Expat names the European country she 'fell in love with' - 'people really prioritise their wellbeing'

Expat shares the best thing about living in Portugal

GB NEWS
Anna Barry

By Anna Barry


Published: 21/04/2025

- 17:16

GB News is talking to expats across Europe and the world who have exclusively revealed the best places to live, tips and tricks for moving abroad, and the potential pitfalls to avoid. This week, an expat shared what makes Sweden a "refreshing change" from the UK

Whether you're looking for prettier scenery, warmer weather, better work prospects or a retirement haven, there are many motivations for moving abroad.

For Britons who are keen to explore pastures new but don't want to be too far away from loved ones in the UK, expat hotspots such as Spain, France and Portugal reign supreme.


But there are plenty more European destinations out there that can provide an excellent quality of life.

GB News spoke exclusively to Rebecca, who relocated from Derby, to Malmö, Sweden. While she initially planned to move for just one year, this quickly turned into 12, and she hasn't looked back since.

Rebecca in Malm\u00f6, Sweden / Hand holding a cinnamon bun in Stockholm, Sweden

'I ended up falling in love with the country, its way of life, and its people'

1st Move International / GETTY IMAGES

Rebecca, in partnership with 1st Move International, stated: "I moved to Sweden at 18 in 2013 to study textiles. The plan was to be there for just one year to immerse myself in the culture, learn the language, and reconnect with family members living there.

"However, I ended up falling in love with the country, its way of life, and its people. I never expected that one year would turn into a lifetime, but here I am, married to a Swede and still enjoying all that Sweden has to offer."

The Scandinavian nation is known for its royal palaces, museums, design, lush green spaces, idyllic beaches, and immense natural beauty - you can even catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

Malmö, Sweden's third-largest city after Stockholm and Gothenburg, is described by Visit Sweden as "a true melting pot of cultures".

The official tourism website added: "Whether it’s sights, culture, food, adventure or nightlife you're after, Malmö has the answer."

Sweden is widely considered a great place for expats, and according to Rebecca, the "best thing is the quality of life and the work-life balance".

"Time is really valued here," she said. "If you're overworking, it's not seen as a good thing.

"It's deeply ingrained in the culture that work should not take over your personal time. People really prioritise their wellbeing and time with family."

Sweden offers a lifestyle that is all about "balance" - and it feels "really refreshing".

Indeed, coffee and cake breaks are so ingrained into Swedish society that they have a special name: fika.

"I wish I had known more about this cultural concept," Rebecca said. "It's a big part of life here, and it’s not just about the coffee, it's about taking a moment to pause and socialise.

"It's integrated into the culture, and I quickly realised how important it was to embrace these breaks as part of daily life."

Indeed, some companies even stipulate in their contracts that employees are entitled to fika breaks.

Fika classics include Cinnamon buns, Princess cake, Strawberry cake, and Seven types of cookies (a Swedish culinary tradition).

Having access to nature is also a major positive in the Scandinavian paradise, with an "emphasis placed on wellbeing and green spaces".

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Rebecca in Malm\u00f6

Sweden emphasises the importance of 'wellbeing and green spaces'

1st Move International

"In Malmö, you’ll find plenty of parks where people go to enjoy the outdoors, bike around the city, or just relax," the expat said.

"It's easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially with how accessible cycling is here. It's a refreshing change compared to the UK."

But while Rebeca certainly sings Sweden's praises, no place is perfect and settling in had its challenges.

As almost nine in 10 Swedes speak English, Rebecca didn't face a major language barrier when she relocated.

However, she "initially found making friends a bit challenging". Despite there being a "strong community feel", people were "reserved" at first. However, she soon assimilated into a close-knit circle.

The expat said: "Thankfully, after spending time in Malmö, where there are over 180 nationalities, I found an international community, and now I have a supportive group of friends. It took some time, but now I feel very much at home here."

For Britons who are looking to move abroad, there are endless possibilities. One expat who fell in love with an unlikely European destination revealed she hasn't looked back in 25 years.

Further afield, another Briton named the expat "paradise" where people are "open and welcoming" - it's not just a rumour.