Why I Moved To Sweden (And Why I Almost Left)

For the first time ever I open up about the real difficulties I encountered on my journey of moving to Sweden. The story starts with explaining why I moved to Sweden, the process I went through to find a job and make the move, and some difficult challenges along the way which pushed me to leave Sweden before ultimately coming back and making it my home.

[@ericlind6581]

Great to see you out travelling. More Americans need to travel! I lived 11 years in Sweden back in the 90’s and spoke Swedish fluently since I married a Swedish lady. Now back in the US, I see so much ignorance in the average person and it’s depressing.

[@LaChicaconSuerte-1111]

Need more exchange programs to allow many more American students and employees to go and live for Europe for a period of time. At least a year.

[@tesswedin]

Älskar att du talar om ditt ex på ett så fint och respektfullt sätt! Det visar hur mogen du är som person, många pratar inte så bra om sina ex. Respekt till dig 👏🏻🌟

[@isachells9859]

Ja! det var absolut det som stack ut för mig också när jag såg videon

[@Shiva182Katarina]

De skildes åt som vänner så det är inte så konstigt

[@patriksvensson2360]

Hundra procent medhåll! Riktigt fint att se!

[@Eric-le8yp]

Håller med! Men det kändes som att jag inte fick höra slutet på sagan jag var väldigt uppslukad i 😅 Hade hoppats på ett "The €5#!% Migrationsverket finally approved my working permit and I could finally reunite with her."

[@tesswedin]

@J King han talar om sitt ex på ett väldigt fint sätt i videon. Jag tycker det var fint!

[@jamesl9371]

Surprising that the school didn’t know the rules about foreigners. It’s not easy to move to and work in another country. The best thing is to do research on the internet before going. In every country there’s other foreigners who have been through this process

[@erikaeriksson9362]

Det här är 100% min favoritvideo som du någonsin skapat, och då har du skapat många fantastiska videos!!!

[@StefanThyron]

Tack Erika!! 😍🙏🏼

[@mikebrandon6289]

great video man. I'm an American currently living in Sweden wanting to stay longer and make things happen. your videos and your way of being are truly an inspiration.

[@Jemme95]

Sveriges myndigheter i ett nötskal, allt ska ta så jäkla lång tid. Trevlig video/berättelse som alltid Stefan!

[@ewing2361]

Han har inte att han inte normal att TRO ATT HAN e svensk men pratar spoke as he can speak swedish and are doing better talk about the past made it clear that you need to find the picture of your creepy but pretty obvious people in the case who really wants honest for me I have enough

[@ChristofferOrrmalmUtsi]

Väldigt intressant och underhållande storytime Stefan, really enjoyed it!

[@sophiegilbert6381]

Wow! That is quite a story. I have never been to Sweden, but I am dying to go. I enjoy your videos very much. I am an English teacher in San Jose, CA.

[@bigvandi]

Very colourful and detailed explanation. Nice one. Definitely a store of great love. That's a huge motivation to move through all these barriers.

[@jonnyglades]

Thank you for opening up about yourself and your life, Stefan.

[@craigsmith4105]

Very moved by your story. You are gifted as a story teller.

[@benjaminjensen4415]

Thank you for sharing your story :) Was super cool to hear about your thoughts and insights about it, keep it up!

[@kristerforsman2448]

Tack Stefan för att du delgav oss dina erfarenheter. Väldigt intressant. Kul att höra om din bakgrund också. Du alltid välgjorda videos och oftast intressant också. Tack

[@LASITHEX]

Love your story man ! Good on ya

[@gr0nis]

Hi Stefan! I’m a Swede and I’ve been following your channel for some time now. Really exiting to hear the full story of how you ended up here. I also feel sorry for you that it took so long for you to get a work permit approved. I believe one contributing factor to why it took so long is because of our national immigration crisis, which has put a lot of stress on our national agencies. Also paperwork is super slow in general in this country unfortunately. So glad for you that it was approved and that you decided to stay 🙂

[@dannie-lynneewing4713]

Ehh...han har inte stannat I sverige. Jag skulle fly om jag kunde. Ingen fattar vilket deprimerande land detta e foren Dom varit o sett skitet

[@victoria3753]

Great to hear your story! It would be nice to watch a video of your current situation, like an update to this video.

