Thinking about relocating to Ireland or Sweden? This comprehensive Ireland vs Sweden comparison covers everything expats and international workers need to know: average salaries, tax rates, work-life balance, annual leave policies, maternity and paternity leave, and cost of living considerations. Whether you're a software developer, engineer, or professional considering a move to Europe, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Average Salary Difference
-89.1%
Sweden pays more
Ireland
€52,000
avg. salary
Sweden
SEK 477,600
avg. salary
Ireland vs Sweden Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€52,000SEK 477,600Median Salary
€45,000SEK 420,000Minimum Wage
€24,960SEK 0Top 10%
€90,000SEK 720,000Work-Life Balance: Ireland vs Sweden
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
39 hours
40 hours
Annual Leave
20 days (statutory minimum)
25 days minimum (by law)
Public Holidays
10 days
13 days
Sick Leave
5 paid sick days per year (Sick Leave Act 2022, increasing to 7 in 2025, 10 in 2026)
Day 1 unpaid (karensdag), days 2-14 at 80% from employer, then Forsäkringskassan at 80%
Maternity Leave
26 weeks paid + 16 weeks unpaid
480 days shared parental leave at 80% salary (capped)
Paternity Leave
2 weeks paid
480 days shared (90 days reserved per parent)
Ireland vs Sweden for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
Ireland
Why Work in Ireland
English-Speaking
No language barrier for English speakers, making it the most accessible EU country for anglophone workers
Tech Hub
Google, Meta, Apple, Microsoft, and many other multinationals have European HQs in Ireland
Generous Tax Credits
€4,000 in personal + PAYE tax credits significantly reduces tax burden for PAYE workers
Young, Growing Economy
One of the fastest-growing economies in the EU with low unemployment
EU Membership
Full EU/EEA access with freedom of movement, making relocation straightforward for EU citizens
Challenges of Living in Ireland
High Cost of Living
Dublin housing costs are among the highest in Europe with significant rental shortages
Housing Crisis
Chronic undersupply of housing, especially in Dublin, Cork, and Galway
High Marginal Tax Rate
Combined PAYE + USC + PRSI can reach 52% on income above €44,000
Healthcare
Public healthcare has long waiting lists; many workers opt for private health insurance
Weather
Mild but wet and overcast climate with limited sunshine, especially in winter
Sweden
Why Work in Sweden
Excellent Work-Life Balance
Strong labor laws, 25 days minimum vacation, generous parental leave, and fika culture.
Innovation Hub
Home to Spotify, Klarna, IKEA, and a world-leading startup ecosystem (Stockholm is Europe's unicorn factory).
Strong Social Safety Net
Comprehensive healthcare, education, unemployment insurance, and pension system.
High English Proficiency
One of the highest English proficiency rates in the world - easy to work without Swedish initially.
Gender Equality
World leader in gender equality with shared parental leave and equal opportunity policies.
Challenges of Living in Sweden
High Tax Rates
Combined municipal and state tax can reach over 50% for high earners.
High Cost of Living
Especially in Stockholm - housing is expensive and finding rental apartments is notoriously difficult.
Dark Winters
Very short daylight hours in winter (as little as 6 hours in Stockholm, less in the north).
Housing Shortage
Major cities, especially Stockholm, have severe housing shortages with long queue times for rental contracts.
Reserved Culture
Swedes can be perceived as reserved and it may take time to build social connections.
Tax Rates Ireland vs Sweden
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
Ireland
- Income Tax: 20% standard rate up to €44,000; 40% higher rate above
- USC: 0.5% to 8% progressive Universal Social Charge
- PRSI: 4.2% employee contribution (Class A)
- Tax Credits: €2,000 Personal + €2,000 PAYE = €4,000 total
- Pension: Contributions are tax-deductible (age-based limits)
Sweden
- Municipal tax averages 32.38% on all taxable income
- State tax of 20% applies above SEK 643,000
- Generous jobbskatteavdrag (earned income tax credit) reduces effective rate
- 7% pension contribution fully offset by tax credit
- No statutory minimum wage - wages set by collective agreements
Best Cities to Work in Ireland and Sweden
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Ireland
Sweden
How to Find Jobs in Ireland vs Sweden
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Ireland
Sweden
LinkedIn is widely used. Arbetsförmedlingen is the public employment service.
Recruitment Agencies
Agencies like Randstad, Manpower, and Adecco are widely used for professional placements.
Work Visa Options: Ireland vs Sweden
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
Ireland Work Visas
Critical Skills Employment Permit
For highly skilled workers in shortage occupations (tech, engineering, healthcare)
General Employment Permit
For most other employment not on the ineligible list
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
Full right to live and work in Ireland without permits
Sweden Work Visas
Work Permit (Arbetstillstånd)
Standard work permit for non-EU/EEA citizens with a job offer in Sweden.
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified non-EU workers with a university degree.
ICT Permit
Intra-corporate transfer for managers, specialists, and trainees.
EU/EEA Citizen Registration
EU/EEA citizens have the right to live and work freely in Sweden.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ireland vs Sweden
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Ireland vs Sweden?
The average salary in Ireland is €52,000 per year, while in Sweden it is SEK 477,600 per year. This represents a 89.1% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Ireland or Sweden?
Ireland offers 20 days (statutory minimum) annual leave and 10 public holidays with a 39 hours work week. Sweden offers 25 days minimum (by law) annual leave and 13 public holidays with a 40 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between Ireland and Sweden?
In Ireland, maternity leave is 26 weeks paid + 16 weeks unpaid and paternity leave is 2 weeks paid. In Sweden, maternity leave is 480 days shared parental leave at 80% salary (capped) and paternity leave is 480 days shared (90 days reserved per parent).
Is it better to work in Ireland or Sweden as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Ireland offers: English-Speaking, Tech Hub. Sweden offers: Excellent Work-Life Balance, Innovation Hub. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Ireland and Sweden?
Ireland: Income Tax: 20% standard rate up to €44,000; 40% higher rate above. Sweden: Municipal tax averages 32.38% on all taxable income. Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Ireland or Sweden
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
