Making Friends in Sweden: Associations and Study Circles

Swedes are often friendlier than their reputation, but friendships here tend to start around a shared activity rather than a chance conversation. That is why associations matter so much. This goes deeper than the unwritten rules.

Associations (föreningar)

Sports, music, choirs, languages, crafts, outdoor life: many people in Sweden meet others through an association. Your municipality's website usually lists local associations, and some groups meet in English.

Study circles

A study circle (studiecirkel) is a group that studies something together, run by a study association (studieförbund), an organisation with courses for adults. Informationsverige: education for adults

Joining a board

Later on, joining an association's board (styrelse) is a common way to get to know people: meetings, shared responsibility and something to do together.

Tip: Keep the Swedish going. Ask people to keep speaking Swedish with you; an association is a good place to practise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I meet people in Sweden?

Many people make friends through associations (föreningar) and study circles around a shared activity. Your municipality's website usually lists local associations.

Moving for work? How Settio helps

Settio helps employers and immigration and relocation agencies run the whole move in one place, so the person moving can focus on settling in:

• Before the move: one plan for the permit and the move, with every step and deadline. A partner and children get their own steps in the same household.
• After arrival: the employee portal shows the newcomer their next steps on their phone, in their language, from registering after arrival to help for settling in.
• When the permit runs out: permit monitoring flags the extension in good time.

HR teams and agencies can start for free. Moving yourself? Try our free tools for life in Sweden.

Sources

1 official source

• Informationsverige: education for adults (in Swedish)