[@wrenmcclure4699]

This was such a helpful video! I'm an american looking to move anywhere in Scandinavia and it really helps to hear other people's experiences in detail!

[@pedagogiaatwork]

I can feel your honesty. Thanks again for sharing 🤗

[@volantiad]

Best one yet! Really showcases your ability to tell a story in a compelling way (pacing is perfect). I'd love to see you include more narrative in your upcoming videos. Also, thank you for sharing your work/migration/tax story. I just arrived as a student and am looking for work (at least for the summer) now. I can *totally* feel your M'verket & S'verket pain! Tack så mycket!

[@greeny7]

Tack för en personlig och informativ video!

[@heidiroos7602]

Väldigt fint att höra! Jag tycker att det är viktigt för ungdomar att se såna här vidoes för att man inser att det är vanligt att inte ha någon aning om vad man vill göra med sitt liv. Och att det är bra att testa sig fram och gå på känsla ibland. Älskar när du delar med av dina erfarenheter! ❤️

[@thabstract0ne]

Great video man....we knew your story from past vids, but hearing all the details was VERY interesting!

[@celeschan90]

Very cool story. I'm glad things worked out for you. That sounded stressful. ^^

[@Musicbypinge]

Great story man! love your channel!

[@StefanThyron]

Thanks a ton!

[@adl9961]

@@StefanThyron Hello super

[@MiaSarastriz]

Really interesting story. Happy you finally made it. 😊

[@andersgustafsson1777]

Kul att se, en massa fina minnen! ❤️

[@anneliesundell3911]

you are the best, how amazing to hear this story and the difficulties on the way, i have been a subscriber for a long time, but you give hope i think to many others that think about moving somewhere abrout, maybe not Sweden, but abroud and its possible so If you are young and want to do something about your situation and dreams, I say do it. And if something goes wrong, you can always go back home

[@marierehnstedt7636]

Härlig video!!!! Du finns i mitt hjärta, bästa Stefan

[@StefanThyron]

❤️ ❤️

[@Mimi-yc8bq]

I followed your journey in Sweden from the first videos you made (it's a long process). I had nearly the same challenge at that time, and your passion made me more accepted to live in Sweden. In fact the date of today is my fifth year in Sweden, which was also a big challenge. I love your videos, and I really hope to watch every single one of thiem, not just to improve my English language, but even to know more about your ideas och thoughts, everything you talking about gives me a positive power. All support to you ❤

[@FunSwedish]

Interesting story. Didn't know that! The Swedish immigration process can be a total pain in the 😅. Impressive stuff how you did a side move and "worked" teaching unpaid anyways!

[@volantiad]

Hej Fun Swedish! I also follow you on Insta. Maybe you could teach us a little about working in Sweden on your channel? :)

[@zzzz5449]

Bro your editing has reached a whole new level since you began with yt

[@tonikaariniemi5831]

Really great to hear your story 😊👍

[@gallardopatricio]

Yo duude, probably my favorite video of yours. I have been watching your channel since June 2020 when I finally got my residence permit for studies for my masters here in Gothenburg. This video is probably the clearest you have put out your story to the interweb and I applaud you for that! Would love to maybe meet up for beers, or play soccer once I get the chance to visit Stockholm after this freaking virus chills down. Cheers mate, keep it up

[@Janen74]

Vilken fantastisk berättelse! Den säger så mycket om svenskt regelverk som jag som född i Sverige, aldrig tänker på och du, som född i USA, ställts inför. Dina filmer är alltid inspirerande för mig, och för vad jag uppfattar, väldigt många andra!

[@TheStrom999]

You're one of few people I would like too meet one day in Sweden, so positive and not giving up. Massive creds to u Stefan!

[@holydiver3141]

Great video! Amazing story - thanks for sharing!

[@StefanThyron]

Thanks so much!

