2025 Guide: How To Get A Swedish Personal Number

A Swedish personal identity number, also known as “personnummer” in Swedish (yes, time to start practicing that Swedish), is essential for anyone planning to live, work, or study for a longer time period in Sweden. In this guide, we go through detailed information on what a personal identity number is, criteria, and the application process. Time to get settled!

What is a Swedish Personal Identity Number?

The Swedish personal identity number consists of your date of birth followed by a personal four-digit number, formatted as YYYYMMDD-XXXX. Issued by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), this number is important for various daily activities, such as banking, signing up for insurances, and subscribing to memberships and services. 

Swedish Personal Identity Number: Criteria

To be eligible for a Swedish Personal Identity Number, you must meet certain criteria:

For International Students:

• Have a residence permit valid for at least 12 months.
• Be admitted to a study program lasting 13 months or more.
• Note* You will need a registration certificate from your university to prove your enrollment.

Students enrolled for less than 12 months are not eligible for a personal identity number.

For EU/EEA Citizens:

• In order to be eligible for a Swedish Personal Identity Number, you have to intend to stay and live in Sweden for at least one year.
• All EU/EEA citizens have the right to stay in Sweden for up to three months.

For Expats/International Employees in Sweden:

• In order to be eligible for a personal identity number, you have to intend to stay, live and work in Sweden for at least one year.

If you intend to live and work in Sweden for less than one year, you should not apply for a Swedish Personal Identity Number, and instead apply for a Coordination Number.  

You can read more about that at the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), as well as book a time for a visit at your nearest Tax Agency Office to get it sorted.

The Application Process

Applying for a Swedish Personal Identity Number is fairly straightforward, although it requires a few important steps:

1. Pre-Arrival Preparation:

Complete the Move to Sweden form at the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), before arriving in Sweden, but not earlier than 14 days before your arrival. This form helps you gather all the necessary documents and saves you time once you’ve arrived in Sweden. 

Required Documents:

• Valid passport or national ID card (for EU citizens)
• Admission letter showing enrollment for at least 12 months
• Proof of enrollment in a recognized study program in Sweden (Students only)
• Additional documents based on personal circumstances (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate for children, proof of sufficient funds, comprehensive health insurance for EU citizens)‍

2. Visit a Tax Agency Office in Sweden:

Time to visit a Swedish Tax Agency office to complete your registration! You can find your nearest office, read more, and book an available time on the Swedish Tax Agency booking page. Make sure to bring all the necessary documents.

3. After Getting Your Swedish Personal Number

Once you have your Swedish Personal Number, you are ready to start using it for various things in Sweden, such as signing up for services. You may also want to get yourself a Swedish ID card.

How To Apply for a Swedish ID Card

Book an appointment to apply for a Swedish ID card. You can book a time on the  Swedish Tax Agency booking page. 

For more detailed information, visit the Swedish Tax Agency’s official website.