So, after almost 8 weeks, I have FINALLY finished navigating the fire and brimstone of the maelstrom called Skatteverket. 8 weeks of my life that have been highly stressful and frustrating part of my life.

Back in December 2009, I decided to take a position in Stockholm as a Data Warehouse specialist for the company I used to work for in Vancouver (sister company). The immigration process was so simple and quick, I was impressed. Able to renew my passport and have my working visa approved and sent back to me in 4 business days. Monday applied for a new Canadian passport, Thursday I was all set with my working visa, in my passport, in my hand. I quickly found out this was all just smoke and mirrors to hook you in. Once you’ve bitten, oh, you’re on for a ride!

Once I got here in January, I went to Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Office) right away, January 12th to be exact in an attempt to get my Personnummer (Swedish Personal Number). Normally it takes between 2-3 weeks (or so I was told) when I dropped off my application.

Time passes and it’s 4 weeks and STILL no word from Skatteverket. So I go down to their office to find out what’s up. Oh, it hasn’t been processed, it’s still in the backlog and could be another 2 weeks to process. Well we’re into February and I haven’t been paid for January yet, because I don’t have a bank account (I need a personnummer for that). Little irritated, but whatever.

Now 2 more weeks pass, STILL no word from Skatteverket… So I call them up. Looks like they couldn’t verify my address… and they failed to call me and inform me about this. It “must have been overlooked” was their reply. Well, now I’m pissed because it’s end of February, I cannot get paid (again) and am moving that weekend. They said they would mail me the info to my new address after I move.

Now it’s March 3rd, and 50 days from the day I applied for my personnummer I FINALLY get it… by phone. I called the guy up, asked what was going on and finally got it! Wicked, now to get a bank account so I can get paid! Remember, without this number you cannot do ANYTHING. Everything you do or want requires it. Gym memberships, internet connections, bank accounts, membership cards at the store…. EVERYTHING.

Off to the bank (Handelsbanken) and I found out I need to go BACK to Skatteverket to get a Personbevis to prove to the bank who I am. Funny how that was not mailed to me, but some other proof was. So I go back to Skatteverket and explain that I need a personbevis, and after some explaining about why and what for (and them saying it will take a month to get proper ID… blah blah blah) they print me what I need.

I go back to Handelsbanken with my paperwork in hand to open an account… BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! I need someone with Swedish ID to verify who I am until I get my ID… which the BANK issues. So you need ID to get a bank account and Swedish ID, but cannot get either without Swedish ID…. It’s like what came first, the chicken or the egg? Either case I don’t care, I just want my bank account to get paid.

So I go back to the office to “borrow a Swede” to open my account up. I really should have just picked-up random cute Swedish blonde to help me, but I didn’t have the time or patients. One of my co-workers helped me open the account. Papers are all signed and then…. one more thing…. I NEEDED A PHOTO! They forgot to tell me I’d need one for Swedish ID. Unlike BC where they take the photo, you have to provide it here. So I had to come back the NEXT day to drop that off. Thank god I have a few photos with me for travel visas.

So yeah, now I have most of my paperwork together. It’s been a LONG 8 weeks… Actually it would have been a lot easier if the personnummer was also issued at the same time with my work permit. That would have made sense, but unfortunately the Swedish government authorities (Immigration and Tax) really don’t talk to each other…. AT ALL.

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