Moving to Sweden from the USA (2026 Guide)

Duty-free import rules for Sweden

• Lived outside the EU for a continuous period of at least one year, or never previously been an EU resident.
• Owned the goods for at least 6 months before leaving for Sweden, and you or your household used them for 6 months at your home outside the EU.
• Sign Tullverket's declaration for relief on personal belongings and give it, with a packing list, to your mover or representative.
• Bring the goods within one year of arriving in Sweden to take up residence.
• For one year after relief is granted, do not sell, rent out, lend, give away or pledge the goods without telling Swedish Customs and paying duty and VAT.

Official source: Tullverket: duty and VAT relief when moving to Sweden from outside the EU.

Confirm a mover's FMC license and any association claim in associations and licensing, and read reviews with where to research international mover reviews. More official customs offices are listed on those pages and in the customs guide.

Ports and delivery

Most U.S. containers arrive at the Port of Gothenburg, Scandinavia's largest port, then go by truck or rail to Stockholm and other cities. Your mover's destination agent clears customs and delivers to your new home. Common delivery cities include Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala.

Good to know

Goods sent ahead need a declaration that you will move within 6 months plus a guarantee for duty and VAT. Customs may ask for proof of your residence permit or Swedish Tax Agency population registration. Your car and your pet can count as personal effects, but each has its own registration or entry rules.

Getting quotes for Sweden

Ask every mover to price the same surveyed volume door to door, and check each line against our quote checklist. Pick a method in shipping methods, and check restricted items before you pack.

Licensed movers for Sweden

Compare the licensed movers we work with on our 2026 rankings: Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations, My International Movers.

General information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm current rules with the official customs office before you ship.

Frequently asked questions

Do I pay duty on household goods moving to Sweden?

Not if you meet Tullverket's conditions: one year living outside the EU, and 6 months owning and using the goods. Alcohol and tobacco are never covered.

Can I ship my goods to Sweden before I move?

Yes, up to 6 months ahead, but you must declare that you will move within six months and provide a guarantee for duty and VAT.

Which port will my container use for Sweden?

Usually Gothenburg. Your mover arranges onward trucking or rail to your address.

How long does it take to ship household goods to Sweden?

It depends on the U.S. departure port, the sailing schedule, transshipments, and whether you use a full or shared container. Ask each mover for the port-to-port transit time and the door-to-door estimate in writing.

Which movers can ship my belongings to Sweden?

Sunset International Shipping, Shepherd International Movers, Schmidt International Relocations and My International Movers — the four licensed movers we work with — handle international household moves. Request free quotes from the four we work with with one form.