Sweden has a unique governance model where authorities operate relatively independently from the government. Key agencies include Skatteverket (taxes), Försäkringskassan (social benefits), Migrationsverket (residence permits), Arbetsförmedlingen (employment) and Pensionsmyndigheten (pensions). For newcomers, Skatteverket is the first step — that is where you get your personal identity number (personnummer).
Swedish authorities may not receive orders from the government in individual cases — ministerial rule has been prohibited since the 18th century
