The Swedish residence permit process—a journey that could be a reality show called “Who Gets Approved?” except instead of roses, we’re waiting on bureaucratic blessings. Spoiler alert: I haven’t gotten mine yet.
What’s driving me up the wall isn’t just the wait—it’s the randomness of it all. People who applied after me, had their interviews after me, and aren’t even married (some are barely dating!) are already popping champagne over their shiny new permits, (I’m part of a Facebook group where people share their application, interview, and decision dates—and it’s absolutely maddening.) Meanwhile, here I am, married to a Swedish unicorn who ticks every box—stable job, secure housing, and a relationship so proven it could win awards—and still nothing.
Is there a secret algorithm? A random lottery? Are they pulling applications out of a hat during fika breaks? I’m starting to picture a room full of officials playing “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe” with people’s futures.
And don’t get me started on how nerve-wracking this is. Even though we’ve done everything right—submitted enough evidence to fill a novel, nailed the interview, and met every requirement twice over—it’s hard not to worry. What if there’s some overlooked box or an obscure rule I missed? What if someone in the office had a bad day and shuffled my file into the “later” pile?
At the same time, it’s hard not to feel a little emotional about it. This isn’t just paperwork; it’s about building a life with my husband in a country we both love. Every delay feels like someone hit pause on that dream, and it’s exhausting to stay in limbo while the world seems to move forward for everyone else.
But hey, I have to laugh to keep from crying. Maybe the Swedish Migration Agency is testing my patience to see if I’m worthy of becoming a Swede. If so, here’s hoping I’ve passed with flying colors because patience is all I’ve got left.
Until then, I’ll just keep refreshing my email, imagining what it’ll feel like to finally be on the other side of this waiting game. To anyone else in the same boat, I see you—and let’s hope the Migration Agency finds their sense of urgency soon. Or at least stops playing favorites.
Swedish Wanderlust 