New life in the north – thanks to Move on Up

Publicerad 09:55

New families are beginning to settle in the sparsely populated municipalities of Norrbotten. Through the collaborative project “Move on Up”, funded by the European Social Fund, the three municipalities of Överkalix, Jokkmokk and Kiruna are actively working to attract and welcome new residents who are looking for nature, tranquillity and quality of life.

Andrea Donadon from northern Italy is one of many who have found their way to Norrbotten through the “Move on Up” project, which is being conducted with the support of the Swedish ESF Council. He and his wife had long dreamed of a life in Sweden, but it was only after having children that the move became a reality.

– We wanted to give our children a childhood close to nature, at a slower pace where quality of life takes precedence over career stress. In Italy, everything was so crowded and stressful – here we can breathe, says Andrea.

For many municipalities in the north, population growth is crucial. Every new family contributes tax revenue, fills empty houses and meets needs in the labour market and childcare. They also enrich the local community with new perspectives, culture and involvement in community life.

– We see new residents as an investment. The project is supported by the entire municipal leadership and is run like a business, which makes a difference,” says Sara Söderberg, Head of Culture and Leisure at Överkalix Municipality.

Watch the video about Move on Up

Hear Andrea tell more about her move to Överkalix in the video about the project.

(english subtilte available)

Great interest in Europe

Överkalix had the highest percentage of new residents in Norrbotten in 2024. Sixty-one families showed interest and around ten have already moved since the project was launched in 2023. With funding from the European Social Fund, Sofi Wiippa Lahti was hired to promote the move initiative, using social media as her main tool.

– People want to see what it’s really like here. I show them our schools, the nature, everyday life – and the personal touch is key, says Sofi.

When she and her colleagues visited a migration fair in the Netherlands, it became clear how awareness had increased.

– Last year, we had to find ways to attract people to our stand. This year, they were queuing up to find out more about Överkalix, she says.

What newcomers are looking for – and what the municipalities offer

Most newcomers come from the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany – and some from Italy. Something they all have in common is a desire for a different way of life.

– Many are looking for peace and quiet, nature and more time with their families – and they find it here, says Sofi.

Andrea first got in touch with Sofi via the website she had set up for the project, “Move to Överkalix”. After a long email exchange, he got a job as an environmental inspector in the municipality and in March 2025 he moved from Italy.

– No more traffic jams, my own garden, and being able to spend time in nature – it’s like a dream come true,” says Andrea.

– When I look out, I see the lake and the beautiful silhouette of Överkalix. This landscape is absolutely fantastic and everything I’ve ever wanted.”

The role of the Social Fund and the future of the project

The Move on Up project will run until August 2026, and is funded by the European Social Fund. Thanks to this support, the three municipalities have been able to employ full-time project staff who are working towards the project’s goals of developing methods and working practices for receiving new residents in each municipality. The municipalities have different conditions, which makes it possible to test a greater number of methods and then evaluate them together.

Anette Ek Lindqvist, project manager in Jokkmokk, has, among other things, tested “onboarding” during the Jokkmokk market to showcase the labour market and housing opportunities for potential new residents.

– Without funding from the ESF Council, it would not have been possible to test these methods together, says Anette.

Emelie Eriksson, a relocation coordinator in Kiruna, emphasises the importance of taking care of newcomers – both before and after the move.

– In Kiruna, I have focused on meetings for new residents so that people can make new contacts and feel a sense of belonging. I think it’s important to be there as a personal contact throughout the journey and to continue to keep in touch after they have moved here, says Emelie.

For Andrea and his family, the move has been a life-changing experience, and he is happy to have the opportunity to let his children grow up in an environment where they can spend a lot of time outdoors.

– At preschool, the children can really be children, playing in puddles and exploring the world around them. We’re so happy to finally be able to live the family life we have dreamed of. We have truly found our home.