Moving to a new country like Sweden can be an exciting but challenging experience — especially when you first arrive and need a place to stay. For immigrants and asylum seekers in Sweden, finding affordable and temporary housing is often the first hurdle. In this article, we explore the most budget‑friendly temporary housing options available in Sweden, how they work, what to expect, and practical tips for newcomers.
Why Temporary Housing Matters for New Immigrants
When you arrive as an immigrant or asylum seeker in Sweden, housing is usually the first step toward building stability, finding work, and integrating into society. Temporary housing helps bridge the gap between arrival and securing more permanent accommodation. It can help you save money, reduce stress, and provide time to understand the Swedish rental system before committing to a long-term lease.
Depending on your situation — whether you are seeking asylum, arriving under a temporary protection permit, or relocating for work or studies — there are different housing pathways. Some are provided by the government, while others are part of the private rental market.
Government‑Provided Temporary Housing: Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket) Offerings
For many asylum seekers and newly arrived immigrants, the most accessible and budget‑friendly option is accommodation organized by the Swedish Migration Agency. Migrationsverket+2Migrationsverket+2
Reception Centres and Shared Accommodation
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What it is: If you apply for asylum, you are entitled to accommodation provided by the Swedish Migration Agency while your application is being processed. Migrationsverket+2Asylum Info Database+2
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How it works: You may be placed in a shared flat or collective centre, often with several people living in one apartment or building. Single adults typically share a room with others of the same sex, while families are usually given their own room. Migrationsverket+2Migrationsverket+2
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Cost / Fees: If you have no means to pay, housing can be free. If you have some resources or income, there are standard nominal fees. For example, accommodation fees can be around SEK 2,100 per adult per month. Migrationsverket+2Migrationsverket+2
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Meals / Additional Costs: If food is provided in a shared dining area, there may be additional charges for meals. Migrationsverket+1
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Who is eligible: Asylum seekers, refugees, and people under certain protection directives. If you later get a residence permit and are registered, you might no longer be entitled to this form of housing support. Migrationsverket+2Asylum Info Database+2
This type of government housing remains the most reliable and low‑cost option immediately after arrival. For newcomers without income or resources, it provides a safe shelter without major upfront cost, giving them breathing room while they settle, search for jobs, or look for more permanent housing.
Private Market Options — Affordable & Flexible Alternatives
Once you start integrating, working or studying, or if you prefer more independence, private housing becomes an option. The private housing market in Sweden offers several budget‑friendly ways to find temporary accommodation:
Shared Flats / Sublets (Second‑hand Rentals)
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Many newcomers rent a private room in a shared flat or take up second‑hand sublets (subletting someone else’s rental contract). This is often more flexible and can be cheaper than full apartments — especially in costly areas. Sweden Relocators+2dailyscandinavian.com+2
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Sublets and shared housing offer freedom and privacy compared to reception centres, and you may find furnished rooms ready for immediate occupancy — ideal if you don’t yet have furniture or don’t want to commit long‑term. dailyscandinavian.com+1
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However — a big caveat: subletting without the landlord’s or housing association’s permission can be risky. It may be illegal, and you could face eviction. For newcomers, it’s essential to verify that the sublet arrangement is legal and documented. Many landlords will require approval from the building’s tenant association. Sweden Relocators+1
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Additionally, demand is high and supply is limited: many people compete for a small pool of sublets, so you may need to act quickly when a room becomes available.
Short-Term Leases, Student Housing or Temporary Flats
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In some cases, small furnished apartments or studios may be available for short-term leases, especially through municipal housing companies or private landlords. These are more likely in smaller towns or suburbs where competition is less fierce. dailyscandinavian.com+1
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If you are a student, student housing or dorm‑style accommodation can also be a viable low‑cost option — and a good way to connect with others in a similar situation. dailyscandinavian.com
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Although not technically “temporary housing for immigrants,” these options offer flexibility and often require less paperwork or long-term commitment — making them suitable for short adaptation periods.
Challenges & Things to Watch Out For — What Immigrants Should Know
While the options above offer budget‑friendly paths, there are also important challenges and risks newcomers should be aware of:
Long Waiting Times for Permanent Housing
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Getting a first‑hand contract (i.e., direct rental agreement with a landlord or municipal housing company) can take years — especially in larger cities. In some areas, waiting times are estimated between 8–16 years. DIVA Portal+1
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That means temporary housing or second‑hand rentals might become the only realistic choices for a long time, which can limit stability and long‑term integration prospects. DIVA Portal+2Sweden Relocators+2
Risk of Illegal or Unreliable Sublets
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The second‑hand rental market is common among newcomers, but there are many potential traps. Some sublets are illegal (i.e., without landlord/association permission), which means a high risk of eviction. Sweden Relocators+1
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Because sublets are often short-term and temporary, renters may have to move frequently — disrupting routines, work, school, or integration efforts. DIVA Portal+1
Dependence on Asylum Policies & Social Support Rules
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If you are an asylum seeker living with government‑arranged accommodation, your housing support and allowance depend on following official procedures. For instance, as of March 2025, asylum seekers who arrange their own accommodation generally lose eligibility for daily allowances and other support tied to the government housing system. Asylum Info Database+2informationsverige.se+2
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Once you receive a residence permit and become registered, you may no longer be eligible for subsidized housing — meaning private renting becomes the main (and potentially expensive) alternative. Migrationsverket+2Asylum Info Database+2
Tips for Immigrants Seeking Affordable Temporary Housing in Sweden
Based on the landscape above, here are practical tips if you arrive in Sweden and want to secure budget‑friendly housing without headaches:
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Apply for state‑provided accommodation immediately — If you are an asylum seeker or under temporary protection, register with the Swedish Migration Agency as soon as possible. Their housing option is often free or very affordable, and provides a safe start.
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Use reputable rental platforms for second‑hand rentals — If you opt for private housing, use trusted sites (or community recommendations) to find sublets or shared flats. Always verify that the landlord or housing association has approved the sublet.
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Start searching early and be persistent — The rental market is competitive. If you are looking for rooms or sublets, monitor listings frequently, respond promptly, and be ready to act fast.
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Consider less‑central areas or smaller towns — Housing tends to be cheaper and more accessible outside major cities like Stockholm. For newcomers, starting in a smaller town can make settling easier, then moving later once you are more established.
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Watch out for legal issues — Avoid sublets without permission. Always insist on documentation and don’t pay deposits before you see the place in person and verify its legality.
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Be prepared for flexibility — Temporary housing — whether from the government or private market — often involves shared facilities, frequent moves, or short-term contracts. Patience and adaptability are key.
Conclusion
For immigrants in Sweden, securing affordable, temporary housing is a crucial first step toward building a new life — and luckily, there are several budget‑friendly paths to choose from. The government‑provided accommodation from the Swedish Migration Agency remains the most accessible and reliable starting point for asylum seekers and protection‑permit holders. Meanwhile, the private rental market — via sublets, shared flats or short-term leases — offers flexibility and independence for those willing to navigate the challenges and legalities.
That said, the shortage of long-term, affordable housing and lengthy wait times for official contracts make temporary housing a long-term reality for many newcomers. As an immigrant, staying informed, being cautious, and actively searching — rather than waiting — dramatically increases your chances of finding safe, affordable accommodation.