Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Sweden appeals to many expats: quality of life, ubiquitous nature, efficient public services, the culture of lagom and work-life balance. But for the experience to remain truly serene, it’s best to understand the security challenges, the real risks, and how Swedish society addresses them, both online and on the street, at home and at the office.
Sweden is overall safe and ranks highly for peace and happiness. However, challenges exist: a sharp increase in online scams, violence from certain criminal networks, a growing sense of insecurity, terrorist concerns, and digital dependency. Expats are particularly exposed to housing scams, banking fraud, theft in tourist areas, and misunderstanding local rules.
This reality calls less for fear than for preparation. By understanding how security works in Sweden, what resources you have, and what mistakes to avoid, you can live your expat life with a great deal of peace of mind.
A generally safe country, but a more complex environment
Sweden is often cited among the world’s safest countries. Rates of homicides and serious violence remain low from an international perspective, and institutions are solid, transparent, and accessible. Government changes happen through peaceful elections, corruption is low, and the police enjoy a high level of public trust.
The three major metropolitan areas (Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö) now concentrate security problems, including organized criminal networks, targeted shootings, and explosions linked to gang conflicts. While this violence rarely affects expats or tourists, it contributes to a real sense of concern in the country.
According to recent data, we observe both: economic growth trends and inflation variations.
| Indicator | Recent Trend in Sweden |
|---|---|
| Confirmed homicides (2024) | Decreasing, 92 cases, lowest level in 10 years |
| Shootings | Decrease of about one third between 2022 and 2024 |
| Explosions / bombs | Level unmatched in Europe outside war zones |
| Thefts, burglaries, car thefts (2024) | Significantly decreasing |
| Drug-related offenses | Sharply increasing (mainly possession) |
| Overall exposure to crimes against the person | Stable since 2020 around 20% of the population |
| Feeling that “crime is a major problem” | Markedly increasing since 2014 |
For you, an expat, this means two essential things:
1. The day-to-day risks that most concern you remain primarily petty crime (pickpocketing, bike theft, burglaries, scams) and digital fraud. 2. Serious violence exists but is very localized in certain areas classified as “vulnerable,” typically on the outskirts and rarely frequented by newcomers.
Understanding this nuance helps avoid falling into two extremes: total naivety on one hand, and paranoia fueled by alarming headlines on the other.
Online scams and everyday fraud: the new face of risk
One of the most marked changes in Sweden concerns fraud, especially online. The country is extremely digitized: card or mobile payments, electronic IDs, online public services… A paradise for users, but also a playground for scammers.
A massive economic cost
A report titled “2024 State of Scams in Sweden,” published by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) with BioCatch, paints a concerning picture:
| Key figure (12 months prior to the report) | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Total losses linked to scams | 2.75 billion USD (≈ 28.6 billion SEK) |
| Share of GDP | 0.50% (versus 0.40% the previous period) |
| Victims | 1 in 8 inhabitants |
| Scam attempts | 45% of people receive at least 1/month |
| Increase in attempts | +93% in two years |
| Average loss per victim | 2,726 USD (≈ 28,370 SEK) |
| Victims reporting to authorities | Only 20% |
| Victims recovering their money | Only 10% |
| Victims reporting severe emotional distress | 57% |
In short, scams are not a marginal nuisance but a real societal problem, with a heavy financial and psychological impact.
For an expat, often in the process of settling and less familiar with local norms, the risk of being tricked is objectively higher.
Most common channels and techniques
The preferred methods in Sweden follow a pattern very consistent with an ultra-connected country:
– Emails and SMS: these are the most used vectors to launch scams (phishing, fraudulent links, fake package delays, fake invoices, etc.).
– Social media (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp): heavily exploited for investment scams, cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, or fake sales.
– Phone calls (vishing): impersonation of banks, government agencies, or technical services to extract login credentials or pressure victims into installing remote access software.
Certain scenarios are very common, such as crisis situations requiring fast and clear communication, or standardized sales processes that repeat with different clients. These recurring patterns allow for establishing procedures and standard responses to gain efficiency.
