This report, conducted as part of the Competence Mobility II (Early Career Mobility) project, explores the migration patterns and preferences of Nordic people aged 25-39. The report aims to capture a period when people make long-term settlement decisions are made to explore which migration drivers play a part during different moves.
The study aims to understand the general drivers behind different migration typologies: moving from one’s place of origin and continuing to move; returning to one’s place of origin; and deciding to stay in one’s place of origin. In addition, the study looks deeper into the draw of certain new opportunities, such as remote work or building a career in a rural area. The research is based on the Nordregio working paper "Should I stay or should I go? Early career mobility and migration drivers" (Guðmundsdóttir et al. 2023).
Regarding migration trends, a key finding of the report is that over half of respondents would not wish to live anywhere else than their current home, even under ideal conditions. In average 52% wish to stay in their current location, most of whom are people who have moved out of their place of origin. However, people wishing to settle somewhere else often plan to return to their place of origin. There are certain national differences at play. Danes and Finnish women are most likely to live very mobile lives and show a clear preference for an urban lifestyle, while Swedes are most likely to remain living in their place of origin, especially if it is a rural area. Icelanders are most likely to move out from their place of origin but to remain open to returning there in the future. Norwegians are more likely to leave their place of origin permanently, driven by work and education opportunities. In general, leavers who do not plan to return often seek urban lifestyles and better access to culture and leisure opportunities, and those open to returning value family-friendliness and personal bonds with their place of origin.
Migration decisions are influenced by a combination of push-and-pull factors, including education, work, social networks, lifestyle preferences such as seeking for a more family-friendly and nature-rich, or a more urban area, and housing. The answers of the study clearly point out to the fact that personal characteristics and preferences play a crucial role in migration decisions especially during later moves, beyond purely rational economic choices.
The study underscores the importance of understanding personal preferences and social ties in migration decisions. While practical factors like work and education are significant especially for the first move, the desire for a particular lifestyle and personal connections to a place play a crucial role. Regional actors should focus on creating environments that cater to these preferences to attract and retain residents.