Wherever I lay my hat: Early career migration drivers and preferences

What drives young adults in the Nordic region to stay, move, or return to their place of origin? This working paper explores the migration patterns and settlement preferences of Nordic individuals aged 25-39—a key period for long-term relocation decisions. Grounded in the Competence Mobility II project, the study examines how career opportunities, social ties, and lifestyle aspirations influence mobility choices across the region.

Key insights include:

• Who stays, who moves, and who returns? Finnish women and Danes lead overall the most mobile lives, but over 50% of all respondents prefer to stay in the current location.
• What influences migration decisions? Work and education drive early moves, but later relocations are shaped by social connections, family-friendliness, and quality-of-life factors.
• What role does urban vs. rural life play? Many leavers seek urban opportunities, culture, and services, while those open to returning value personal bonds and access to nature.
• New hybrid work models are expanding options for both rural and urban living, reshaping regional mobility patterns. Could the idea of a home place become as flexible?

Policy implications:

Understanding migration drivers beyond economic factors is key to designing policies that attract and retain talent. By fostering attractive living environments, whether in cities or rural areas—regions can better respond to population shifts and labour market needs.