- Edit: I'm in Sweden and settled in, but will pretty much keep this list "as is" - only editing areas for updates.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW UPON ARRIVAL:
- * Write your name outside your door ASAP (if you live in an apartment). They hand deliver mail here to your door and it's the only way they know you're there.
- * Bring comfy shoes - everyone walks here. It's perfectly safe; they have seperate walking paths away from traffic.
- * Buses don't take cash. You need to purchase a bus card at the station, a bus store in town, or in a machine. You can also pay through SMS using your cellphone.
- * Mostly everyone speaks English! You don't have to explain how you can't speak Swedish because everyone (except for senior citizens) speaks English.
- * In the summer and autumn months, it's perfectly normal to see people pull over to a nearby forest and go mushroom picking. There are also plenty of wild berries that grow in the forests that's delicious and pickable!
- * Most foreigners complain about the lack of variety in restaurants and especially fast food. Even if you're a novice in the kitchen, you will likely cook!
- * Electronics are expensive here - buy laptops and cameras back home.
- * If you cook, bring brown sugar and vanilla extract - they don't have the exact equivalent in Sweden.
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As I'm preparing for the big move, I've been researching essential steps for successfully moving to Sweden. I've put together some links and my personal "To Do List" for easy reference:
Things Already Done:
- + Sept 2008: Download Residency Application from the Swedish Migration Board (http://www.migrationsverket.se/english.html)
- + Print and Fill-out application. Write about our relationship.
- + Call the Swedish Consulate in Seoul and schedule an interview
- + 24 Sept: Interview at the Swedish Consulate
- + 28 Oct: Martin receives a packet in the mail with our Errand number. He orders additional required paperwork from Skatteverket.
- + 8 or 15 Nov: Martin mailed the packet back to Migrationsverket (the first request for paperwork from Skatteverket didn't come, so it needed to be re-ordered)
- + 7 Jan 2009: My resident application is approved!
Me being in South Korea (instead of back home in the States) turned out to be a positive thing since there was no wait-time for an interview with the Swedish Consulate. In fact, I was able to submit my application at the same time as my interview (which saved us weeks of waiting). The interview lasted about 45-minutes to an hour and my interviewer was extremely helpful, friendly, personable, and professional. She even reassured me that my application will be approved in time (which is prior to the end of my work contract). My wait was only 3.5 months. Not too bad at all!
The Essentials (Upon Arrival):
- + Apply for personnumber at Skatteverket ✗3/02
- + Receive personnumer ✗3/19
- + Open a Swedish bank account ✗3/02
- + Receive Swedish bank card ✗3/06
- + Get a bus card ✗3/02
NOTE: Applying for a personnumber was fast and simple. I only had to present my passport (with my resident permit inside) and then fill-out a simple application. There wasn't a wait at my local Skatteverket, so it was surprsingly fast -- but they said I'll take 2-3 weeks until I'll receive my personnummer in the mail.
My Swedish bank account experience was a very pleasant one, thanks to a very professional and friendly, Swedbank employee, Håkan Skillborg. I was able to open an account the day after I arrived with only my passport (resident permit inside). My account is technically a temporary account without e-banking priveledges, but I will be able to upgrade it to a regular account once I receive my personnumer and Swedish ID. My account number will not change, and I will be able to use my card for in-store purchases within Sweden. It only took 3 days for them to mail my bank card to me and now all I need to do is to come in person to pick my pin-code.
My experience at Swedbank has left me a very good impression - after reading all the negative experiences, I was expecting the worst, but I was given a warm welcome. Thanks Swedbank!
The Next Step:
- Register at Skatteverket ✗Automatic when applying for personnumer
- Enroll in SFI ✗3/13
- Register for medical services ✗Automatic
- Get a Swedish ID card - have to wait until
July Sept - Study for the Swedish Driver's License Exam
- Find a job
- Learn Swedish
Useful Links:
How to get a personnummer:
Skatteverket now exclusively handles all new Swedish ID issuances. Once you have your personnumer and have been here for 6-months, you can apply for an ID. You first need to pay the fee online and show proof of it. You present this in person, with your sambo and fill-out the application. They will take a picture of you. *Note: you might have to make an appointment but it varies by location.
http://www.skatteverket.se/idkort/swedishtaxagencyissuesidcards.4.6f9866931215a607a4f80006460.html
How to get a Swedish Driver's License: http://www.ehow.com/how_4495855_get-drivers-license-sweden.html
My California driver's license is valid for up to 1 year in Sweden, so I've put off the studying for now. Plus, public transport is very convenient here and most cities enforce metered parking everywhere!
Swedish Bank Account Information: I was able to open a bank account without a Swedish ID. I presented my passport and was issued a limited access account (with no internet banking privledges). Once you have your ID, you can upgrade to a normal account (that requires a minimal income). Because I am not yet working, I was issued a debit card with internet banking (looks just like my old card). It does not have a Visa or Mastercard logo, which is a pain for some online websites.
I bank with Swedbank and so others might have a different experience.
. .:+: Swedish Language Prorams/Links :+:. .
- Byki (http://www.byki.com)
- Pimsleur Language Program
- Rosetta Stone
- Short Disney songs in Swedish (i.e "En spegelbild")
- Traditional Swedish gradeschool songs: (i.e "Den blomstertid nu kommer")