Apply for a Swedish personal number (personnummer): step-by-step for non-EU workers

What is a personnummer—and who needs it?

If you plan to live in Sweden for 12 months or longer, you must be entered in the Population Register (folkbokföring). Once registered, the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) assigns you a personal identity number (personnummer). This number is your lifelong Swedish identifier and is used across public agencies and private services. Non-EU/EEA citizens must hold a valid Swedish residence permit when notifying their move.

A personnummer unlocks everyday life: Swedish ID card, banking and BankID, housing and utility contracts, tax and social-security administration, and access to healthcare and benefits via Försäkringskassan. Without it, many processes are slower or more limited.

Short stays (< 12 months): you are normally not registered. Instead, you use a coordination number (samordningsnummer)—a national identifier for people who are not (and have never been) registered. You still need to complete an in-person identity check before the number is issued.

Eligibility checklist (all should be true)

• You are non-EU/EEA.
• You intend to live in Sweden for at least 12 months (e.g., employment, assignment).
• You hold a valid residence permit that covers your intended stay.
• You can state your Swedish address where you actually live (include the 4-digit apartment number—lägenhetsnummer—if applicable).

The process, end-to-end (5 steps)

1) Submit the “Moving to Sweden” notification (online)

Notify your move via Skatteverket’s online service; this creates your case. If online filing isn’t possible, complete the paper form and bring it to your appointment. Each person (including children) files a separate notification. Filing close to your arrival simplifies appointment booking and the identity check flow.

Why it matters: submitting the notification is what triggers the workflow and exposes the appointment booking for your identity check.

2) Book an identity-check appointment

After you file, book an in-person identity check at a state service centre (Statens servicecenter). Centres use face-comparison and machine readers to verify travel documents. Peak periods (term starts, holidays) fill quickly; book early. If you filed from abroad, plan your identity check soon after arrival and keep your booking receipt.

3) Attend with originals (bring copies as backup)

Arrive with original identity and permit documents for each applicant. Officials inspect (and may copy) them and return them immediately. Keep spellings and dates consistent across passports, permits, marriage/birth certificates, and your notification to avoid follow-ups.

4) Processing (allow several weeks)

Skatteverket checks identity, residence-permit coverage, intended duration, address (including apartment number), and family links. Processing time depends on workload and whether additional clarifications are needed. It’s typically weeks, not days from identity check to decision.

5) Receive your personnummer

When you are entered in the Population Register, Skatteverket assigns your number and sends confirmation to your registered address. This is why the exact address—and the apartment number in multi-dwelling buildings—must be accurate, and your name must be on the mailbox.

Documents to bring (what officers actually look for)

Primary applicant

• Passport (valid, machine-readable).
• Residence permit (card/decision) covering ≥ 12 months.
• Employment contract/assignment indicating a continuous stay of ≥ 12 months.
• Proof of Swedish address (tenancy/rental/sublet agreement); include your lägenhetsnummer if applicable.

These documents establish your identity, your right to reside, your intended duration, and where you live.

Family members

• Separate notification and in-person identity check for each person.
• Passports and residence permits (as applicable).
• Marriage certificate (spouse/registered partner).
• Birth certificates (children).

Good practice: bring originals + copies; ensure names, dates, and relationships match across documents. If a document isn’t in Swedish or English, bring a certified translation.

Address rules you should know (to prevent mail bounce)

• Use the actual residential address where you live. Temporary addresses (hotel/hostel) are acceptable initially; update Skatteverket promptly when you move.
• In apartments, the 4-digit apartment number is part of your official address. Omitting it is a common reason for delayed or returned mail.
• Put your name on the door/mailbox so official letters reach you.

If you’re staying under 12 months (coordination number)

For sub-12-month stays (short assignments, traineeships, seasonal work), you generally do not receive a personnummer. Instead, apply for a coordination number and complete an identity check at a service centre. Authorities and employers can use this number for identification, payroll, and tax, even if you’re not registered as a resident. If your stay later extends to ≥ 12 months (e.g., contract extension), you can then apply to be registered and receive a personnummer.

After you receive your personnummer: what to do next

Apply for a Swedish ID card

You must already be registered. Pay the SEK 400 fee in advance and bring proof of payment to your appointment. The ID card is widely requested (banks, pharmacies) and pairs with BankID for digital services.

Notify Försäkringskassan

Provide your details so they can determine your insurance status and potential benefits. If you move with children under 16, Försäkringskassan often contacts you after registration; otherwise, submit your information proactively (e-service or form).

Open a bank account & set up BankID

Legal right: consumers legally resident in the EEA are entitled to a basic payment account (subject to anti-money-laundering checks).

Practical reality: many banks still expect a personnummer and often a Swedish ID; policies vary by bank and city. Bring strong ID and documentation (employment contract, tenancy) if you apply before your ID card arrives.

Keep your registration current

If you change address before or shortly after registration, inform Skatteverket immediately so your personnummer letter and other decisions reach you.

Special situations & edge cases

Student or researcher with scholarship: if your total stay is < 12 months, expect a coordination number. If your programme or contract extends beyond 12 months, you can pursue population registration at that point.

Changing employer early: population registration is about residence & duration, not a single employer. If your new contract still covers ≥ 12 months in total, your personnummer remains valid. Inform the tax agency/employer about payroll and tax implications.

Living in shared housing or second-hand sublet: ensure your name is on the mailbox, your sublet is legitimate, and your apartment number is listed in the address. Keep copies of your sublet agreement.

Name/order of names differs across documents: bring proof of name change or official documents that reconcile differences (e.g., marriage certificate with apostille and translation).

Short initial contract, later extended: if your initial contract was < 12 months and you received a coordination number, an extension to ≥ 12 months can justify population registration and a personnummer—reapply with the new contract.

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

• Contract under 12 months: extend/renew before applying for registration; otherwise, plan for the coordination-number route.
• Missing apartment number: always include the lägenhetsnummer in multi-dwelling buildings.
• Name/date mismatches: correct them or bring proof (e.g., name-change certificate) to avoid manual review.
• Late appointment booking: appointments can vanish during peak months; book right after filing.
• Assuming registration = healthcare coverage: population registration helps, but Försäkringskassan makes an independent insurance decision—submit your information promptly.

Quick FAQ

Do I need a residence permit first? Yes. Non-EU/EEA citizens must hold a valid residence permit when notifying Skatteverket.

Can I apply before I find permanent housing? You need a Swedish address when you notify. A temporary address (e.g., hotel/hostel) is acceptable initially; update it once you move. Include the apartment number where applicable.

How long does it take? Allow several weeks from identity check to decision. Timing depends on local workload, appointment availability, and whether clarifications are needed.

Do children need their own application? Yes. Each family member submits a separate notification and attends the identity check.