Can EU Citizens Work in Denmark and Live in Sweden Without Previous Residency in Sweden?

Indeed, it is possible for EU citizens to work in Denmark and live in Sweden without having previously resided in Sweden. Many individuals choose to live in the Malm? area and commute to Copenhagen for work, a lifestyle that has become increasingly popular.

Commuting Between Malm? and Copenhagen

Living in Malm? while working in Copenhagen is a viable option for many professionals. There are frequent commuter trains that connect the two cities, making the daily commute feasible. This arrangement offers numerous advantages, such as a lower cost of living in Malm? compared to Copenhagen, along with the opportunity to work in a larger and more diverse market.

Some professionals in the Malm?-Copenhagen commuting circle include midwives, doctors, and even personnel working at Kastrup Airport. This mimic arrangement offers a mix of urban and rural living, giving individuals the best of both worlds.

Reverse Commuting Arrangement

Alternatively, some individuals choose to live in the Copenhagen area and commute to Scandinavia, particularly Sweden. While this might seem counterintuitive at first, it can be a financially advantageous option. People who live in the Copenhagen area but work in Sweden might find that their salaries in Swedish kronor are better than what they could earn in Danish kronor. This scenario suits those who are willing to tolerate higher living costs in Copenhagen in exchange for potentially higher income.

Free Movement within the European Union

The free movement of citizens within the European Union is not a new concept. It is one of the fundamental principles that underpin the European Union, ensuring that EU citizens have the right to work, travel, and reside in any member state.

Key Principles of EU Citizenship

The four freedoms, as they are known, are integral to the European Union's structure. According to the 1957 Treaty of Rome, the Single European Act of 1986, the 1992 Maastricht Treaty, and the 2007 Lisbon Treaty, these freedoms are enshrined and continuously reinforced.

EU citizens are entitled to:

To work in any EU country, thus expanding their job opportunities and contributing to the labor market diversity. To travel freely throughout the EU, allowing for easier personal and business travel. To reside in any EU country, which includes the freedom to choose where to live within the bloc.

These principles provide a significant boost to economic integration and personal freedom within the EU.

Concluding Thoughts

Whether you choose to live in Malm? and work in Copenhagen or vice versa, the EU's free movement policies offer a wealth of opportunities for professionals looking to optimize their career paths. The choice largely depends on one's financial goals, lifestyle preferences, and the cost of living in each respective area.