– BankID or security code fraud: a fake bank or company employee asks for a BankID code, a password, or pressures you to “sign” a transaction. In Sweden, no legitimate organization will ever ask you for a BankID code or a verification code over the phone.
– Remote access takeover: a “technical” contact invites you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or equivalent to “check your computer.” In many cases, the goal is to empty your accounts.
– Rental scams: especially in cities with tight housing markets (Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Lund), involving requests for a deposit before viewing, fake landlords abroad, keys that don’t work, or apartments that don’t exist.
The housing shortage in some cities makes newcomers vulnerable. Rental fraud follows relatively frequent patterns:
Be wary of three common scams: 1) The non-existent apartment: attractive listing, the ‘landlord’ is supposedly abroad and demands an international transfer before any viewing. After payment, they disappear. 2) Illegitimate subletting: you visit a real apartment and sign with a ‘subtenant’ who has no right to lease it. After payment, the real owner evicts you. 3) Unusable keys: after a deposit, you receive keys or a code that don’t work, and the scammer vanishes.
To significantly reduce these risks, a few habits are essential:
– Never pay a deposit before you have visited the apartment and signed a written contract.
– Verify the landlord’s identity and that it matches the name on the contract.
– Favor recognized platforms or structures for subletting like Samtrygg or Akademisk Kvart.
– On generic ad sites (like Blocket.se), be wary of offers that seem “too good to be true” and refuse any payment through opaque channels.
Investment, romance, and fake job offer scams
Social media is also the stage for more sophisticated scams:
Be wary of common frauds: promises of high cryptocurrency returns via fake apps or influencers (check the Finansinspektionen blacklist), prolonged online relationships ending in requests for money (sometimes to Russia), and job offers requiring upfront fees, which is abnormal in Sweden where such costs are the employer’s responsibility.
How to react if scammed
In practice, many victims do not report the incidents, which limits the possibilities for investigation and fund recovery. However, several options exist:
– Report immediately to your bank: the faster the reaction, the higher the chance of canceling a transfer or transaction.
– File a report with the police (Polisen), online or at a station: this is necessary, among other things, for certain compensations or to leverage a recent Supreme Court ruling that broadened possibilities for obtaining reimbursement from banks.
– Inform the Konsumentverket (Swedish Consumer Agency) in case of deceptive commercial practices.
– For complex financial scams (crypto, international networks), specialized companies like T&H Consulting can assist with the process.
Even if the probability of recovering funds in full remains limited (only 10% of victims, according to the GASA report), taking these steps helps limit the damage, provide legal protection, and contribute to the overall fight against these networks.
Street crime, areas to avoid, and ground reality
On the ground, petty crime remains the main source of potential trouble for an expat. Pickpocketing, taxi scams, or fake entrance tickets are more common in urban centers and tourist areas than “serious” crime.
Cities and neighborhoods: where are the real risks?
Major cities logically concentrate more reported incidents. In 2010, Stockholm had 142 crimes per 1,000 inhabitants, compared to 87 per 1,000 nationally. Even today, the capital and its surroundings concentrate the majority of serious violence cases.
Police authorities identify “vulnerable zones” – about 60 to 65 neighborhoods across the country – where criminal networks are more active, often in low-income suburbs with a high proportion of immigrant-background populations. In Stockholm, names like Rinkeby, Tensta, Husby, Fittja, or Alby regularly come up in this context; in Gothenburg, Biskopsgården or Bergsjön; in Malmö, Rosengård.
These zones:
These zones, located far from tourist circuits and business districts, concentrate the majority of shootings and explosions (generally targeted) and are not preferred places for expats to settle.
Conversely, central Stockholm neighborhoods – Södermalm, Kungsholmen, Östermalm, Vasastan, Norrmalm, Gamla Stan, Djurgården – as well as affluent suburbs like Bromma, Danderyd, Ekerö, or Lidingö are considered safe and sought after by foreign families.
