Teach English in Sweden

TEFL jobs in Sweden

Living costs Key facts FAQ’s Student Story TEFL jobs in Sweden

English teaching jobs in Sweden are mainly at international and bilingual schools, private language schools, study associations, business English providers and university language centres, in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö and Uppsala. It is a small, competitive market, because Swedes already speak excellent English. EU citizens can work freely, but non EU teachers now need a salary of at least SEK 34,470 a month for a work permit, which rules out most TEFL jobs. Sweden has no statutory minimum wage; pay is set by collective agreements.

English teaching jobs in Sweden at a glance

Main employers	International and bilingual schools, private language schools, study associations, business English providers, university language centres
Typical pay	Schools pay monthly salaries; language schools and business English often pay by the hour
Minimum wage	No statutory minimum wage; collective agreements set pay by sector
Work permit salary floor	SEK 34,470 a month, 90% of the median salary, from 16 June 2026, including for part-time work
Minimum TEFL hours	120 hours for language schools; schools want a teaching qualification
Degree	Expected by most employers; Swedish state schools require teacher certification
Hiring	Schools recruit in spring for an August start; language schools run autumn and spring terms
Main cities	Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö and Uppsala

What kinds of English teaching jobs are there in Sweden?

International and bilingual schools. The largest employer of native English teachers. Sweden has a large network of English-medium and bilingual independent schools, and they want qualified teachers with a teaching licence and experience, usually recruiting in spring for an August start.

Private language schools and study associations. Language schools and Sweden’s study associations run English evening courses for adults, often part time and paid by the hour.

Business English. Swedish companies with international operations pay for professional English training, often through freelance trainers.

University language centres. Academic English and English for specific purposes, usually needing a master’s degree.

Summer camps, private tutoring and online teaching. Common ways to add income, especially alongside other work.

How much do English teachers earn in Sweden?

International and bilingual schools pay monthly salaries, usually in line with collective agreements for teachers. Language schools, study associations and business English providers often pay by the hour, so check your guaranteed hours. Sweden has no statutory minimum wage; collective agreements set minimum pay in most sectors. Sweden is expensive, especially Stockholm, so part-time hourly work rarely covers living costs on its own. Compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index, or read how much TEFL teachers make.

What qualifications do you need to teach English in Sweden?

Language schools usually want a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours and a degree, and because Swedes already speak excellent English, a Level 5 TEFL or CELTA with business or exam teaching experience makes a real difference. International and bilingual schools want a teaching licence such as a PGCE, and Swedish state schools require Swedish teacher certification (lärarlegitimation). Our Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course can be verified on the Ofqual register.

Which visa do you need to teach English in Sweden?

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, including Irish passport holders, can live and work in Sweden freely. UK citizens lost that right after Brexit. Since 1 June 2026, non EU workers need a salary of at least 90 per cent of the Swedish median salary for a work permit, which is SEK 34,470 a month from 16 June 2026. The requirement also applies to part-time work, and comprehensive health insurance is now required. Most TEFL jobs pay below this, so the realistic route for non EU teachers is a full-time post at an international or bilingual school. Young people from countries with a Swedish working holiday agreement may have other options. Check current rules with the Swedish Migration Agency and our Visa Desk.

Where are the English teaching jobs in Sweden?

Stockholm has the most international schools, language schools and business English work, and the highest rents. Gothenburg, Sweden’s second city and industrial hub, has strong corporate demand. Malmö is close to Copenhagen, and Uppsala is a major university city.

What is it like teaching and living in Sweden?

Sweden values equality, balance and time in nature. The idea of lagom, just the right amount, shapes daily life, and fika, the social coffee break, is part of every workplace. Students are confident and independent and expect discussion-led lessons. Winters are long and dark in the north but milder in the south, and summers are light and beautiful. For a deeper look at day-to-day teaching life, read our full article on teaching English in Sweden.

Teaching in Sweden: read next

Read our in-depth article on teaching English in Sweden.
Comparing the Nordics? See our guides to Norway, Denmark and Finland.
Compare pay in our TEFL Salary Index and check entry rules on the Visa Desk.

Get TEFL qualified for Sweden

Last updated: 2 October 2026. Pay figures are approximate, not quotes. Work permit salary requirements are updated every June when Statistics Sweden publishes the new median salary, so confirm the current level with the Swedish Migration Agency before you apply.

Living costs

Sweden is one of the more expensive countries in Europe, and housing is the hardest part. First-hand rental contracts in Stockholm come through long queues, so most newcomers rent second-hand at higher prices. Gothenburg, Malmö and Uppsala are noticeably cheaper than the capital.

Public transport is excellent, groceries are reasonably priced at discount chains, and most everyday payments are cashless. Landlords usually ask for a deposit of around one month’s rent.

All figures below are in Swedish kronor (SEK) and are typical 2026 rental and price data, checked on 2 October 2026. Prices change, so check a current source before you budget.