[@Fjayz]

Love everything about this story. Came to Sweden about 3 years ago to the date with a similar story. The ups and downs you have been the same about with Migration agency and all. I live in Uppsala it’ll be cool to meet one day. Your channel is great and inspired to do the same.

[@fredosinsemilla3896]

De que pais eres hermano?

[@Eric-le8yp]

Migrationsverket is the nightmare no one knew existed until they need to interact (or at least try) with them.....

[@PoisonelleMisty4311]

😢Well, when it comes to Swedish people telling immigrants to find a job and stop living on welfare, there are a few reasons behind it. Firstly, Sweden has long been known for its robust welfare state that aims to support those in need, including immigrants. However, with the recent influx of refugees and an already strained economy, Swedes worry about the sustainability of this system. They believe that encouraging immigrants to contribute to society through gainful employment not only reduces their dependence on government support but also helps integrate them into Swedish culture. Furthermore, there might be some frustration stemming from misconceptions or stereotypes about certain immigrant groups taking advantage of Sweden's generous benefits without actively seeking work. It is important to note though that these perspectives do not represent all Swedes as attitudes may vary greatly among individuals and communities. Ultimately, the goal is often integration and self-sufficiency for immigrants in order to maintain a balanced social welfare system while fostering diversity and equality within the country❤

[@Fjayz]

@@fredosinsemilla3896Republica Dominicana 🇩🇴 y tu?

[@fredosinsemilla3896]

@@Fjayz Culiacan, Sinaloa. Una buena ciudad.

[@patriksvensson2360]

This was a super video! Really interesting to get an in-depth p.o.v. with a strong personal flavour. It's really cool that the school offered you to recruit for them, but it's also really effed up that the system in Sweden is so lacking that government agencies are more crippling than enabling. You should definitely share this story and some of your takeaways from it with politicians on local and rilsdags level, 'cause this can and should be fixed. Major cred to Linn for helping you find your spark and making this ride with you. Truly an inspiring story!

[@makiKovalenko]

Woah what a journey! And I thought my process of moving was tough 😅 Thanks a lot for sharing, really enjoyed this video 🙌

[@andersmalmgren6528]

So sad to hear about these problems, we need talent in sweden but it seems its a mess to work with the migration office.

[@lillebroder84]

Fin video :-) Jag blir däremot frustrerad över hur du blev behandlad. Du är varmt välkommen!!

[@veravik8901]

Kul att du laddade upp en video. Hoppas du tar hand om dig!

[@velmad3091]

Nice video. Beautiful memories. Did know some of your story but not everything. It was a struggle there for you with your working permit. Glad everything worked out for you.

[@MichaelQing]

Great to spend time with your friendships and buddies for life is part of epic experience from different points of interest.

[@n.m.7968]

Wow! Sweden is lucky to have you!

[@MrSilvgold]

Bra jobbat, Stefan!

[@MarkusWande]

Great story man!

[@JaneG]

Love this! Hope you’re doing well ❤️

[@StefanThyron]

Thanks Jane! Miss you!!

[@JaneG]

@@StefanThyron Same here :)

[@ismaela.6973]

Beautiful and stressful story... I can't wait to move to sweden soon. I fell in love with the culture

[@ricknesar1627]

Många Svenskar som reser som ditt ex gjorde. Jag älskar att göra roadtrips i USA och kombinera det med NFL, NHL och konserter. Har nu varit i 48 delstater om det inte varit för pendemin 49. Tack för en grym kanal Stefan!

[@Shuuuky]

It was a very helpful video, thank you! I had no idea (obviously haha) that you faced so many challenges. It's crazy that the second you were back in the US they accepted you. As a master's student here, I can apply for a one-year permit to look for jobs once I graduate, so that makes it much easier.

[@juliintime6534]

Because of the pandamic i "saw" you viedeos. I was in Sweden learned a little bit "svenska" and also speak it. It´s really inspiring to see what is possible in like the worst case. Tack så mycket ! Grettings from Germany. edit " "

[@aramisone7198]

Not svensk it's svenska but it's good you're trying.

[@FenoJalapeno]

Hej Stefan! Rolig video!

