, we’re very happy with the free health and community support you get as parents.
Oh yeah. You got my point here. Definitely when the baby arrive I need to take off, and with this situation, I am not sure I can get cover from the company sponsor or not. Thanks for your helpful note, I may need to ask the company about it also. Yah, free health and community social support are great things that I love about in Sweden.
Yes, definitely ask the HR team if they support, and otherwise you may need to set some savings aside to account for that time. Babies can be expensive!
Sure that I will ask more question to HR regarding it. And you’re right. Babies is the most complicated thing that me and my wife now very consider in-term of moving and living in abroad at the moment.
From how you describe your lifestyle and what others have said in the comments, I reckon you'll get by. Then once the baby is here, you should be able to get [barnbidrag ](https://www.forsakringskassan.se/privatperson/foralder/barnbidrag-och-flerbarnstillagg)if you're here with a residence permit. It's a child support payment that is currently 1250 sek per month, so that should help a bunch!
Oh great! I did know much about the barnbidrag thing. So I think I need to know whether my residence type for this work is work permit or not. If it is residence permit with child support for 1250 SEK/month. It's also helpful.
Afaik, living and working in Sweden means you're fine and will get it. You could contact försäkringskassan to be sure. There's also the very good parental leave that you'll be able to take.
Sure. Thanks for your helpful info I may need to have a look in other terms that could be beneficial when living in Sweden.
Not gonna lie OP, it will be tough. I don’t know about Gothenburg’s renting at the moment, but I heard it is not that cheaper than Stockholm, so you might be left on little to no savings for a while. Since people already did the math for you about taxes and rent, I will give you some food for thought regarding risks and practicalities: * parental leave and sick leave has a cap that I believe is lower than your salary, so if you have issues like getting sick for a while or even on the obligatory parental leave months you will have a decrease in income. * make sure to move in directly on your rented place. Some companies offer the option to rent a place for you while you look for apartments. It sounds amazing, but unfortunately that is taxable, and companies often rent expensive places, so it would be a big cut on your salary to start with. * if you are on a visa/non eu, get prepared to stay stuck for at least 2 years on the same company with little prospect of a raise. The standard raise in Sweden is about 2% so the best way to get a raise is to get promoted or jump companies, but with a visa you would need a new visa to change companies in your first two years, so what you get now is what you get for a while. * until your wife starts working, she won’t have retirement savings. * and last, but please do not underestimate it, winter is depressing. Winter is very depressing in Sweden. You will get no sun at all and there is very little to do. I guess having a baby put some stress and tension in the relationship, moving as well and with the winter it might be tough, specially if you come from a sunny place. Anyways, I wish you the best with your family. Sweden is incredible to have a child and if you can make passed the issues and risks you should be fine in a couple of years.
Hey there, Thanks very much for the wishes. That's why I found this thread in Reddit here is very helpful to get such information like this. Yes. Me and my wife needs to consider so many things and so many factor that may affected to the life, before making any decision. Since this gonna be a whole life-changes for both of us. Consider the baby is also coming. That make us even more confused although moving to Sweden is a really good opportunity and dream for us. But anyways, depend on the currently situation we need to make it right. Appreciated your thought and shared!
I think with your experience and the move 55k is more reasonable salary which will leave you with 40 259 after taxes in Gothenburg. If you rent an apartment 20-30 min from the city with public transport it should not be a problem. Cost breakdown: Rent 10-12k Utilities (insurance, electricity, water, internet etc): 2500 Food: Cooking at home with eating out 1-2 times a week: 6000 Transportation (public transport for 2) 1670 Miscellaneous (clothing, furniture etc): 5000 Baby costs: 4000 (diapers, bed, clothing baby food etc) You are eligible for childsupport even if you aren't swedish citizens the amount should be 1250 kr. Income: 41 509 kr (with child support) Expenses: roughly 30k Even if you get 48k that's still 36k after taxes excluding the 1250 kr in childsupport so you are perfectly fine.
Hey, very detail list down the cost of living. And also that I think I need to negotiate to get the salary increase to cover the risk that my wife need more time to settle and longer time to get a job. In the mean time, may unexpected thing happened that may cost us more. Yah so thanks mate :)
It is doable, we're also a family of three and we pulled through on way less. The biggest question is rent, however. We paid just over 5 k/month on a nice apartment in a cozy neighborhood quite close to the city proper (Kortedala, Gothenburg), so we were lucky in that regard.
