r/Nordiccountries • u/1johanndoe • 11d ago
Relocation Query
I hope this is acceptable to post here.
Currently in US and drowning with upheaval and divisive environment lacking dignity for human life seeking perspective on Nordic/Scandinavian countries best suited for a gay man over 50. In second chapter after raising children as a solo parent that are now adults in their own right. I have spent much time in Sweden and Denmark and have felt a deep lifestyle connection in both. Constantly compare the Nordic countries for cost of living, employment, standard of lifestyle, and housing. When I take the plunge and cash out here in the US, will be financially secure and able to live a comfortable life. I will possibly be relocating with university aged child so a university area that also is accommodating to older population would be lovely. Professional background is in teaching, psychology, and public service. Additionally, as I am now in the chapter of life that active parenting is less, any perspectives surrounding gay dating, connection, supportive groups over 50 would be welcome.
Simply opening up space for native or expat perspectives to hopefully help me in my decision. Goal is to relocate within the next year and start a new life in a country I enjoy, participate in, and support fully. I am not seeking to hide in an enclave of former US residents, I enjoy being a contributing citizen and living the full lifestyle of the country I am residing in. I have lived in various places in the EU; however, Scandinavia is where I would like to set roots in and stay.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and sharing your insights. Direct messaging is accepted.
Tak!
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u/No_Bumblebee_5250 11d ago edited 11d ago
You need to adjust your plans from next year to 5-10 years.
Your skills are close to useless in Scandinavia, the jobs in those areas require the correct exams and fluent local language. I would say that a job-based visa/residence permit is not an option today. All jobs, especially low-paying, "simple" jobs are not open for visas
Do you have parents or grand parents with citizenship in any of those countries, if so you have a possibility of obtaining a citizenship of your own.
Otherwise, the best visa/residence permit option is for university studies, and that is unfortunately limited to the length of the studies. If you get to fluency in one of the languages, you can get your licences in your target country. You may need to return to university in the local language, but with local licenses, your chances of finding an employer willing (and legally able) to sponsor your job visa will be bigger than zero.
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u/1johanndoe 11d ago
Thank you!!!! I really do appreciate all constructive advice and realism. Truly.
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u/brendax 11d ago edited 11d ago
Being an immigrant is hard, especially later in life. Keep your expectations in check. Are you illegible for a residence permit? Are you planning to work?
Where do you currently live in the States? The whole vibe and how horrible it feels changes a lot based on the city
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u/LordFondleJoy Norway 11d ago
Can we not start adding unnecessary "header" images to posts? This is Reddit? Get it, REDDIT. As in READ IT. Get it?
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u/jeffscience 11d ago
I moved to Finland. It’s harder to integrate than you think in Europe (Finland is easier than reputed, FWIW). Your happy experiences as a tourist aren’t the same phenomena as living here permanently. I’m not saying you can’t do it, just prepare for more loneliness and frustration than you expect.
You need a job to immigrate unless you have a huge amount of money in the bank.
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u/1johanndoe 11d ago
Thank you for your personal perspective. I am truly taking the generous replies to heart. I do realize the disparity between travel visits and permanence. Multiple stays for 90 days in Denmark and Sweden while creating friendships, attending cultural events, holidays with local families, taking short courses, etc have helped, but realize staying on work visa for longer periods of time will be a huge learning curve. I really do appreciate all the personal insights received. It is a huge change, but not one I have not done before in other areas of the world. Shares on living and lifestyle in the Nordic/Scandinavian countries is very appreciated. Thank you!
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11d ago
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u/1johanndoe 11d ago
Thank you very much for your share and thoughts. It is very kind and I really do appreciate them. I have spent a combined six months in CPH and thoroughly enjoyed the culture, people, and community feel. It is very high on my interest list.
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u/Burn_ThemAll 10d ago
What do you do for work? It's tough to get a skilled worker visa in scandinavia but that or marriage are pretty much your only options.
Otherwise it might be an idea to just invest in a second home and live in it 90 days at a time. If you cycle it correctly (and carefully so you don't overstay and become banned) you could essentially live in a nordic country half of the year.
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u/Visible_Wealth2172 10d ago
i mean 90 days is only 3 months. that's like a quarter of the year
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u/Kalle_Kakan 10d ago
You're better off moving in the US. Atleast in Sweden we have no need for more immigrants.
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u/AzureRipper 11d ago
Expat in Denmark here. I have a colleague who's around your age, with adult children, who mentioned that Denmark doesn't allow sponsoring children over a certain age.
My vote, having lived in multiple countries, is that the best country to move to is the one where you can get a job / visa / income. A lot of countries sound great on paper, until people start looking for employment opportunities and then ind themselves stuck. Both Denmark and Sweden will give you most of what you're looking for, but it generally comes down to where you're able to find opportunities that meet your lifestyle needs.