Germany vs Sweden: Which is Better for Immigration in 2025?

Category 

Germany 

Sweden 

Immigration Index

Ranked higher in 2025, seen as more desirable for immigrants.

Lower score than Germany in 2025.

Skilled Immigration

Significant increase in skilled worker immigration, making it more attractive for qualified individuals.

No recent surge in skilled immigration noted.

Asylum Applications

Applications have declined sharply in 2024–2025, partly due to stricter policies.

No recent major change reported; remains a positive net migration country.

Student Visas

Notable rise in student visas, showing growing interest in study.

No specific recent data on student visa trends.

Historical Context

Longstanding top destination for immigrants in Europe since 1990.

Long history as a country of immigration, with fluctuating rates.

Residence Permits

Large numbers of permits granted for work, family, and EU/EES mobility.

Issues various permits for family, work, asylum, and EU/EES reasons.

Net Migration

Positive, with a large and growing foreign-born population (16.88 million in 2024).

Positive net migration rate; 20.4% of population is foreign-born

Profession 

Sweden Average Monthly Salary (SEK)

Germany Average Monthly Salary (€)

Engineers

47,650/mo ≈ 571,800/yr

60,000 – 80,000

Teachers

20,800–29,200/mo

40,000 – 55,000

Nurses

30,000–38,000/mo

35,000 – 50,000

Admin Assistants

23,000–29,000/mo

30,000 – 40,000

Retail Salespersons

25,000–35,000/mo

25,000 – 35,000

General Average

34,800–44,975/mo

~49,200 (€40,000–€55,000)

Category 

Germany 

Sweden 

Cost of Living (1 person)

$1,601 (€1,480)

$1,540 (€1,425)

Rent (1-bed downtown)

$774 (€715)

$843 (€780)

Rent (1-bed cheap area)

$593 (€550)

$641 (€595)

Utilities (1 person)

$179 (€165)

$76.5 (€71)

Groceries

$501 (€463)

$509 (€470)

Public Transport (Monthly)

€58 (2025 ticket)

$76.4 (€70)

Eating Out (Lunch)

$14.3 (€13)

$12.3 (€11.2)

Internet

$44.3 (€41)

$32.5 (€30)

Average Salary (after tax)

$2,931 (€2,710)

$2,930 (€2,710)

General Range

€800–€1,000

€900–€1,200

Quality of Life

91/100

91/100

Social Welfare

High, but lower taxes

Very high, higher taxes

Category 

Germany 

Sweden

General Safety

Consistently ranks among safest globally, especially for international students.

Very safe, but the security situation has worsened recently.

Crime Rates

Relatively low; overall crime fell 1.7% in 2024, but violent crime rose 1.5%, highest since 2007.

Rise in violent crime, especially gang-related violence and explosions in urban areas.

Specific Concerns

Caution advised in crowded areas/events; rise in sexual violence and youth offenses noted.

U.S. Embassy issues security alerts; vigilance urged especially around embassies and sensitive locations.

Terrorism Threat

No recent major incidents; crime by foreigners noted but with strong law enforcement and deportations.

Terror threat level high (4/5); threats mainly from violent Islamist and right-wing extremists; lone actors prevalent.

Crime Rate Trend

Crime rate per 100K population declined 3.39% in 2018; recent increases in some violent crimes noted.

The security situation deteriorated; terrorist threat level raised; hybrid extremist threats increasing.

Authorities’ Response

Increased prosecutions, electronic monitoring for protection, higher deportations of offenders.

National strategy against violent extremism; enhanced collaboration among security agencies.

