From Home to Stockholm: My Experiences and Lessons from Migrating to Sweden

Part 1: The Perseverance of a Dream

It all began with a single goal: to make Stockholm my new home. However, I quickly realized that the key to achieving this dream lay in securing a job in the Swedish capital. With limited funds and a burning desire to make my migration a reality without draining my savings, I embarked on a relentless quest.

For seven months, I tirelessly scoured professional platforms like LinkedIn, navigating through countless applications and attending numerous interviews. But amidst the rollercoaster ride of hope and disappointment, I confronted a difficult decision: should I risk quitting my current job to focus solely on this pursuit? The financial strain weighed heavily on my mind, urging caution when it came to advising others.

Yet, from the depths of my own experience, I discovered a valuable lesson that would shape my journey forever…

Embarking on my migration journey to Stockholm, finding a job became the crucial first step in realizing my dreams without depleting my savings. For seven long months, I tirelessly scoured platforms like LinkedIn, submitting countless applications and attending interviews. It was a challenging period, as I had taken the bold step of quitting my job to focus on this pursuit. Financial strain tested my resolve, making me hesitant to advise others to follow suit.

However, I learned a valuable lesson: once an offer arrives, swift action is vital. Initiating the notice period promptly and commencing the visa application process without delay can help secure a smoother transition, avoiding the prolonged financial hardships I faced. By sharing this experience, I hope to guide fellow migrants toward a more stable and successful path in their own endeavors.

Let us start with the time I started the interview process. As an iOS applications developer, the interview process consisted of IQ tests, coding tests, and several rounds of interviews related to my tech stack and my 10 years of experience in the industry. The interview process started at the end of December 2022, and I was offered a new opportunity to work with them in the first week of February 2023.

With the elation of securing a job offer, I eagerly signed the employment contract, understanding that this was the first step towards my new life in Stockholm. Little did I know that the journey ahead would require additional support. My new employer introduced me to a reputable visa processing agency, a third-party partner entrusted with navigating the intricate procedures involved in obtaining a visa. (Note: Specific names of the employer and third-party agency have been omitted for privacy reasons.)

The first thing they asked me to do was to fill out and sign a power of attorney form so that they could handle the application on my (and my wife’s) behalf. We also provided several pieces of information about us to the agency, such as passport data and marriage certificates. We were provided with two control numbers for me and my wife, which would help us keep track of the process on their website. You can check the status of your application using your control number here.

After waiting for about a month, I was informed by the agency that the Swedish Migration Agency had approved our application! The next process was to get the work permit card from the Embassy of Sweden. In order to obtain this, we needed to submit our biometrics to the Embassy. I swiftly booked flight tickets to New Delhi, where the Embassy of Sweden was located. You can find the details of the Embassy of Sweden in New Delhi here. The allotted time for submitting your biometrics is between 8:30 am & 10:30 am IST.

A few tips for your visit to the Embassy of Sweden:

• Be there at least 30 minutes before the designated time to account for any queues.
• Register your name at the security office upon arrival.
• Avoid carrying any luggage, as it is not permitted inside the Embassy compound.
• Your cell phones, wallets, etc., are not allowed inside. The Embassy provides locker facilities to hold these.
• Bring your original passport and control number on a small piece of paper.

Once inside, you will need to get a token and wait for your turn. The whole process took about 10 minutes for me and my wife. Afterward, we returned home and patiently waited for someone to reach out to us about the arrival of the permit cards.

Two weeks later, I received an email instructing me to collect the permit cards from the Embassy. The process for collecting the cards was between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm IST, and it was a swift affair, taking about 15 minutes.

As soon as I obtained my permit card, I informed my new employer, and they promptly booked my tickets to Stockholm. The next week, I found myself standing at the airport, clutching my boarding pass tightly. It was a moment of reflection on the incredible journey that led me here.

Part 1 of my migration tale had been a rollercoaster of perseverance and uncertainty, but it was just the beginning. Little did I know that the real adventure awaited me on Swedish soil. With a newfound job, a promising future, and dreams that seemed within reach, I stepped onto the plane with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

The next chapter of my story, “Unlocking the Essentials,” would take you on a journey through the practicalities of settling in Sweden. From registering for a personal number to navigating the intricacies of the banking system and embarking on the quest for a place to call home, Part 2 reveals the essential steps that awaited me in building a life in this beautiful country.

Join me as we unlock the doors to a new chapter, where dreams become reality and Swedish adventures await. Stay tuned for “Unlocking the Essentials” in the next installment of my Sweden migration blog.

Author’s Note:

I would like to express my gratitude to ChatGPT for its invaluable assistance in generating content and providing insights for this blog. ChatGPT is an AI language model developed by OpenAI, and it has played a significant role in helping me shape my thoughts and ideas throughout the writing process. I am thankful for the capabilities of this remarkable AI tool and the contributions it has made to this blog.

Information Note: Based on Personal Experience

Dear Readers,

I would like to emphasize that the information shared in this blog, including the insights and experiences described, is based solely on my personal journey of migrating to Sweden. While I have made every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information, please note that individual experiences may vary.

Migration processes and requirements can be subject to change, and it is essential to consult official government sources, relevant institutions, and legal professionals for the most current and accurate information regarding migration to Sweden. I encourage you to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

The purpose of this blog is to share my personal perspective and provide insights into my own experiences throughout the migration process. It is not intended as professional advice or a comprehensive guide.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope that the information I share can be helpful and inspiring as you embark on your own migration adventure.

Best regards,

Chandrachudh K