Think Twice: 8 Powerful Reasons Not to Move to Sweden

When considering a move abroad, it’s essential to weigh both the pros and cons of your potential new home. This is particularly true for Sweden, a country known for its stunning landscapes and high standard of living. However, there are also reasons not to move to Sweden, aspects of life here that might not be suitable for everyone.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the more significant reasons not to move to Sweden, providing an unbiased perspective on life in this Scandinavian country.

From the cost of living and language barriers to cultural differences and public transportation challenges, we’ll look into the less glamorous aspects of Swedish life that could form reasons not to move to Sweden. Before we go further, if you want to see an overview of the pros and cons of living in Sweden, I recommend checking out this post first.

Don’t get me wrong, I love living in Sweden and it has gradually become my second home next to the Philippines. From my perspective, any move from the Philippines to a European country feels like a significant life upgrade, and Sweden was no exception.

However, no place is without its challenges, and Sweden isn’t an exception either. Here are a few reasons that often have me re-evaluating my decision to continue living in Sweden:

Language Barrier – The Silent Divide

Although many Swedes speak English fluently, learning the Swedish language is still vital for integrating into the local community and accessing job opportunities. While Sweden offers free language courses (SFI) for immigrants, mastering a new language can be time-consuming and challenging. This can be one of the most substantial reasons not to move to Sweden if you’re not prepared to learn a new language.

I’ve called Sweden home for five years, but I haven’t yet managed to make Swedish my third language. Daily use of Swedish is still a struggle for me. What’s more disheartening is when they switch to English, once they sense you struggle with their language.

If you’re moving to Sweden, you need to be prepared to invest the time and effort required to learn Swedish. Otherwise, you will find it difficult to build connections and navigate daily life.

I book a 30-minute lesson with a Swedish teacher in iTalki to familiarize myself with the language and boost my confidence in conversing with others.

To get an idea of the Swedish language, you can read the most common Swedish phrases and words.

Extreme Climate – A Challenge for the Seasonally Sensitive

The Swedish climate is another reason not to move to Sweden. Characterized by long, dark, and cold winters, as well as short, but intensely bright summers, it presents a stark contrast to more balanced climates. The lack of sunlight during winter can be especially tough, potentially leading to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

If you’re someone who prefers a more balanced climate, you might struggle with the weather in Sweden. The harsh winters require a certain level of mental resilience and preparedness, which can be a demanding adjustment, especially for those who are coming from more temperate climates.

To cope with the long, dark winters, people often take vitamin D supplements and strive to create cozy, comfortable living spaces. Winter can be the toughest season to endure, making homesickness more pronounced. It’s important to learn how to deal with homesickness while living abroad.

As someone from a tropical country, adapting to Sweden’s harsh, lengthy, and dark winters was a new challenge for me. However, with proper preparation and self-care strategies, it is possible to navigate and find ways to embrace the unique aspects of the Swedish climate.

Cultural Differences – The Struggle to Belong

Integrating into Swedish society can be difficult due to the distinct Swedish culture and social customs. Swedes are known for their individualistic approach to life and strict adherence to social rules, which can initially feel alienating for newcomers.

Bridging the gap between different cultures requires patience, understanding, and an open mind. In Sweden, I’ve learned that small talk isn’t as common because it’s often seen as insincere or unnecessary. Personally, I appreciate this straightforward approach—just tell me what you want or need, and I’ll do my best to assist you.

However, it’s important to note that if you’re unable to embrace and respect different cultures and ways of life, this can become a reason not to move to Sweden. Sweden is a country that values equality and fairness, extending to the treatment of people from all walks of life.

While Swedes may initially appear cold or distant, it’s important to remember that once you get to know them better, they often become warm and friendly. Engaging in small talk may not be as prevalent in Sweden, but discussing the weather is always a safe bet!

If you’ve recently moved to Sweden and are looking to connect with people, joining Facebook groups can be a great way to meet others and build a social network.

Slow Living – The Rush to Wait

The slow pace of life in Sweden could be one of the reasons not to move to Sweden.

Swedes generally take a laid-back approach to life, which is quite different from other countries. Everything from bureaucracy and paperwork to conversations with friends tends to move at a much slower pace than I’m used to.

