Personnummer: The Identifier for Swedish Social Security
If your assignment lasts for 12 months or more, you (along with your accompanying family, if any) are obligated to obtain Swedish personal identity numbers, known as "personnummer." This process can only be initiated after your official relocation to Sweden, as a valid address in the country is required for the application. Referred to as "civil registration," you must inform Swedish authorities of your residence within seven days of your arrival in the country.
What does the term "personnummer" refer to?
Every nation has a form of personal identification or social security number. In Sweden, this identifier is called the "personnummer" or personal number. Each individual is assigned a unique number which remains the same throughout their life. The format includes the year of birth, birth month, and date, followed by four random digits at the end (YYYYMMDD-XXXX).
The personal number is essential for various activities in Sweden, including tax payments, salary receipt, opening internet or cell-phone subscriptions, and even obtaining a gym membership. Access to healthcare benefits, equivalent to those available to Swedish citizens, also requires the personal number. Although the process to obtain it might take some time, having a personal number is crucial for integrating into life in Sweden.
Is it possible for anyone to request a personal number?
To be eligible for a Swedish personal number, you must have a job contract lasting at least one year in Sweden. For Non-EU and EEA citizens, having a valid permit from the Swedish Migration Agency for a minimum of one year is also necessary. Different regulations apply for unemployed citizens relocating to Sweden; however, since Human Entrance exclusively serves corporate clients, it's advisable to refer to Skatteverket's website to understand the specific requirements in your case.
Individuals with job contracts lasting less than 12 months are required to apply for a "samordningsnummer" (coordination number) instead.
What is the application process?
To initiate the application process for a Swedish Personal Number, you must visit the Swedish Tax Agency, Skatteverket, in person. While at Skatteverket, you will complete a form titled "Moving to Sweden." A representative will collect copies of all your necessary documents and your completed application, which will then be sent to Skatteverket's head office in Stockholm. Subsequently, a designated case handler will review your application and assess your eligibility for the Swedish Personal Number. The typical waiting period to receive the personal number ranges from 2 to 18 weeks.
Human Entrance collaborates closely with corporate clients to ensure the accuracy of all applications for obtaining a Swedish Personal Number. Any errors in the application or accompanying documents could significantly prolong the process, leading to delays of several months in receiving the personal number. Without the personal number, individuals lack access to essential services such as healthcare, utility subscriptions, and housing alternatives, negatively impacting their quality of life in Sweden.
Concerned about potential delays in your employees' application process? Entrust the task to us!
Certain documents are necessary for the application process.
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Passports of all applicants – valid for at least one year
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Swedish residence permit (if Non-EU or EEA citizen)
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Original marriage certificate (if applicable)
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Children’s birth certificates (if applicable)
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Original divorce papers (if applicable)
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If you are divorced, have a child/children and are bringing it/them to Sweden and have shared custody, you need a written approval from the other parent. The approval needs to contain following:
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Complete names and birth dates of you, the other parent and the child/children
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Your address in Sweden and the other parents’ current address
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A statement that the other parent approves you to move to Sweden with the child/children
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Signature of the other parent
Temporary Personal Identification Number
In case you need to access healthcare services before receiving your official personal number, the hospital or doctor may provide you with a temporary personal number to include you in the system. However, for the care received, you will be required to pay the full cost.date, followed by four random digits at the end (YYYYMMDD-XXXX).
How can you verify your Swedish personal number?
Once your personal number has been issued, you will receive a letter at the address provided in your application. If this letter is lost or in case you have moved, you can contact Skatteverket to inquire about the status of your number. It is advisable not to make the call until at least two weeks have passed since you applied.
You can reach Skatteverket at 0771-567 567. They are available to assist you from Monday to Thursday, between 8:00 and 18:00, and on Fridays from 8:00 to 16:00.
What to Do After Obtaining Your Swedish Personal Number?
After obtaining your personal number, you must submit your application for Swedish Social Insurance (Försäkringskassan) and apply for a Swedish ID card. You can find information about the ID card application process and schedule an appointment on Skatteverket’s website.
Once you have your Swedish ID card, you have completed all the necessary steps for your civil registration. At this point, you can open a bank account and receive Mobile Bank ID. However, there are specific exceptions for employees working in Sweden regarding opening a bank account; you can find further details about this process on the provided link about opening a bank account in Sweden.