Moving to Sweden as an American
16 hours ago
- #Sweden
- #cultural adaptation
- #immigration
- Married a Swede and applied for a residence permit online.
- Interview at the embassy 3 months after applying.
- Received residence permit decision via email after 6.5 months.
- Submitted biometrics at the embassy to expedite permit card issuance.
- Applied for jobs in Sweden through JobsInSweden job board.
- Applied for a personnummer online before moving to Sweden.
- Booked identity check appointment at Skatteverket upon arrival.
- Received personnummer one week after identity check.
- Applied for an ID card in-person at Skatteverket.
- Opened a bank account at Swedbank with necessary documents.
- Set up BankID and Swish mobile apps for banking.
- Noted cultural norms like not taking the last piece of food.
- Adjusted to Swedish weather and clothing advice.
- Learning Swedish pronunciation despite English and Mandarin interference.
- Noticed longer notice periods for job and apartment changes.
- U.S. driver's license valid for 1 year; using public transport.
- Received a free 14-day public transport ticket upon arrival.
- Tried unique Swedish pizzas like banana curry and kebab salad.