Enkelfinans
Representative example: Calculation example: 12-year annuity loan, amount 400,000 SEK, variable interest rate 7.99%, arrangement fee 400 SEK, statement fee 20 SEK, resulting in an effective interest rate of 8.41%. Total amount to be repaid: SEK 626,457, spread over 144 instalments, giving a monthly cost of SEK 4,348. Repayment period: 1–20 years. Maximum interest rate: 22.00%. Interest rate range: 4.50–22.00%. Updated 15 August 2025.
Viaconto
Representative example: If you borrow 8,500 kr with a repayment period of 17 months, a nominal, non-binding annual interest rate of 23% applies. The annual percentage rate (APR) you will pay is 89.29%. The total amount you will pay after 17 months and 17 instalments is 17,000 kr. See an example of the repayment schedule here. To find out more, click here.
Ekonomen
Representative example: A 12-year annuity loan of 400,000 kr, with a variable interest rate of 7.99%, an arrangement fee of 400 kr and a statement fee of 20 kr, results in an effective interest rate of 8.41%. Total amount to be repaid: SEK 626,457, spread over 144 instalments, giving a monthly cost of SEK 4,348. Repayment period: 1–20 years. The maximum interest rate is 23.00%. Interest rate range: 4.95% – 23.00%. Updated 1 March 2025
Finlo.se
Representative example: A 12-year annuity loan of 400,000 kr, with a variable interest rate of 7.99%, an arrangement fee of 400 kr and a statement fee of 20 kr, results in an effective interest rate of 8.41%. Total amount to be repaid: SEK 626,457, spread over 144 instalments, giving a monthly cost of SEK 4,348. Repayment period: 1–20 years. The maximum interest rate is 23.00%. Interest rate range: 4.95% – 23.00%. Updated 1 March 2025
Lumify
Representative example: A loan of 20,000 kr at an interest rate of 22 per cent, with a repayment period of fifteen months (comprising fifteen instalments of 2,957 kr, 1,880 kr, 1,854 kr, 1,829 kr, 1,803 kr, 1,777 kr, 1,752 kr, 1,726 kr, 1,700 kr, 1,674 kr, 1,649 kr, 1,623 kr, 1,597 kr, 1,572 kr and 1,546 kr) plus a set-up fee of 588 kr, a service fee of 2,435 kr for the instalment plan and statement fees of 855 kr, resulting in a total effective interest rate of 66.01%. The total amount to be repaid is 26,939 kr. The term of the credit and the associated costs may change if the credit limit is increased.
Klicklån
Representative example: A loan of 45,000 kronor at a fixed interest rate of 24.24% with a repayment period of 84 months, comprising 84 instalments of 1,135 kronor and a set-up fee of 695 kronor (which is added to the loan) and a 19 kronor administration fee, results in a total effective interest rate of 28.73%. The total amount to be repaid is 96,894 kronor.
Thorn
Representative example: A loan of 90,000 kronor at a fixed interest rate of 21.60%, with a repayment period of 84 months, comprising 84 instalments of 2,100 kronor and a 595 kronor arrangement fee (which is added to the loan) and a 19 kronor administration fee, results in a total effective interest rate of 24.59%. The total amount to be repaid is 177,992 kronor.
Enklare
Representative example: A 12-year annuity loan of 400,000 kr, with a variable interest rate of 7.99%, an arrangement fee of 400 kr and a statement fee of 20 kr, results in an effective interest rate of 8.41%. Total amount to be repaid: SEK 626,457, spread over 144 instalments, giving a monthly cost of SEK 4,348. Repayment period: 1–20 years. The maximum interest rate is 23.00%. Interest rate range: 4.95% – 23.00%. Updated 1 March 2025
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Securing mortgage loans in Sweden requires a clear understanding of how Swedish lenders evaluate international applicants. Unlike some markets where a high credit score is the primary driver, Sweden focuses heavily on the stability of your employment and your long-term residency status. For expats, the type of contract you hold is often the first hurdle, as banks prioritize permanent positions over temporary assignments or probationary periods.
Lenders in Sweden generally expect a 15% down payment, known as the kontantinsats. While you might seek smaller unsecured financing options to cover other relocation expenses, the mortgage deposit must typically come from your own savings or the sale of a previous property. This guide outlines the structural requirements and financial assessments you will encounter when applying for a home loan as a foreign resident.
