12 Convincing Reasons to Move to Sweden: Discover Your New Home

When considering a move abroad, it’s essential to weigh both the pros of living in Sweden and the cons of your potential new home. This is especially relevant for Sweden, a country renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and high quality of life. However, there are also compelling reasons to move to Sweden, aspects of life here that may be incredibly appealing to many.

In this post, we’ll delve into some of the most persuasive reasons to move to Sweden, offering an impartial view of life in this Nordic country.

From the excellent healthcare and education systems to the strong work-life balance and environmental consciousness, we’ll look into the more appealing aspects of Swedish life that could form reasons 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.

Lagom & Slow-Paced Lifestyle – The Art of Balance

One aspect of life in Sweden that I absolutely adore is the concept of lagom, which translates to “not too much, not too little” or finding the perfect balance in all aspects of life. Lagom promotes a balanced, content, and happy life, which may explain why Sweden consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world.

The Swedish lifestyle encourages me to seek contentment and appreciate my present circumstances. I found solace in the slower pace, which contrasted starkly with the constant hustle and bustle I experienced in Manila.

This laid-back lifestyle provided me with ample time to immerse myself in nature, whether that be taking leisurely strolls through the woods or relaxing by a tranquil lake. However, some people might find this change of pace too slow for their liking.

Fika – The Social Coffee Break Tradition

Swedes are truly passionate about their coffee. Fika is a quintessential Swedish tradition in which friends, family, or colleagues gather to enjoy coffee or tea while indulging in a sweet treat. This practice is somewhat similar to the Filipino merienda, where people come together for a coffee break.

If you’re looking for the best spots to enjoy fika in Stockholm, I recommend trying Mr. Cake, Vetekatten, Fabrique, Cafe Pascal, and Bröd & Salt.

Midsummer & Long Vacation Days – The Joy of Extra Pay

Sweden’s progressive approach to workers’ rights is evident in its generous vacation policies. Employees in the European Union are entitled to a minimum of 20 paid vacation days per year, but Swedish companies typically offer between 25 and 30 days. Additionally, Swedish workers receive a premium on their monthly salaries during vacation time.

Summer is a particularly popular time for Swedes to travel and soak up the sun, as winter months can be harsh and long. The Swedish Midsummer is a celebration of the longest day of the year, and it’s an opportunity for residents to embrace the outdoors and make the most of the pleasant weather.

Dependable Public Transportation – The Ease of Movement

When I first moved to Stockholm, one of the aspects I immediately appreciated was the city’s reliable public transportation system. Stockholm’s efficient and extensive public transportation network, managed by SL, includes metros, commuter trains, railways, trams, buses, and even boats.

Attractive Salaries in IT – The Lure of Lucrative Opportunities

Sweden’s high quality of life and favorable working conditions make it an appealing destination for many people. Livable salaries across various professions, particularly in IT, are among the top reasons to move to Sweden.

From software engineering to web development, IT jobs in Sweden are highly sought after and come with competitive wages, making the country an attractive hub for tech professionals.

Work-Life Balance – The Pursuit of Harmony

One of the primary reasons to move to Sweden was its strong emphasis on work-life balance.

While it depends on your industry, many companies in Sweden do not require Swedish language proficiency. If you wish to learn the language, you may also receive an allowance to cover a portion of the fees associated with language courses.

Closing the Gender Gap – The Stride Towards Equality

Sweden is one of the most gender-equal countries in the world, a fact that becomes increasingly apparent when comparing it to other nations. The pay gap between men and women in Sweden is narrowing, although men still earn roughly 11% more than women.

This anecdotal example illustrates the progress being made: two employees, one with twice the experience of the other, may receive equal pay. The only difference is that the less experienced employee is male.

Furthermore, it’s a common sight to see fathers pushing strollers throughout the city, reflecting a more equitable division of childcare responsibilities.