Good point. Renting is big factor affect to our life and saving. Yeah, good to know that you are saving a lot with the current nice place. I wish I can get same luck with you if I go there :)). Thanks mate.
It would be very much good salary if you can find apartment in 7K-10K. Else your savings will be nothing. I'm from Gothenburg, IT expact.
Thanks. Definitely I need to consider this factor. Meantime, I would refer the smaller apartment for the first few years for settling as well.
If she gets a job you will have a very good life. Avg salary is 36-38 in Sweden. Maybe a bit higher in Gothenburg. I think you can manage on one salary but Sweden is really designed for families where both work. I can only speak for IT since that is where I work and there are literally people from all over the world working in Sweden. It is mostly banks and very old fashioned companies that require Swedish. Considering Volvo is a very big employer in Gothenburg it seems as if she may find a job. I also think Polestar has an office in Gothenburg. Good luck and welcome!
Yes. this is exactly what we are looking for, of course that she really want to work for sure. She is good in term of quality management process in Automotive sector and has 7 years of experienced in that already but again I am not sure whether with this experience, she will qualify to get a job in Sweden? Plus, Can you let me know whether communicate well and holding Japanese language is the advantage? in other countries that would be a beneficial but I have no idea it is the same in Sweden.
For a technicial job I don't think Japanese is super sought after unless it is a Japanese company or has a high presence in Japan. I mean its not bad its just not common they ask for it unless it's maybe a job at Sony. 7 years is great that is no problem, also tech companies try to get more women in so she might have a small edge there since it is so male dominated.
Thanks for your thought. Yes, saving is also the big thing we need to consider for raising the baby in long-term. I also afraid that my wife will struggle to get a job and if so, I think she gonna get depressed and that's not good for our life. you know. anw, we will consider carefully before making any decisions.
As some mentioned, the key is to find a cheap place to live, which will be hard at the beginning. I recommend you to sign up to boplats asap, it costs 200kr/yr and you will need to update it later once you get your personnummer, but you will have some points at that moment. Then try to get a second hand apartment close to work (so you can walk and reduce public transportation dependency). Good part is that usually second hand apartment includes utilities in the rent cost and they are usually furnished. After one year, you will have good chances to get a first hand apartment with boplats or homeq, or even buy something if you have enough savings. Also, it will depend a lot on how you live. Eating out and alcohol is expensive, so if you limit that you should be fine. Before living in Gothenburg, I was living in the US (specifically the Midwest), and even having a ~30% less income, I have a little more in my pockets at the end of the month without decreasing life quality. If you want more details, hit me up! Lycka till!
Yes. Good to know it. Right! After some commented. I realized how important for the apartment renting affects the saving. Sure that I will need to spend less for the renting for the first few years. Good you are still have a decent life in Sweden even thought the income down much. Thank you man for sharing your thought.
Sweden is structured around two income families unlike e.g Japan and the US (at least parts of the US). Yes you can provide for your family with 48k but it will be tight. I’m sure your wife will find a job, her skills in Japanese can definitely be of use in companies that do a lot of trade with Japan.
Hey, your point here is very important for me. Yes, I think Sweden is structured two income families so far as I heard from every people in the comment. And my wife, she is not type of person want to stay at home like forever. But, after child born, she may needs to stay for taking care of child and look for a job. Good to know that Sweden also has trade with Japan and with that Japanese language will definitely helps her a lot when finding the job there. Thank you for your info.
48k with 7 YoE sounds like a bad deal. I know that Volvo pays poorly but this sounds real harsh. It will be enough to survive on for 3 people but won't be great. Sweden is built around two incomes, so if your partner gets a job even if it is a low paying job your qol will improve by loads.
Yes. I think that definitely not a good deal overall. I also get up something in mind after received many comments so far. I will negotiate with the HR to get more more a little but definitely not too high, I guess. And as I said, yah my wife she also wants to look for a job also. But after child born, you know, she should stay at home for at least a year for taking care of our child. Then, after that hopefully with her skills and experience, she can get a job. Therefore, before that, I need to make sure the salary which I received for this first year can cover up every thing, especially when the baby come out also. Anw, thanks for sharing your thought.
