This is shown in a report that Statistics Sweden has produced within the framework of the cross-agency government assignment "Work in Sweden", which aims to strengthen Sweden's ability to attract, establish and retain highly qualified international talent. The report is based on a survey aimed at highly qualified labour immigrants who moved to Sweden in 2021–2024.

The survey included both labour immigrants from the EU/EEA and from third countries (persons with citizenship of countries outside the EU/EEA). In both groups, work-life balance as well as family-friendly conditions, opportunities for work and career development, and access to leisure and cultural activities are highly valued.

- In addition, third-country nationals place great emphasis on factors such as safety, the view of gender equality and the principle of equal opportunities, which indicates that broader social aspects play a central role in their choice of Sweden," says Sinisa Sauli, statistician at Statistics Sweden.

Sweden competes with other countries for international labour

About half answered that there were other countries besides Sweden that attracted at the time of their move. The share of citizens considering moving to other countries was higher among third-country nationals than from the EU/EEA.

- We have seen that countries with relatively stable labour markets, well-developed social structures and good opportunities for highly skilled jobs are particularly attractive to people who are considering moving," says Caroline Rathsmann, statistician at Statistics Sweden.

Social, economic and housing challenges

The first time period in Sweden can involve many challenges. The most common challenge is establishing social contacts and finding new friends. About half think it is difficult. The cost of living and housing situation are also perceived as significant challenges, especially among people from third countries.

- How satisfied labour immigrants are with authorities in Sweden is somewhat different for each authority. About four out of ten state that it is difficult to know which authority is responsible for what, which can create uncertainty and make contact with the public sector more difficult," says Sinisa Sauli, statistician at Statistics Sweden.

Establishment in the labour market more difficult for EU/EEA citizens

Two out of three labour immigrants from the EU/EEA are gainfully employed in Sweden. The proportion is higher among men than among women (74 percent compared to 62 percent). This may probably be related to the fact that many EU/EEA citizens - and especially women - move to a partner who is already a resident in Sweden. Such a move can affect how quickly they themselves establish themselves in the labour market. However, the gender gap in employment decreases when family situation is taken into account. Among people who do not have a partner or whose partner resides in another country, the employment rate is broadly the same for women and men; In this group, 75 percent had a job.

For labour immigrants from third countries, a work permit is required to reside and work in Sweden. This is clearly reflected in the results, with almost all labour immigrants from third countries stating that they have a job.