Comprehensive Social Welfare – The Assurance of Support

Sweden boasts one of the world’s most comprehensive social welfare systems, providing registered residents with access to essential benefits, such as healthcare, social benefits, and education.

Healthcare

The Swedish healthcare system is not 100% free, but the maximum amount you have to pay out of pocket is 1,300 SEK per year. That’s almost free care!

If you work for a company, you’ll also receive health insurance that includes access to private healthcare. In addition, digital healthcare platforms like Kry or Doktor.se enable you to consult with a doctor within minutes for a variety of medical concerns.

While Sweden’s healthcare system is quite affordable, keep in mind that dental care can be relatively expensive. In fact, I consider healthcare in Sweden to have its drawbacks, which I’ll share in more detail later.

However, Sweden’s social welfare system offers numerous benefits that help improve the quality of life for its residents. Here are some examples of the social benefits available in Sweden:

If you are curious about Swedish Social Insurance, you may visit Försäkringskassan.

Free and accessible education

Sweden is committed to providing accessible education for all. Education is free for children between the ages of 6 and 19, and as far as I know, students also receive free lunch! Furthermore, Sweden offers free college education within the European Union for public institutions, making higher education more attainable for a wider range of individuals.

Inclusive and LGBTQ-Friendly – The Embrace of Diversity

Sweden is known as one of the most progressive and LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. Since 2009, marriage equality has been a reality, granting same-sex couples the same rights and responsibilities in all aspects of life.

The country’s comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protect individuals in areas such as employment, education, and healthcare. Sweden is dedicated to creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ community, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves without fear of judgment or persecution.

Diverse Food Options – The Feast for All Palates

Sweden offers a wide variety of food options, catering to all dietary preferences. Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian individuals will find numerous restaurants and dishes to enjoy. While traditional Swedish cuisine may differ from what you might be accustomed to, there is always something to suit your tastes.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability – The Pledge to the Planet

Sweden is a global leader in environmental sustainability, having passed the world’s first environmental protection act in 1967.

Recycling is a common practice among residents, with various materials being separated and processed accordingly. The country also implements a deposit system for cans and bottles to further encourage recycling efforts.

Sweden is an environmental pioneer and was the first country in the world to pass an environmental protection act in 1967.

One of the common practices when living in Sweden is to recycle. Before relocating to Sweden, I had to check how to recycle since this concept is new to me. In my first apartment, the recycling station is around 15 15-minute walk away because my apartment is old and the association doesn’t have any recycling room.

A Diverse and Multicultural Society – The Melting Pot of Cultures

Sweden is a diverse and multicultural country, boasting a rich tapestry of people from all corners of the globe. This diversity creates opportunities for learning about different cultures and enjoying a wide range of culinary experiences. Stockholm, in particular, is home to a plethora of fantastic restaurants, offering exciting flavors and dishes to discover.

Although the main language in Sweden is Swedish, the majority of people can communicate in English, making it easy for newcomers to feel welcomed and integrated into society.

Want to learn Swedish? I recommend iTalki! I use iTalki to familiarize myself with the language and boost my confidence in conversing with others.

Final Thoughts: Reasons To Move to Sweden

Sweden has become one of the most attractive destinations to live and work and for a good reason. With its breathtaking landscapes, high-quality healthcare system, and progressive living and working conditions, Sweden has become a magnetic hub for expats or immigrants. These are just a few reasons to move to Sweden.

In this post, I shared an impartial perspective on why Sweden may be an ideal place to call home. From the laid-back, balanced lifestyle to reliable public transportation, this Nordic nation provides many aspects of life that can make it appealing to many.

Notably, employees here are granted a minimum of five weeks of paid vacation, and comprehensive social welfare systems can support residents’ living standards. It also fosters an inclusive environment that creates safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, empowering people to be themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination.

There is something for everyone in Sweden. With diverse food options, a multicultural society, and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, Sweden has become a melting pot of cultures, attracting people from various backgrounds worldwide.

Read More: Living in Sweden