How to Get a Swedish Personal Number (Personnummer)
Moving to a new country comes with a mix of excitement and challenges, especially when it involves navigating administrative processes. If you're planning to live or work in Sweden, one of the first things you'll need is a Swedish personal number or personnummer.
This number is more than just a bureaucratic formality; it’s your gateway to accessing essential services and integrating into Swedish society. From opening a bank account to receiving healthcare, having a personal number is crucial.
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Why Having a Swedish Number (Personnummer) is Important
A Swedish personal number, or personnummer, is essential for anyone planning to live in Sweden. It acts as your unique identifier, allowing you to access a wide range of services, from opening a bank account and signing a lease to receiving healthcare and securing employment. Without it, many everyday tasks can be difficult, if not impossible.
The personal number also plays a crucial role in simplifying your interactions with various institutions, such as healthcare providers and tax authorities. It ensures that you are recognized within the Swedish system, making your integration into society smoother and more efficient.
What is a Personal Identification Number in Sweden?
In Sweden, a personal identification number is a unique 10- or 12-digit code assigned to individuals who are registered in the Swedish population register. This number serves as a key identifier, linking you to various aspects of Swedish society, much like a Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States or a National Insurance Number (NIN) in the UK.
A personnummer is a 12-digit number (YYYYMMDD-XXXX) with different parts that have specific meanings. The first 8 digits represent your birth date, followed by a 3-digit birth number, and the last digit is the control number. The second-to-last digit indicates your sex, with even numbers corresponding to females and odd numbers corresponding to males.
Who Can Apply for a Swedish Personal Number (Personnummer)?
A personnummer is available to individuals planning to stay in Sweden for more than one year, typically those with a residence permit valid for 12 months or longer.
Even if your residence permit is valid for less than 12 months due to passport limitations, you may still qualify for a personnummer if you can demonstrate plans to live in Sweden for at least a year.
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How to Get a Personal Number in Sweden: Step-by-Step
Step 1:
Make a Notification of Your Move to Sweden
Before you can apply for a personal number, you need to notify the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) of your move to Sweden. This can be done online through "Your Portal - Moving to Sweden" or in person at a service office.
You will need to fill out the application form and provide the following information:
- Personal details
- Details about your move to Sweden
- Current address in Sweden
- Your right to reside in Sweden
- Contact information
- Any additional information you wish to mention
Step 2:
Book an Appointment at a Service Office
You must book an appointment at a service office to complete your application. This step is required for all applicants, including minors.
Step 3:
Prepare the Required Documents
Generally, you need to bring your passport and Swedish residence permit card. Skatteverket might also require additional documents, so ensure you have everything ready before your appointment.
Step 4:
Visit the Service Office for an Identity Check
After submitting your notification, visit the service office you booked for your identity check. Bring your identification documents, such as your passport and residence permit. This visit must be made within 14 days of your move to Sweden or 14 days after submitting your notification if you're already in Sweden.
Step 5:
Wait for Your Swedish Personal Number
Once your identity is verified and the application is processed, you will receive your Swedish personal number by mail.
There is no exact timeline for when Skatteverket will process your registration. You may receive your personnummer as quickly as within a week or it could take up to six months.
🤩 Easily check if your personal number has been registered by searching for yourself on Ratsit.
Tips on How to Get a Personal Number in Sweden
- Coordination Number (Samordningsnummer): If you're staying in Sweden for less than a year, apply for a coordination number instead, which grants access to some services.
- Apply Early: Submit your application as early as you can. The application date is important for future permanent residency applications and accessing services.
- Check Your Personnummer Online: Use sites like Ratsit to see if your Swedish personal number has been processed. If you’re listed, it means you’re registered in Sweden.
- Address Passport Validity in Your Application: If you moved to Sweden as a dependent and your residence permit is short due to your passport's expiry, explain this in your application. Mention your intent to stay in Sweden as long as the main applicant does.
What to Do After Getting a Personnummer?
As soon as you get your personnummer, you should apply for a Swedish ID card. This will be the ID you use to identify yourself. Your residence permit card is not a valid ID; it can only be used when traveling.
If you move within Sweden, you also need to inform Skatteverket about your change of address. You can report your address change online.
To see what else you should tackle after landing in Sweden, check out my post on the important things to do after moving to Sweden.
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FAQs About How to Get a Swedish Personal Number
How do I get a personal number in Sweden?You can get a personal number by notifying the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) of your move to Sweden and completing the required identity check at a service office.
What is the 12-digit personal number in Sweden?The 12-digit personal number in Sweden (personnummer) is a unique identifier that includes your birth date followed by a four-digit code, used to access various services.
Can I work without a personal number in Sweden?Yes, you can start working without a personal number, but you will need to obtain one soon after to fully access employment benefits and services.
How long does it take to get a Swedish personal number?The processing time can vary from a week to several months, depending on your case officer and the specifics of your application.
How to check your Swedish personal number?If you submitted your application online, you can track its status on Skatteverket’s website, or check websites like Ratsit, where personal information is publicly available in Sweden.
🤩 Easily check if your personal number has been registered by searching for yourself on Ratsit.
Final Thoughts: Applying for a Personummer in Sweden
Obtaining a Swedish personal number is an important step for anyone planning to live, work, or study in Sweden. It acts as your key to accessing essential services and integrating into Swedish society. By following the steps outlined in this guide and applying early, you can ensure a smoother transition into life in Sweden. This number will be central to your daily life in your new home, so make securing it a priority, whether you're here for a short stay or planning to make Sweden your long-term residence.