The Critical Role of the Anställningsform
In Sweden, your employment contract type, or anställningsform, is the foundation of your mortgage application. Banks strongly prefer tillsvidareanställning, which is a permanent contract. If you are currently in a provantställning (probationary period), most lenders will ask you to wait until the period is over before granting a final loan commitment. This is because the Swedish labor market offers high protections for permanent employees, reducing the risk for the bank.
Self-employed expats face a higher burden of proof. You will typically need to show at least two years of audited accounts within the Swedish tax system. If you have recently moved and have not yet filed multiple years of Swedish tax returns, you may find the process more restrictive. In these cases, demonstrating a consistent history of income in a similar industry can help, but it is not a guarantee of approval.
Understanding Amortization Requirements
Sweden has specific legal requirements for how quickly you must pay back the principal of your loan, known as amortization rules. These rules are tied to your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio and your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. If you borrow more than 4.5 times your gross annual salary, you are required to amortize an additional 1% of the total loan per year, regardless of your LTV.
| LTV Ratio | Annual Amortization Rate |
|---|---|
| Above 70% | 2% of the total loan |
| 50% to 70% | 1% of the total loan |
| Below 50% | Optional (but recommended) |
| DTI > 4.5x Salary | Additional 1% required |
These regulations are designed to ensure financial stability across the housing market. When calculating your budget, you must account for these mandatory repayments alongside your interest payments and the monthly fee paid to the housing cooperative, known as the månadsavgift.
The Bostadsrätt and the Skuldebrev
Most expats living in Swedish cities purchase a bostadsrätt, which is a right to occupy an apartment within a housing association. When you take out a mortgage for this type of property, the association’s financial health is just as important as your own. Lenders will review the association’s debt levels before approving the loan. If the building has high debts, your interest rate or approval status could be affected.
The legal document you sign with the bank is the skuldebrev. This is a promissory note that outlines your liability for the debt. It is a binding agreement that stays with you even if the property value drops. If you are also considering a finance plan for a vehicle or other large purchases, ensure your total debt load does not exceed the bank’s internal stress-test limits, which often simulate interest rates much higher than current market levels.
Required Documentation for Expats
To move forward with a formal application, you must provide a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer). Without this, accessing the banking system and credit checks is nearly impossible. Lenders will also use the Kvar att leva på (KALP) calculation to ensure you have enough money left over after all housing costs and debt obligations to cover food, clothing, and everyday expenses.
- Employment contract stating your salary and role.
- The last three months of payslips.
- Bank statements showing the source of your down payment.
- A copy of your residence permit if you are a non-EU citizen.
- Information on existing debts, including any loans you have restructured previously.
Interest Rate Choices: Fixed vs. Variable
Swedish mortgages offer the choice between rörlig ränta (variable rate, usually recalculated every three months) and bunden ränta (fixed rate for 1 to 10 years). Many residents choose a mix, splitting their mortgage into different parts with different expiry dates. This strategy can hedge against sudden market shifts while still allowing for some flexibility.
Note that if you choose a fixed rate and wish to sell your home or move the mortgage before the term ends, you may be liable for ränteskillnadsersättning. This is a fee charged by the bank to compensate for the lost interest income. For expats who may need to relocate internationally on short notice, variable rates often provide the necessary flexibility to exit the contract without heavy penalties.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Lending criteria are subject to change based on individual circumstances and bank policies. Always verify current terms with a qualified professional before committing to mortgage loans in Sweden.
Can I get a mortgage in Sweden without a permanent job?
It is difficult but not impossible. Lenders strongly prefer a 'tillsvidareanställning' (permanent contract). If you are on a fixed-term or probationary contract, you may need a co-signer or a significantly higher down payment.
What is the minimum down payment for a Swedish home?
The legal minimum down payment (kontantinsats) is 15% of the property's purchase price. The remaining 85% can be covered by a mortgage.
Do I need a Swedish personnummer to apply?
Yes, a personnummer is essential for the credit check and the administrative process of registering the debt and property ownership in Sweden.
What is the 'Kvar att leva på' (KALP) calculation?
KALP is a calculation banks use to ensure you have enough disposable income remaining after all housing costs and taxes to cover a standardized cost of living.
Last updated: 23. June 2026