The 5 biggest challenges and how to tackle them

Moving to a new country is exciting, but it also comes with challenges that are easy to underestimate. When Dutch couple Ralf and Annelous Fleuren moved from the Netherlands to Småland in 2023, they quickly discovered that building a new life in Sweden involves much more than finding a house or learning a few Swedish phrases. Based on their own experiences of emigrating, settling in and adapting to Swedish society, here are five common challenges many newcomers face — and practical advice on how to prepare for them.

Challenge 1: Learning the language

English will take you a long way in Sweden, but not far enough. For true integration, finding work and understanding official communications, Swedish is essential. The good news: Swedish is one of the easier languages for Dutch speakers. The grammar is manageable, the vocabulary often familiar, and with perseverance you’ll get there.

Language learning comes in waves. There are plateaus and breakthroughs. Children pick it up remarkably quickly; adults take longer, but it is absolutely possible to learn Swedish in a short time.

What you can do:

• Start as soon as possible; Duolingo, online courses or a language café near you
• Once you’re in Sweden: enrol in SFI (Svenska för invandrare), a free Swedish course for immigrants
• Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready’, join in, even if it’s not perfect yet

Challenge 2: Finding work

The Swedish job market in regions like Kronoberg is very different from the Netherlands and certainly from the urban Randstad. There is strong demand for tradespeople — carpenters, plumbers, electricians, welders — and for people in hospitality and healthcare. Service and computer-oriented roles are less prevalent in smaller towns.

Swedish employers place great value on qualifications, preferably Swedish ones. Applying from abroad is harder; being present in person, calling ahead and dropping by makes a world of difference.

What you can do:

• Research the Swedish job market in your field and the region where you want to live
• Make sure your CV is translated into Swedish
• Consider retraining through Komvux; in Sweden you are often paid to learn a new profession
• Build your network, before and after arrival. Personal contact opens doors.

Challenge 3: Systems and bureaucracy

Swedish government systems are thorough and fairly rigid. Patience is not an option, it is a requirement. Processes can feel ‘square’. But there is a flip side: once you are in the system, the provisions are excellent. Generous parental leave, solid social security, paid retraining; Sweden takes good care of its residents.

The personnummer (personal identity number) is the key to everything: banking, work, healthcare. Applying takes time. Plan accordingly.

What you can do:

• Apply for a samordningsnummer as early as possible, even from the Netherlands
• Read official Swedish websites; they contain the most reliable information
• Compare banks; smaller banks sometimes offer more personal guidance
• Allow for long waiting times and build them into your planning

Challenge 4: Wellbeing and family life

Emigrating is a major life event. Expect a culture shock — the classic phases of the honeymoon period, frustration and gradual acceptance. Be kind to yourself and your family. It is hard, and it is normal for it to be hard.

Teenagers may find the transition particularly difficult. Keep talking. Keep connecting. And don’t forget: you moved to Sweden for a reason. Hold onto that.

What you can do:

• Deliberately plan time for the family and for your own relaxation
• Keep in touch with other Dutch people and at the same time build connections with Swedish neighbours
• Visit schools in advance to get a sense of the environment for your children
• Seek professional help if your children, especially teenagers, are struggling

Challenge 5: Finding a home

Swedish homes are not primarily seen as investments; they are lived in, maintained and often stay in the same family for generations. That is a different mindset from the Netherlands. Swedish properties, typically timber construction, have their own maintenance logic: heating systems, insulation, snow clearance. It takes some getting used to.

What you can do:

• Rent first; get to know the area and the practicalities of Swedish housing before you buy
• Seek advice from specialists; there are companies that specifically guide internationals through the buying process

Finally: embrace the Swedish pace

Two concepts often mentioned by people who have moved to Sweden are:

• “Lagom” — just enough. Not too much, not too little. A philosophy of balance that runs through Swedish life.
• “Ta det lugnt”, take it easy. Slow down. Adjust your pace.

Plan 75% of your move, and leave 25% to chance. Sweden will surprise you. In a good way.