I’ve come to terms with the reality that while many things may seem inefficient or slow, this is part of the Swedish way of life. I’ve adapted by learning to be patient and not rushing things that are beyond my control.

If you’re someone who prefers a fast-paced lifestyle, then you might find Sweden to be a bit too slow for your liking. While Sweden is known for its natural beauty, innovative technology, and high quality of life, it’s also a country that values relaxation and taking things at a leisurely pace.

If you enjoy bustling city life with plenty of social events, nightlife, and constant stimulation, then you may find Sweden to be a bit too laid-back. However, if you’re someone who values peace and quiet, enjoys spending time in nature, and appreciates a slower pace of living, then Sweden might just be the perfect destination for you.

High Taxes – The Prices of Welfare

The Swedish tax system is quite complex, and as a result, taxpayers in Sweden pay much higher taxes than in other countries. This money goes to providing the country’s registered residents with subsidized healthcare, education, and other services provided by the government.

Swedish citizens get free education.

While some people may find this taxation rate too high, I appreciate that it has enabled me to access quality healthcare, which may not have been affordable in my home country.

If you’re someone who prefers financial autonomy and is cautious about high taxes, then Sweden may not be the right place for you. The country is known for having a high cost of living and taxes that are used to provide a very extensive system of social welfare benefits to all its residents.

However, for those who value a strong safety net and high quality of life, Sweden can be a great place to call home. Of course, every person’s financial situation is unique, and what works for some may not work for others.

Racial Discrimination – The Unseen Barrier

While Sweden is often applauded for its progressive policies and open-minded attitude, the unspoken reality of hidden racism forms a significant challenge that a number of immigrants must deal with.

This covert racism isn’t just found in the workplace, but also in daily life, affecting many parts of their lives in quiet ways.

This hidden racism might show up as indirect bias at social events, unfair treatment in public services, or quiet favoritism in housing or school opportunities. Even though it’s not always easy to see, the people affected can definitely feel it.

Although some industries in Sweden, like IT, don’t require Swedish language skills, finding a job can still be a time-consuming and challenging process for foreigners.

My husband’s personal experience is an example: it took him 8 months to find a job in Stockholm’s IT industry despite having over 5 years of experience.

Coincidentally, after we updated his name in the resume from Juan Miguel to Miguel, he started to get responses.

Housing Shortage – The Tough Search

The housing shortage in Sweden presents an ongoing challenge, making it difficult to find an affordable place to live. Securing a decent apartment or house often requires solid financial resources and good Swedish language skills.

In addition, the wait times for renting or buying property can be quite long, so it’s important to start your housing search early.

I’ve had to learn how to be persistent and creative in my search for a home, as well as make sure that I’m mindful of the financial resources available to me.

If you’re planning to move to Stockholm, it’s particularly crucial to begin your apartment search before relocating due to the scarcity of rental apartments in the city. Securing an apartment in Stockholm can be a major challenge, as long-term contracts are rare, with most lasting six months and the possibility of an extension.

To provide you with more in-depth information and guidance on finding an apartment in Stockholm, I have a dedicated blog post that covers the topic. Additionally, if you’re considering buying an apartment in Sweden, I’ve shared our personal experience in another post.

These resources aim to help you navigate the housing market in Sweden, providing insights and practical advice based on firsthand experiences.

Navigating Healthcare – The Hurdles to Quality Care

While Sweden’s universal healthcare system is a major advantage, scheduling medical appointments can sometimes require significant advance notice, with wait times stretching up to three months. Emergency appointments are usually quicker to secure.

Access to healthcare in Sweden can also be problematic for foreigners who are not registered (or who don’t have a Swedish personal number).

I didn’t have problems with getting help from Kry since I moved to Sweden.

This post explores the reasons not want to move to Sweden, such as the language barrier, extreme climate, cultural differences, slow living, high taxes, racial discrimination, and the ongoing housing shortage.

Although Sweden has a high standard of living, its unique challenges may form reasons not to move to Sweden. Learning the Swedish language is key to integrating into the local community, and the long, dark winters can be tough for those who are sensitive to the change in the climate.

Bridging cultural differences takes patience, and Sweden’s slow-paced approach to life may require some adaptation. However, the high taxes allow for access to quality healthcare and education, and solid financial resources and good Swedish language skills are essential for finding a decent apartment or house in a housing shortage.