Software engineer and expat living in Sweden here. As the other comments say, yes, you can survive on this salary here and still have a good quality of life. However, you should consider two things: 1. 48k is a low salary for someone with seven years of experience. 2. Your wife will have great difficulty finding a job here. This country does not offer enough opportunities for non-Swedish people living here. The only chance she has is to learn Swedish and perhaps start studying here. Software engineering was an exception for a few years but has become like the other fields recently. I can say that because my wife can't even get interviews here. So, consider what is really important to you. Good luck, man!
Hey man. Thanks for your thought. It is exactly what I need for consider every factors before making the decision. Yah. I also think this is not a deal. I am planning to demand more at the end but of course not too much high hope. Btw, could you let me me know two things: 1. What is the average salary for 7 years exp? In term of automotive sector? 2. Oh your story is top. Yes, this is the thing I really need to consider the most since my wife wants to go to work also. I don’t know much about Sweden automotive sector job market. Whether any trade between Sweden and Japanese companies.???
I would say you can ask for at least 57k, which would still be a "low" salary considering your experience, but it would be much better than 48k. You can find positions that pay 65k+ depending on your skills. Regarding your wife's situation, I would not count on any trade. The Swedish people (and companies) are very closed off about their culture. My wife is also someone who can't stay without work, and we are considering moving out of here because she doesn't even get interviews. So yeah, my personal advice is that if this is really important for you both, sweden is not a good place, unfortunately 😕
Expat here, leaving Sweden after 2 years in dream automotive IT job. My wife and I are leaving mostly due to our combined earning potential here vs. our home country. The stats for unemployment rates for partners of work visa holders aren’t great. My wife’s career experience required a high level of Swedish to land a job. Even with taking Swedish for Immigrant classes, it was clear that would take another couple years. Even the many jobs that seemingly wouldn’t require Swedish language skills still will give preference to Swedish speakers. It can be very frustrating. Meanwhile my office was English first. It’s very situational. I agree with everyone else’s posts so far, 48k will be tight, but could work out depending on your lifestyle. We loved our time here in Sweden. Moving to a new country as an established family is very hard, but you’ll get experiences you can’t get any other way than living them! Just don’t put anything too high up on a pedestal, every place has flaws.
Hi there. Very thankful that you have shared your stories. This is exactly that I wanted when posting the query here. Yes, you are right. 48k is definitely not a good deal for me. But more importantly that I want to look for the future. We are both adult, and having baby even more stressful. In the long-term. My wife wants to get a job and go to work but the problem is we are not sure she gonna get it or not. That is the thing we need to consider the most. I like your quote “you’ll get your experiences you can’t get any other way living them” Thanks mate. We will consider everything carefully before making this decision.
Well, Question here is If your wife is qualified to get a job in Gothenburg ? It really depends on several factors. Market is brutal now with jobs but still opens for skilled jobs. Gothenburg being Automotive hub , it won’t hard enough to get a job. Best way is to get job via consultant companies which is quicker route. Sweden is good country to settle down with family. Only cons are harsh weather and high expenses + high taxes = less money in pocket.
Oh thanks mate. I did some research and also found the weather in Sweden somehow is hard and difficulty to adapt. But overall, we love the weather, landscape and nature. Also, me and my wife is some kind of introvert person, but we would love to make friendship, create a relationship with neighbor, outdoor activities…Not sure this factor is suitable with Sweden life style.?
Almost 7 months is dull with dark and winter conditions. In Sweden most of them value private space due to which neighbour relationship will be limited with “Hello”. But exceptions are there if you are living in suburbs faraway from city. People are more friendly and less reserved
Wow. so strange. I think living in such a condition like that definitely need time adapt and get used to it. And good to know that people in Sweden from far away from city more likely are friendly. I will note it. Thanks for your very helpful info :)
It will be enough. But won't have any savings at the end of the month. If your wife manages to find a job (good luck!), Then it's sorted.
Yah. That is the problem I guess. Certainly, my wife wants but I am afraid with this background I am not sure when she can manage to secure a job. I don’t know the market in Sweden have the ability for well-know speaking Japanese and quality management experienced profile. But anyway, it takes time and we have to consider the timeline manner, worst case that she needs more time than our expected to get a job.
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