Common petty scams and thefts
In practice, the most frequent inconveniences reported by travelers and expats in Sweden fall under petty crime:
In Stockholm, be particularly vigilant against pickpockets in tourist areas (Gamla Stan, Sergels Torg, T-Centralen, museums, subway), bike thefts (use two good locks), opportunistic theft in hotel lobbies, cafes, and transport, and attempts at taxi-related scams, especially at train stations and the airport.
Regarding the last point, the deregulation of the sector in 1990 led to the proliferation of taxis with highly variable rates. Since then, a reform requires a sticker on the window indicating the indicative price for a 10 km/15 minute ride. A reasonable fare is generally between 290 and 390 SEK for this standard trip. In Stockholm, reputable companies are well-identified (Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir, Taxi 020, among others) and are the best choice.
Public transport, however, remains the safest and most economical option for getting around, even late at night, with security measures and video surveillance in major cities.
Daily safety: home, building, fires
Safety in Sweden is also a lot about prevention. Domestic safety standards, fire prevention, and building organization are designed to significantly reduce risks. But as a tenant or owner, you have particular responsibilities.
Buildings and fire safety
Swedish legislation requires both property owners and occupants to take preventive measures:
Every home must be equipped with at least one functional smoke detector, the maintenance of which (batteries) often falls to the tenant. Common areas (hallways, stairs, emergency exits) must remain clear of any objects, on pain of fine. Basements and attics must be free of flammable materials and their doors kept locked. Maintenance of safety equipment (fire dampers, ventilation fans, firefighter access points) is the responsibility of the homeowners’ association or landlord.
In case of fire, the instructions are strict: call 112, leave the premises if possible, closing doors and windows behind you, alert neighbors, never use the elevator, and only attempt to extinguish small beginnings of fire if it can be done safely (for example by smothering a pan of oil with a lid, never with water).
Alarms, cameras, and home insurance
The home alarm system market is highly developed in Sweden. Two major players dominate (Verisure and Sector Alarm), but other companies like Securitas, Svenska Alarm, WeBeHome, or Ajax Systems are present.
These are the essential points to remember from the article.
– Many contracts include a connection to a monitoring center, with guard intervention or calls to emergency services.
– The police will only respond to an alarm if a person is physically present on site to confirm a burglary is in progress, which avoids responses to false alarms.
– Insurers often grant a reduction of about 5% on the premium if the home is equipped with a system connected to an approved center.
– Home insurance (hemförsäkring) is almost essential: it typically covers belongings, civil liability, sometimes legal protection, and basic travel insurance.
For an expat, taking out good home insurance upon arrival is one of the best investments for security, especially since burglaries, even if declining, remain a reality.
Health, medical emergencies, and the healthcare system
A large part of feeling secure in a country depends on the certainty of being properly cared for in case of a health problem. On this point, Sweden is particularly reassuring.
A healthcare system among the world’s most effective
The country dedicates over 10% of its GDP to health, with a universal public system largely funded by taxes (about 97% of funding is fiscal). Results are excellent: life expectancy beyond 82 years, maternal and infant mortality among the lowest in the world.
In practice, for a registered resident:
Overview of patient fees and the system for protection against high costs (högkostnadsskydd).
Between 100 and 300 SEK per visit, with a maximum ceiling of 300 SEK.
A visit typically costs around 400 SEK.
Costs about 100 to 110 SEK per day.
The högkostnadsskydd: after an annual threshold (approx. 1,100–1,200 SEK for healthcare), care becomes almost free for the rest of the year.
A separate annual cap also applies to medication expenses.
Often benefit from free care, depending on age and region.
The main drawback: sometimes long wait times for certain specialists or non-urgent operations, despite a guarantee of care that attempts to limit waiting.
Access to care for expats
Everything relies on obtaining the personnummer, the personal identity number issued by Skatteverket. Once you have this number, you can:
– register at a neighborhood health center (vårdcentral),
– access the public capped fees,
– have your prescriptions and care integrated into the national system.