Aspect

Germary 

Sweden 

Quality of Life Rank (2025)

9th in Europe, 7th globally

2nd in Europe and globally

Work-Life Balance

Good, focus on efficiency and productivity

Excellent, flexible hours, strong focus on well-being

Average Working Hours

35–40 hours/week

Up to 40 hours/week

Paid Vacation

20–30 days annually

25 days annually

Parental Leave

Up to 14 months (shared, paid)

480 days (shared, paid; highly flexible, transferable)

Healthcare System

Public, mandatory health insurance

Universal, largely free for residents

Safety Index Rank (2025)

15th in Europe

28th in Europe

Environmental Focus

High, varies by region

Very high, strong sustainability and green living focus

Sick Leave

Up to 6 weeks paid, covered by insurance

80% salary for first 2 weeks (employer), then by social insurance

Factor 

Germany 

Sweden 

Labor Protections

Strong labor laws including notice periods and severance pay; employment contracts can be electronic since 2025

Strong labor laws with “just cause” required for termination; written employment agreement mandatory within one month

Unemployment Benefits

Up to 67% of previous salary for up to 12 months

Up to 80% of previous salary for up to 300 days (450 days of children); new law effective Oct 2025 improves eligibility

Job Security

High in sectors like engineering, manufacturing, healthcare; strong protections and increased deportations for offenders

High, especially in tech, public, and green energy sectors; strong protections against unfair dismissal

Redundancy Protection

Layoffs must be justified by companies with compensation offered

Strict legal framework for layoffs; strong protection against unfair dismissal; obligation to offer permanent employment to long-term temps

Employment Contracts

No strict written form required; text form (electronic) accepted since 2025; fixed-term contracts require written form

Written contract required within one month; probation period up to 6 months allowed

Working Hours & Leave

35–40 hours/week; paid vacation 20–30 days; parental leave up to 14 months shared between parents; paid sick leave up to 6 weeks

Up to 40 hours/week; 25 days vacation; parental leave 480 days shared; employer pays 80% salary first 14 days sick leave

Collective Bargaining

Numerous agreements renegotiated in 2025 affecting 3.4 million employees

Around 500 central-level collective agreements renegotiated in 2025

Aspect

Germany 

Sweden

Tax Residency

Worldwide income for residents (≥183 days/year)

Worldwide income for residents (permanent stay, >6 months, or strong ties)

Personal Income Tax Rates (2025)

Progressive: 0% (≤€12,096), 14–42% (€12,097–€277,825), 45% (>€277,825)

Progressive: 0% (≤SEK 625,800), 20% (>SEK 625,800), up to 52% total with municipal tax

Solidarity Surcharge

Yes (5.5% on income tax)

No

Capital Gains Tax

Flat 25%

Flat 30%

Church Tax

Yes (8–9%)

No

Tax for Non-residents

German-source income only

Flat 25% on certain Swedish-source income

Special Exemption for Foreign Workers

Limited incentives, some expat reliefs and deductions

Up to 25% tax-free for first 7 years (expert tax relief)

Aspect 

Germany 

Sweden 

Average Working Hours/Week

34.4 hours (all employed, 2023); 39.2 hours (full-time)

37.6 hours (all employed, 2023); up to 40 hours (full-time)

Overtime Pay

Compensated with additional pay or time off

Overtime must be compensated, typically with time off or extra pay

Paid Vacation

20–30 days annually

25 days annually

Parental Leave

Up to 14 months (shared, paid); up to 3 years job-protected

480 days (shared, paid); new law allows transfer of days to non-guardians

Sick Leave

Paid up to 6 weeks (covered by health insurance)

80% of salary for first 2 weeks (employer), then by social insurance

Document 

Germany 

Sweden 

Valid Passport

Required

Required

Job Offer

Required; must meet minimum salary threshold (€43,470/year in 2025)

Required

University Degree

Required or vocational qualification recognized or comparable

Not mandatory, but proof of qualification helps

Proof of Health Insurance

Required

Proof of Swedish or EU health insurance

Proof of Accommodation

Required

Required

Proof of Financial Stability

Required (to cover living expenses)

Required

Language Certificate

No longer mandatory for visa as of 2025; basic German (A1) or English (B2) recommended for Opportunity Card

Not mandatory