Mistakes to avoid as an expat in Sweden (We learned some of these the hard way!)

Integrating into a new country is never easy, and Sweden is full of subtle expectations you’re somehow supposed to understand from day one.

The problem is, if you come from a non‑Nordic country, many of these norms are not obvious at all.

Here is our personal top‑10 list of cultural mistakes to avoid for a smoother integration into Swedish life.

1. Take off your shoes when visiting someone’s home — and sometimes in children’s hospitals or indoor playgrounds.

2. Avoid discussing salary or income with friends or colleagues — it’s not common and can feel uncomfortable.

3. Split the bill when you go out with friends, even for birthday celebrations.

4. Avoid calling or texting colleagues on weekends, and don’t schedule meetings at 12:00 — that’s lunchtime, and booking over it is considered rude.

5. Plan meetings well in advance. You can’t expect to network by simply knocking on the door of your dream company.

6. Avoid commenting on someone’s appearance at work, even positively (“She’s so pretty!”). Any misogynistic or racial jokes are completely unacceptable — at work and in general.

7. Clean up after yourself in cafés and office kitchens. Leaving mugs in the sink instead of the dishwasher is frowned upon. Even if there’s cleaning staff, no one expects others to deal with your mess.

8. Little to no bragging. Flashy brands, big watches, or showing off wealth isn’t a big part of Swedish culture. Success is demonstrated in more subtle ways.

9. People are extremely polite. Most Swedes won’t openly express frustration, even if they’re annoyed.

Disclaimer: some expats might not face similar situations, so please take this a description of our personal experiences and not a general advice.

If you are considering to relocate to Sweden and want to understand if the country is a good fit for you, please check our consultations and guidebooks!