Before obtaining a tax number, or for a short stay, it is crucial to possess the necessary documents or authorizations.
– either a European Health Insurance Card (for EU/EEA citizens),
– or comprehensive private insurance for non-EU nationals.
For long-term expats, complementary private insurance can also be useful, especially to reduce wait times for access to certain specialists or benefit from additional services (second opinion, enhanced telemedicine, coverage abroad).
Numbers and services to know
Sweden has a very structured network of emergency and support numbers:
| Service | Number | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency (police, fire, ambulance) | 112 | Immediate danger, serious accident, fire, illness |
| Non-emergency Police | 114 14 | Filing a report, reporting incidents, general questions |
| Medical Advice | 1177 | On-call nurses, medical advice 24/7 |
| Information in case of crisis | 113 13 | Official information on major accidents |
| Missing Children | 116 000 | Dedicated line, operated by SOS Alarm |
| Emotional Support | 116 123 | Anonymous listening line |
| Victim Support | 116 006 | Support for victims of crime |
The operators generally speak Swedish and English, with the possibility of getting an interpreter for other languages when the situation allows.
For you, the essential is to memorize at least 112, 1177, and 114 14, and to know that you can call 1177 before going to the emergency room to save time and get directed appropriately.
The safety of an expat life isn’t just the absence of assault. It also includes the ability to understand social codes, avoid isolation, and feel legitimate in the host society. Swedish culture, with its values of equality, trust, and discretion, profoundly shapes the security climate.
A highly norm-based, but predictable society
Swedes describe themselves as reserved, avoiding conflict, respecting rules, and trusting authorities. Some defining traits:
Swedish culture rests on several fundamental pillars: *lagom*, advocating moderation and avoiding excess; transparency in administrations and procedures; equality, visible in flattened workplace hierarchies and a rejection of discrimination; and strict respect for personal space in public places.
For an expat, these norms are rather protective: few verbal assaults in public, almost no reports of street harassment by foreigners, a predictable environment.
On the other hand, this reserve can translate into a feeling of loneliness or difficulty making friends, which, in the long term, affects the feeling of emotional security. Integration tools exist: free Swedish courses (SFI), sports associations, hobby clubs, studiecirklar (study circles), international events in major cities.
Diversity and integration policies
Sweden is very marked by recent immigration: about 20% of the population is foreign-born, and an even larger proportion has at least one parent born abroad. The most frequent origins include Syria, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, or Afghanistan, but also neighboring European countries.
Sweden has an official integration framework including an establishment program, free language courses, and civic education, aiming for equal rights. While the country is regularly ranked among the best for its integration policy, concrete results on the ground are subject to debate.
For a qualified expat coming for work or studies, these systems are often perceived as generous: access to language courses, support finding a job, information in multiple languages via the Informationsverige.se portal, etc.
Specific risks: terrorism, extremism, cyber threats
Alongside individual risks (scams, theft, accidents) exist more diffuse threats: terrorism, violent extremism, cyberattacks. Sweden is not immune.
Terrorist threat
The Swedish Security Service (SÄPO) regularly assesses the threat level on a five-level scale. In recent years, the level has been set at “Elevated” (3 out of 5), reflecting a judged real, though not imminent, probability of attacks.
In concrete terms:
The last major attack in Sweden was in 2017 (truck driven into pedestrians in Stockholm, 5 dead). Since then, security services have thwarted several plots. Current threats come mainly from “lone wolves” or small cells radicalized online, possibly using simple means (knives, vehicles, firearms). Factors such as certain public provocations (e.g., around religious books), the country’s diplomatic position, or its membership in defense alliances can fuel these resentments.
For the expat, the authorities’ recommendation remains classic: avoid crowds during periods of tension, stay aware of your surroundings in very busy places, follow local advice, without giving up daily life.
