It’s no secret that a large group of global citizens keep building up, thanks to the integration of markets and ease of movement. With Scandinavian countries soaring high in manufacturing, processing, digital economy and agriculture among others, internationals see opportunities there. In fact, so many expatriates already migrate as expatriate workers.

Public data show that people from South East Asia, Africa, Americas, the Gulf States and more already step up to seize the opportunities available in Scandinavia. Although critics argue that admitting so many priofessional expats risk denying locals jobs, they still can’t completely do away with them.

If there’s any best promising permit to use when moving to Scandinavia then its work permit. Being that the countries forming the region practice social welfare protection at the core, having a work permit means that you will not exploit the social support schemes and become a nagging burden. 

Getting ready for jobs in Scandinavia as expatriate workers

To get an opportunity to move to Scandinavia as a worker requires pure strategy. As anyone can understand, developed countries of which Scnandianvia belongs focus on getting the best human resource for they can afford it.

Just to mention, an employee in a Scandinavian business, research institute or factory will be much ready to pay high salaries and other benefits provided you prove to be the best available. Most expatriates never prepare adequately to pass the test of suitability and competency for whatever jobs they look out to take.Those who do their practice well and hone the matching skills for the respective jobs applied for can testify that employers find it irresistible to pay the top dollar for such on demand skills.

As a starting point for someone eyeing job opportunities in Scandinavia, its a MUST that you align your knowledge and skills to the specific job. Something you’ll realize about the workplace in Scandinavia is that employers don’t find guesswork amusing. You will be expected to be confident about whatever you do and really perform optimally.

A skilled worker may be ready to keep learning on the job. But, you must as a priority first convince the employer of your existing skills-set. As any expatriate needs to know, for you to be employed in Scandinavia at whatever level, you must be a perfect or near perfect match for the job. An expat electrician must be able to plug in the labor scarcity in the country without needing extended and rigorous job training upon taking up the job. 

Typical Jobs expatriate workers can scout for in Scandinavia

A random survey may show that many may not mention Scandinavia as a preferred working destination. This by far has something to do with the struggle to integrate into what looks like a closed society. Those who’ve tried any of the countries know way too well the high level of job security, attractive salaries, opportunities for self-advancement, active labor unions and more. 

Typically, each country in Scandinavia consisting of Denmark, Sweden and Norway publish the occupations that they have labor scarcity. This happens at some point of the year where expats can submit applications to industries and employers who qualify.

For your information, there exists a minimum caveat on incomes that an expatriate ought to earn to qualify for a work permit. For example, Denmark requires that an expatriate be earning not less than DKK 375,000 (2023 level) under the pay limit scheme. Similar requirements at different rates apply in other countries.

Job list which expats can expect to pick from in Scandinavia

• Healthcare professionals
• Carpenters
• IT system developers
• engineers
• Caregiving and social work
• Hospitality and tourism
• Dentists and oral health professionals
• Metal workers (designers, fabricators, welders)
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Data scientists

Fitting in to the workplace in Scandinavia

So many may long to join the labor force in Scandinavia but the experience while there largely determines everything. Anyone who has for a while practiced his or her profession will tell you that each workplace has its own code of behavior or culture. The ease with the workplace culture in Scandinavia sinks in for you, the likelier that everything else will flow smoothly.

Important points to note about the Scandinavian workplace include;

• Collegiality and teamwork means everything yet you must be accountable at individual level too.
• The workplace is less formal and more relaxed but you MUST remain professional anyways.
• Before setting out to do something, be sure and confident of how to do it, otherwise work with those who are masters at it to learn.
• Time management is key.
• Non-performance or underperformance is eschewed; will lead to sanctioning of summary dismissal.
• Networking and collaborations keep industries on the go
• The native language will always carry the day unless it’s an international company that accommodates predominant languages such as English or French.
• Don’t mind so much about your dressing, just be your version of decent and do the job satisfactorily.
• Work-life balance means loads. So remember to respect breaks and holidays.
• Promotions and responsibilities assigned will squarely depend on your proven performance. 
• Job security is so high. Unless otherwise, you may just retire within the same company.