Top 3 Pros and Cons why you should move to Sweden or Denmark
1. Good Healthcare system
Both Sweden and Denmark have very good healthcare system. You need a minimum money to visit hospitals in Sweden but you don’t even need that in Denmark. Isn’t that nice? You walk into the hospital with a scanning card which need to be scanned at the hospital and that is it. No penny is wasted. It’s huge deal for me since I come from India where healthcare cost is the most expensive one apart from education.
2. Economy
Both Sweden and Denmark have a very good economy. The state provides free school education, long paternity and maternity leaves for parents (This personally helped me a lot being a first time parent). On top of this, the state also pays about 4500 DKK once in three month for each child you have. Now, that is just awesome.
3. Flat work structure
This is one of my favorite reasons I am in Denmark. You address everybody by their name irrespective of their position or title. Everybody is equal. The welfare model operates on Flexicurity – which combines the word flexible and security. This model provides smooth transition between flexible jobs at the same time providing job security. This model creates opportunities for more jobs in the market. As an expat, you will enjoy your time both in Sweden and in Denmark.
People here are friendly and welcoming. However, you need to consider one more important thing while choosing for long term settlement. Sweden do not have strict rules when it comes to citizenship but on the other hand, Denmark have very strict rules with regards to citizenship. However, if you have a permanent job for about 4 years, you could get permanent resident in Denmark by passing a examination (material will be provided in Danish/English and other languages).
General cons of living in Sweden and Denmark
1. High Tax
High Tax has both its own advantages and disadvantages. The Danish tax can vary between 38% – 53% depending on a persons monthly income. Most of the Danes are proud to pay their taxes and contribute to their welfare system. On the other hand, Sweden has a moderate tax when compared to Denmark, which can vary between 28% – 35% depending on a persons monthly income.
Denmark have good welfare system, free education system, unemployment benefits etc., due to its high tax levels. Sweden still have the same benefits as Denmark with moderate tax levels.
2. Cold, Windy and Dark Winter Days
One thing that I hate about these two Scandinavian countries are their harsh winter days. Denmark have dark and windy winter days which makes it colder than its actual temperature. While Sweden have snow throughout their winter (depends on your location) which gives light to the dark winter days. During winter season, you can get as less as sunlight to about only 4 hours a day. Isn’t it quite hard for a person who have moved from India where sun is shining 365 days a year?
3. Language Barrier for Carrier
Language barrier is certainly visible in both Danish and Swedish markets. IT sector is flexible with the language but other sectors require certain level of local language before finding a decent job. According to my own perception, Denmark is quiet flexible when compared to Sweden.
