Why the Nordic region ranks so highly with expats

Table of contents

1. Diverse range of job opportunities

2. High-quality healthcare systems

3. Stunning natural landscapes

4. Good work-life balance

5. Focus on sustainable living

From their high quality healthcare systems and array of job opportunities, to their stunning natural landscapes and focus on sustainable living, it’s no surprise that so many expats have decided to settle in this region.

Let’s delve into some of the key reasons why the Nordics rank highly with expats from around the world.

Diverse range of job opportunities

There’s a wide range of job opportunities available for those looking to move to the Nordics, including in the finance, healthcare, technology and energy sectors.

The region has an impressive average employment rate of 77.8% as of 2022, an attractive prospect for expats - nearly 8% above the EU’s.² It’s also recognised for having some of the strongest economies in Europe, with an average GDP per capita of €42,400 in 2021, compared to the EU’s €32,400.³

Here’s a few examples of measures these countries have in place to attract skilled foreign talent to their shores:

• Denmark’s Positive List for Skilled work: this list details industries that are experiencing skills gaps. It’s used to determine an individual’s eligibility for skilled roles, with the ultimate goal of addressing job shortages.

• Finland’s skilled worker permit: introduced in June 2022, the skilled worker permit is designed for foreign nationals who have special knowledge and qualifications that can support the Finnish economy.

• Sweden’s fast-track scheme: the scheme is designed to streamline the visa application process for highly-qualified workers by aiming to provide a 30-day turnaround for submissions.

Considering relocating to another country for a new job? Check out our tips for adjusting to a different work culture to help with this transition.

High-quality healthcare systems

Another draw of the Nordics is the quality of their healthcare, with all countries in the region ranking in the top ten for their healthcare systems in Statista’s 2023 Health Index.⁴

Based on factors such as access to services required to maintain good health, healthcare systems and the population’s health, the research demonstrates the overall high standards of healthcare delivery across the region.

All of these countries offer universal healthcare, which means their residents can access medical treatment whenever they need it without experiencing financial difficulty according to the World Health Organisation.⁵ However, it’s important to note that patients may have to pay for some of their medical care, though limits are often placed on any out-of-pocket expenses.

Did you know that having private health insurance can be a pre-requisite for a visa when relocating to the Nordics? Individuals should conduct thorough research before their move to determine if this is something they need to provide.

Expats could consider international health insurance to protect their healthcare needs when living abroad. Benefits of this can include offering prompt access to a wide range of medical treatment and the freedom to decide where their treated and by who, so long as it is within their chosen area of cover.

Find out more about the benefits of international medical insurance by clicking here.

Stunning natural landscapes

The Nordic countries also attract expats with their remarkable natural beauty, from the Norwegian fjords and Icelandic glaciers to Sweden’s beautiful lakes and Finland’s expansive forests.

Living in this region could be an ideal choice for those who enjoy outdoor activities, with sports such as kayaking, hiking, surfing, swimming and skiing acting as popular pastimes.

The importance of spending time outside for a person's health and wellbeing is deeply integrated into Nordic culture. This is evidenced with Sweden’s “Allemansrätten” and Finland’s “Jokamiehenoikeudet” principles, which grant individuals the right to freely roam across both public and private land, provided it is done with respect for the environment.

Good work-life balance

The Nordics are recognised for encouraging a healthy work-life balance for employees, helping to improve their overall job satisfaction and reducing the likelihood of burnout.

They offer some of the longest parental leave entitlements in Europe. For example, Sweden and Norway offer 68 weeks and 59 weeks respectively which can be divided between both parents — significantly higher than the EU minimum allowance of 15 weeks.

Workers here earn an average salary of €42,400, which is well above the EU’s €28,217, adding to its appeal for expats.⁶ Additionally, with an average of 25 of annual leave, employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance that promotes both productivity and personal well-being.

The Nordic region’s reputation for offering a high quality of life is reflected in its consistent top ratings in the World Happiness Report, where Finland has been voted the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year.⁷

Focus on sustainable living

Another attractive feature of life in the Nordic region is how its leading the way for clean and sustainable living in Europe.

According to the World Air Quality Report, the Nordic countries have some of the lowest pollution levels in Europe, with Sweden having the lowest, followed closely by Norway and Denmark.⁸ Sustainable transport plays a large role in this, with electric vehicles widely used by the population - nearly 50% of all bicycles sold in Denmark in 2022 electric.⁹

Many initiatives have been introduced by the different Nordic governments to support the environment:

• Finland’s goal to be carbon neutral by the year 2035: this is a key part of the government’s Climate Change Act, and focuses on areas like sustainable land use, renewable energy, and low-carbon construction.  

• Demark aims to have 100% renewable energy by 2050: Denmark is heavily investing in this sector, with wind power responsible for almost 60% of the country’s energy in 2023.¹⁰

• Iceland’s eco-friendly tourism: in recent years Iceland has been promoting sustainable tourism practices with eco-friendly accommodation, green transport architecture and wildlife conservation.