[@ThomasLiljeruhm]

You're a good storyteller. It was interesting, even though (I for some reason) already knew most of the story.

[@jenniferfrable8322]

Thank you for sharing all of this information :) Go Cougs!

[@sebaslap]

Would love to see a detailed breakdown of this design. Sounds awesome!

[@Huso9922]

Living in Norway, This process is way easier for me than many. But getting the inspiration is nice! Planning on moving / working in Sweden for a few years. And therefore I do have to go through a few things myself. Not that much as even though I live a non- EU member country, we still share these common work permits. Bringing my car too, so need swedish plates on it before 6 months has passed. So thanks for the inspiration and sharing your own thoughts!

[@monaakki9623]

Thanks for sharing , it takes really long time to get a decision from migration agency,wishing u the best in your career

[@BeingSwenglish]

Great video Stefan, hell of an experience! Your challenges were clearly frustrating, but I have to add that it's far simpler for Europeans in an EU country to move (as you'd expect), my PN and residency all arrived within a matter of months after applying and there were far less loopholes to jump through. Glad that you pushed through, and it's worthwhile, isn't Sweden great!!

[@karenkranz2682]

Love your background music

[@rajeshira5682]

Love to see you, fighting for your dream. Not a easy one but. Congrats you made it. I am also trying to move to Sweden to work. If I am successful we will meet once. 😀

[@Joe-eg7ml]

Married a Swedish girl from Goteborg. She went to a college close to Seattle. And eventually we became a couple. After 2 years we married. We lived back and forth from seattle and Goteborg. We eventually stayed in America. We visit sweden on a yearly basis for about 2 to 3 weeks. Right now we are looking for a villa so we can retire there in about 15yrs(or earlier base our rental properties in WA state). Our two kids will eventually go to college in Goteborg within 3 to 4 years. We have been married for 18yrs and a couple for over 20yrs. I have dual and my kids are citizens also.

[@jakobforslin6301]

Spännande och inspirerande historia :)

[@emmasantorini7041]

My husband and I have been waiting for two years.. So you are lucky!

[@swanberger]

Great story!

[@FiripputoSwedishwomanabimashou]

Thanks for sharing your story. The conditions for employment visas tend to be similar in most countries, which is that you have to apply from your home country. If you don't do it this way you will certainly face problems. Good for you you made it through though! :)

[@lonaeriksen7116]

What an AMAZING, interesting story. I lived in Sweden for 8 Months, many years ago ( I am Danish, Lives in USA)

[@rasmussoderberg2801]

Big respect! Hope we see each other on the metro again 😉

[@Suxanes]

Wow! Thank you for making this video. Most American expats (non-army) can definitely relate to this struggle. My husband and I moved to Germany 2019 and I still get sweats thinking about it. Haha! It is not easy moving abroad specially when you are tight on money. Thankfully it all worked out. I can't wait to move to Sweden one day!

[@Branroolz]

We are considering moving abroad. What was your budget moving over? I apologize for the rude question but my heart races thinking about it.

[@attesmatte]

Please turn down the volume of the music when you're talking, the music kinda takes over a little, especially when I watch on my phone. 🤔

[@Hurricane000007]

I think that might be your phones or headphones. I'm having no issues at all :/

[@StefanThyron]

I turn it down a fair amount but already but I do think the device you watch it on plays a role. It always sounds perfect in my editing software!

[@Hurricane000007]

@@StefanThyron I'm suspecting a headphones issue. What headphones are you using, Sara? Do you get different results with other headphones?

[@attesmatte]

@@Hurricane000007 None usually. I'll have to try with headphones. 👍

[@Hurricane000007]

@@attesmatte Oh, I see. Definitely try out some headphones, phone speakers are usually, for a lack of a better word, crap. I hope you enjoy!

[@bulletnutz6382]

Great vid😃!

[@Dragam1]

Nice video Stefan :)

[@Mridontknowwhoiam19653]

Wow this was such a beautiful and cute story Stefan!, what you did yo make it work!, love doesnt have limits and shouldnt have limits although in sweden 10-20 mil is considered a distance relationstips .. or atleast thats what i have felt when being around on dating apps. I wish you all the best and loves your videos!