Cybercrime: a major issue in a cashless country
Sweden is one of the most digitized countries on the planet, with massive use of BankID (digital ID) and Swish (instant mobile payment). This digitization creates a large attack surface for cybercriminals:
– Targeted BankID phishing,
– identity theft,
– account takeover,
– exploitation of vulnerabilities in trading or investment apps.
The cost of cybercrime in Sweden exceeded 30 billion SEK in 2020, leading to the creation of a National Cybersecurity Center. For expats, strict digital hygiene is essential: use two-factor authentication, be vigilant with links and attachments, and refuse any request for codes over the phone.
Practical preparation: steps, reflexes, resources
To turn all this information into tangible security, a few practical steps structure a serene expat life in Sweden.
Before departure and upon arrival
As soon as the project is confirmed, it’s useful to:
– Verify you have valid health coverage in Sweden (EHIC or private insurance).
– Gather the necessary documents for the personnummer (employment contract, birth certificate, etc.) and anticipate processing times that can range from 2 to 10 weeks.
– Research neighborhoods in major cities (for example via international real estate agencies, expat forums, available police reports) to target suitable residential areas.
Upon arrival:
To settle well in Sweden, start by requesting your personnummer (identity number) from Skatteverket. Then open an account at a major bank (Swedbank, SEB, Nordea, Handelsbanken) to activate BankID, essential for many services. Take out home insurance and, if necessary, complementary health insurance. Finally, install essential apps: your banking app, Swish (mobile payment), the local transport app (like SL in Stockholm or Västtrafik in Gothenburg), 1177 (health services), and the public alert (VMA) app for emergency messages.
Managing daily life and common risks
Once settled, small reflexes greatly limit risks:
For your daily security, adopt these reflexes: On the street and in transport, keep your bag closed and valuables hidden, and be vigilant in crowds, especially at central stations. At home, always lock the door, close windows when absent, avoid cluttering hallways and emergency exits, and regularly check your smoke detector. For purchases or donations, favor official sites and recognized associations, and avoid payments via QR codes on the street if the organization is dubious. For taxis, choose reputable companies or known apps, check the fare sticker, ask for an estimate, and demand a receipt. For rentals, never pay before viewing and signing the contract, and always verify the landlord’s identity and platform references.
What to do in case of a problem
In case of theft, assault, scam, or even simple doubt:
– In an emergency situation (immediate danger, injury, fire): call 112.
– In case of a non-urgent crime (bike theft, burglary after the fact, fraud): contact the police at 114 14 or file a report online.
– In case of a non-urgent medical question or doubt (illness, worrying but non-life-threatening symptoms): call 1177.
– In case of psychological distress or need for support: use the listening lines (116 123, or services dedicated to women, youth, victims of violence).
The Swedish system functions largely based on accurate reports and reliable statistics; reporting incidents you are a victim of not only serves your personal case but contributes to maintaining the overall effectiveness of the public response.
Living safely without living in fear
For an expat, Sweden remains one of the world’s most secure and predictable environments. The rule of law is strong, emergency services are accessible, corruption is marginal, violence rarely affects passersby, and the population overall adopts respectful behavior.
The main security challenges now lie on three fronts:
– the massive rise in scams, particularly digital ones;
– the presence of pockets of organized crime in certain specific neighborhoods;
– a growing sense of insecurity, fueled by media coverage of these phenomena.
For a newcomer, the best strategy is neither blindness nor obsession, but a calm vigilance, based on knowledge:
In Sweden, the main threat is petty crime and online fraud, against which you must protect yourself. It’s advisable to identify risky neighborhoods and situations without limiting your exploration of the country. It’s crucial to know the emergency numbers and resources (112, 114 14, 1177) as well as the contacts for your insurance, bank, and consumer authorities. Finally, lasting security comes through gradual integration: learning the language and social codes, and building a local network, as social connection is an essential protective factor.
With these guidelines, Safety in Sweden: Tips for a Serene Expatriation ceases to be a reassuring slogan and becomes a concrete reality: a country where, by understanding the rules of the game and the specific risks, it is entirely possible to live, work, raise a family, and move around with a high level of serenity.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