One-bedroom flat, Stockholm (second-hand): SEK 12,000 to 18,000 a month
One-bedroom flat, Gothenburg: SEK 9,500 to 14,000 a month
One-bedroom flat, Malmö: SEK 8,500 to 12,500 a month
30-day SL transport card, Stockholm: SEK 1,060 (SEK 530 July to December 2026)
Single SL ticket (75 minutes): About SEK 43
Groceries for one: SEK 3,000 to 4,500 a month
One adult in Stockholm, including rent: SEK 19,000 to 29,000 a month
Work permit salary floor (non EU): SEK 34,470 a month

TEFL jobs in Sweden: KEY POINTS

SALARY

Schools pay monthly; non EU permit needs SEK 34,470 a month

EDUCATION

BA degree preferred

MAIN JOB TYPES

International and bilingual schools, language schools, business English

TEFL CERTIFICATION NEEDED

120 Hour

KEY FACTS

Popular locations for TEFL jobs: Stockholm: The capital city is a major hub for business, tourism, and international organizations, making it a likely location for English language instruction. Gothenburg (Göteborg): As Sweden's second-largest city, Gothenburg also has a significant international presence and offers opportunities for TEFL teachers. Malmö: Situated in the southern part of Sweden, Malmö's proximity to Denmark and its international connections make it a potential location for TEFL jobs.
English teacher salaries in Sweden : International and bilingual schools pay monthly salaries in line with teacher collective agreements; language schools and business English often pay by the hour. Sweden has no statutory minimum wage. Non EU teachers need at least SEK 34,470 a month for a work permit (from 16 June 2026).
TEFL qualification requirements: At least a 120-hour TEFL qualification
Prerequisite university degree: Many employers, including language schools and international schools, may require TEFL teachers to have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. However, the field of study may vary depending on the institution.
Term times: August to June
Currency: Swedish krona (SEK)
Language: Swedish
Teaching programmes: Teaching adults or children in private language schools as well as international schools or as a private tutor.
Age restrictions: None
Previous teaching experience: is desirable for many roles but not essential

When to go

Climate and hiring in Stockholm

Apply in spring, when international and bilingual schools recruit for the August start, and arrive in early August, when long light days make settling in easier. Language schools also start autumn terms in late August.

Month	High	Low	Hiring
January	1°C	-5°C
February	1°C	-5°C	Main
March	5°C	-3°C	Main
April	11°C	1°C	Main
May	16°C	5°C
June	20°C	10°C
July	23°C	13°C
August	22°C	12°C	Some
September	17°C	8°C
October	10°C	4°C
November	5°C	0°C
December	2°C	-3°C

Winters are cold and dark, with nights around 23°F and only about six hours of daylight in December, while summers are mild, around 73°F in July, with light nights from mid-May to late July. Rainfall is modest at about 525 mm a year, wettest from June to September, and snow is common in winter.

Average daily highs and lows, 1991 to 2020 station averages for Stockholm (Bromma). Hiring months are typical patterns, not guarantees.

Facts about Sweden

LANGUAGE

Swedish

POPULATION

About 10.6 million

TEFL JOB DEMAND

Low to mid

CURRENCY

Swedish krona (SEK)

CAPITAL

Stockholm

OUR SWEDEN TEFL RATING

4.1

TEFL jobs in Sweden: FAQS

How much can I earn as an English teacher in Sweden?

International and bilingual schools pay monthly salaries in line with teacher collective agreements, while language schools, study associations and business English providers often pay by the hour. Sweden has no statutory minimum wage. Non EU teachers need a job paying at least SEK 34,470 a month for a work permit, which most hourly TEFL work does not meet.

Is Sweden expensive to live in?

Yes. A second-hand one-bedroom flat in Stockholm costs about SEK 12,000 to 18,000 a month, and one adult typically spends SEK 19,000 to 29,000 a month including rent. Gothenburg and Malmö are cheaper. The 30-day Stockholm transport card is SEK 1,060, halved to SEK 530 from July to December 2026.

Can I teach English in Sweden without a degree?

Rarely. Most employers expect a degree, international schools want a teaching licence, and Swedish state schools require teacher certification. Some private tutoring and online work is open to EU citizens without a degree. See our guide to teaching English in Europe without a degree.

Which TEFL certificate helps most for English teaching jobs in Sweden?

Because Swedes already speak excellent English, employers look for teachers who can handle specialist and advanced learners. An Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL Diploma or CELTA, ideally with business English or exam preparation training, gives you the best chance at language schools and with corporate clients. An accredited 120 hour certificate is the minimum. For international and bilingual schools, a teaching licence matters more than any TEFL course. Our guide to the best TEFL certifications for Europe compares the options.

Can non EU citizens get English teaching jobs in Sweden?

It is hard. Since 1 June 2026, a Swedish work permit requires a salary of at least 90 per cent of the median salary, SEK 34,470 a month from 16 June 2026, even for part-time work, plus comprehensive health insurance. Most TEFL jobs pay less, so the realistic route is a full-time post at an international or bilingual school. UK citizens are covered by these rules since Brexit, while Irish and other EU citizens work freely. Check current rules on our Visa Desk.

Do I need to speak Swedish to get an English teaching job in Sweden?

Not for international schools or language schools, where lessons are in English and English is widely spoken. Swedish state schools do require Swedish, and learning some Swedish helps with housing, paperwork and daily life. For a closer look at life as a teacher there, read our article on teaching English in Sweden.