[@Mridontknowwhoiam19653]

Btw there are some typing glitchs in my message due to typing with the swedish keyboard 😂

[@lagomlens]

Nice to hear the full story about your immigration process. Mine was quite opposite of yours, a smooth sailing but as you said, if the school knew better it'd have been for you too!

[@glamscum]

What a great story, you're really contributing to our country! /Swede

[@niklaseklund88]

Stefan, did this experience end up giving you that feeling that anything is possible and seemingly though hurdles are actually rather small? I've had that since I went to Australia to work in gold mines. Ain't much that worry me daily nowadays. :) I wish it upon everyone to reach that point. It's absolutely wonderful. I think this is what Swedish culture/parents want young people to encounter through traveling when young like Linn did.

[@Andy-Mesa]

Stefan this is so close to my own story. I also live in Portland, I decided to move to Stockholm for a job I already got last August. After getting my passport renewed and going through the application process, I was told it would take 0-1 months. I sold all my stuff and was packed and ready to move, even booked a flight, and then here I am, 4 months after my application was submitted and I still don't have any word about the status of my application. So now I'm stuck in limbo, wondering if/when it'll even happen. P.S. RCTID

[@StefanThyron]

Hang in there, it will come through eventually! ❤️

[@lojsan1509]

Look at daniel bermås answer down below

[@karijohanna12]

Yep, immigration. its good fun. Gone through it 5 times, 6 soon. Actually getting my visa in Sweden was the fastest I experienced, but it was a student visa. Got accepted to the university on a Monday, had my visa approved by Friday. I was told before it could take up to 2 months, but surprisingly didn't (and it was July).

[@Shuuuky]

Yesss, it's so different from person to person! Some of my friends got approved within a few days, like you, and others struggled so much! I had some issues, but my case officer was so nice and helpful. I feel like coming as a student might be the easiest option.

[@ChuffedLemon]

Your immigration story is way more interesting than mine LOL, but it's great to hear about (and see) another American's experience relocating to Scandinavia. I moved to Denmark from California for work 2 years ago, and it was wayyyyy harder than I expected. I'd been working for a Danish company for 3 years in CA and spent 3-month intervals in DK (90-day Schengen Area rule) while living out of a suitcase...so I underestimated the difficulty of moving. I did everything correctly (even applying for my work VISA while in the US), but there are so many small logistical things that make it hard. Bringing my dog with me meant having to get more legal approvals from the Feds, but I'm so happy she's here with me. Anyway, I could be wrong, but it sounds like many of the headaches dealing with SE Skat could have been avoided by applying while in the US, but I know I shouldn't compare SE Skat with DK Skat ;-)

[@ash3rr]

You are really good at storytelling.

[@fredosinsemilla3896]

Wow, first time I ever saw your mom. She's really pretty and I'm sure she's proud of you Stefan!

[@cristythyron2732]

I am so proud! Thanks for the compliment. 😊🌟

[@fredosinsemilla3896]

@@cristythyron2732 I'm happy to make you happy Cristy!

[@alexandersanchez7546]

Right on, Stefan!

[@Leo-im9oz]

Cool story bro.

[@drew4021]

I thought it was going to be something about your tragic breakup. But yes I agree it's really difficult to move to another country -much harder than visiting. I lived in Mexico and that was no different and discouraging at times. Americans routinely visit Mexico but getting a visa to live there is a whole different thing.

[@gabrielagomez7053]

Hi! What an inspiring video. One of the best in your channel. Congratulations! Thank you for all the information that encourage those who are willing to move to Sweden. I know about the shortage of teachers there all over the country. I'm a qualified language teacher and I've already started the process to get my "lärarlegitimation" from Spain to work as a Spanish teacher. Do you think it will take too long? I am a resident in Spain but I'm originally from Mexico. I don't know how hard it could be to move there. I started learning Swedish on my own since February. I'd like to start next August but I'm not sure now after listening to your story... Please give me some hope! ;)

[@WhoIAmRonya]

