expats Scandinavia

[Pimpernel]

Hello,

I'm quite unhappy with the outlook for the next couple of years in the UK (rise in income tax; rise in university fees) and I'm thinking of relocating in another European country.
I'm both very 'green' (into recycling, using public transport etc.) and very outdoor-sports (trekking, sailing) oriented and I'm thinking of relocating to Sweden/Norway/Denmark. I used to speak German fluently and could brush up, and from what I've read, food in Scandinavia is fairly similar with what I've experienced in Germany.
I'd like to get advice from people who have relocated to one of the three above countries, and I'd also like pointers as to where to look for information. I've found official websites (Sweden is looking for foreign workers right now) but I'd also like to find forums.
I plan to start looking Swedish/Norvegian/Danish (which one to choose?) this year, then to spend a couple of weeks in Scandinavia next year to reconnoitre, and if I like it, to start to looking for work (probably administration with English/German/French). I used to work in export, many years ago, and the university of Uppsala (Sweden) was one of our very good customers (they never cocked up and everything went smoothly; they also paid us on time!).
Thanks very much in advance.

[marval]

Have a look at this.

http://www.alloexpat....ving_to_sweden_forum/

[KARL]

I assume you are a national of the UK, and as such you are entitled to enter, stay and seek employment anywhere within the European Economic Area, which includes the countries you mention. Expatriates of non-EEA countries need a visa and a work permit. Once legally within the EEA, expats of all nationalities tend to be treated by authorities, etc. much the same as nationals of the host country. You will need to enter all the various systems in your chosen country and, unlike in the UK, pretty much everywhere this will first and foremost mean being placed on the residents' (national) register. Through this you will acquire a national identity number and (often) a card. Usually this allows you to do all the official stuff, including opening a bank account, and you will not need to identify yourself in any other way (you will have done it pretty much once and for all). This is particularly true of the Nordic countries, whereas elsewhere it may take a slightly different form. If you expect to reduce your tax burden by going to a Nordic country then you are likely to be seriously disappointed - but there are compensations, both financial and cultural.

[Pimpernel]

Thanks for the link!

I'm waiting for the results of the elections, and any amendments to the budget.
I'm planning to spend 1 or 2 weeks around Xmas touring Scandinavia (hopping on and off German merchant vessels, starting from Rotterdam), and if I like it, I'll start learning one of the three languages. Right now I'm revising my German!

Regards.