A Ukrainian woman who recently moved to Sweden shared the difficulties she faced after relocating. According to her, the lack of a personal number complicated access to integration programs and even some basic services, with a visit to the emergency department due to suspected appendicitis resulting in an eight-hour wait. The Ukrainian woman shared her stories on the social network Reddit.
What challenges Ukrainians face in Sweden without a personal number
The author of the post claims that for Ukrainians who have recently arrived in Sweden, obtaining a personal number has become more complicated. She said that it used to be possible to obtain it relatively quickly, but after September 2025, the process may take significantly longer.
"Previously, the social security number was issued relatively easily and quickly, but after September 2025, it either takes a year, or it is not issued at all," the Ukrainian woman said.
She noted that due to the absence of a number, she cannot join the Etableringsprogrammet. This is a program that provides support for integration, including language and vocational training.
The woman faced an unexpected problem even when trying to use the services of a hairdresser. According to her, she was refused an appointment for a haircut because she was asked for a personal number, which she does not have.
The Ukrainian woman also drew attention to the situation with public transport. According to her, the opportunity for free travel for Ukrainians still exists in Stockholm, while in many other places such benefits were canceled at the end of 2022 or early 2023.
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A Ukrainian woman spent eight hours in a Swedish hospital
The most difficult experience for the author was trying to get emergency medical assistance. The woman lives in a small town where, according to her, there is no corresponding hospital department.
When she had a strong suspicion of appendicitis, the operator of the Swedish medical service 1177 advised her to go to a hospital in another city. It was more than 40 km away.
"I had a very strong suspicion of appendicitis, and the 1177 service operator advised me to go to another city located more than 40 km from mine, because there was no emergency department in my town," the Ukrainian woman said.
She had to pay for the journey to the hospital and back on her own. In the medical facility, they took blood and urine tests from the Ukrainian woman, after which, according to her, she spent about eight hours in the waiting room, even though there were not many visitors.
Eventually, she was informed that the blood test results did not indicate an appendicitis attack. According to her, no additional examinations were conducted, after which she was sent home.
Previously, a Ukrainian named Roman, who works as a cemetery cleaner in Sweden, showed a message from his employer about another salary increase. After reviewing the rate, his monthly earnings increased to 29,900 Swedish crowns.