I was an Au pair as well in America for 2 years and met an American guy (on Tinder) when I was starting my second Au pair year. It was so hard to figure out what to do when my time was up and had to go back to Sweden. When my second year was almost over we got engaged :D I went back home to Sweden and we did long distance for 10 months while waiting for my fiancé visa. I have now lived in America for over 2 years, happily married to the guy I met as an Au Pair! I totally get your feeling of wanting to see something new and that's why I ended up in America as an Au pair, best decision of my life!! The immigration in America is a very looooooong process as well, I waited 6 months for work permit and 2 years for Green Card! I've been following your KZbin for a while now because I find it interesting that we did the opposite move, me to America and you to Sweden. So for you it was life changing meeting an Au pair and for me it was life changing being an Au Pair :)

[@danielberma]

As a side note, if an employer sends in an application to hire you, the process goes down to under a month as long as the person is outside the country.

[@attesmatte]

My thoughts exactly. I'm astonished that the school didn't know this.

[@margaretharydberg9907]

So sorry hearing all the problems you had with the Immigration Office and to move to Sweden But as I now know you're a smart guy you managed it. You also learned a lot and also grew as a grown-up. A very open and frank video I think will help a lot of others also going to Sweden. Congrats Stefan.

[@margaretharydberg9907]

❤

[@nomnomburger_]

Very interesting video

[@StefanThyron]

Glad you think so!

[@ExbotHero]

Memory lane, It's kinda nice to take a stroll down that one from time to time, right?! 😉😊👍

[@TheJonasbz]

Realy good this one

[@StefanThyron]

Thanks 🔥

[@lukasa6374]

Asbra video stefan :)

[@LightSource27]

This video actually answered a bunch of questions I've been meaning to ask. thank you for this. Also, the song at the end is pretty cool. What's the name of it?

[@StefanThyron]

That is awesome! It's from Epidemic Sound but I can't remember the name of it right now

[@sandra6020]

wow! I moved to Spain 2020 and recognize a lot in this journey but mine was not that hard because EU countries but wow... selling car, living off that money. applying jobs in crona times, anxiety getting my nie nr and fears about needing to go home.. once gotten the nie everything fell into place, got 2 jobs, ny lovely home and life blossomed. Life is such a gift.

[@flyiingturtlee417]

Come and work with us at International English School in Linköping, we could use an awesome teacher like you 😃 Amazing story by the way 😍

[@christinesalomonsson1082]

I’d like to know hos long time it would take for me to get a work permit in USA. Considering how difficult it even is to get in to the states. All this security controls, queues to different check up stations and very personal questions - and I was just changing plane from Costa Rica to Sweden, without staying. Nearly missed the flight.

[@ingridsassenhagen5226]

Moving to the USA takes similar amounts of time, but usually the US employers take basically care of everything. You only have to go to an American embassy at the end to answer some questions and get the visa in your passport. The really annoying thing in the USA is that you always have to leave the country when you want to extend your visum after one year at an American embassy. As this process takes at least a month, you have to plan very well with your limited amount of American vacation days.

[@akeeldberg5218]

As I understand it, the rules for work permits are the same in the USA. A German friend of mine was in CA on a tourist visa, when she wanted to get a US work permit she had to go to Canada in order to apply.

[@jennye8833]

Chockad och besviken över att verkligen ingen under de 3 månaderna sa ”om du lämnar EU och skickar bevis så kan vi fixa det direkt!” 😱 visst, alltid svårt att flytta till nytt land, men såna tips är ju guld värt när man inte vet systemet

[@swapnasaritarath7490]

Same here..I got my permit after one year ...n now happy doing job here for 5 yrs now with a PR...

[@walterzielinski6654]

Hello, I started watching your videos just before you and Lynn (sp?) broke up the 2nd time, after you successfully established yourself in Sweden. It was something that saddened me because you looked like such a great couple... Looking back to that time, was the level of stress you were both experiencing a contributing factor in the break up? Have you ever seen or heard from her since; is there still a possibility you'll get together again? As always, fascinated by the story, my only quibble being comments about the greatness of America. Best wishes...