Hi Everyone!

Two of the most important things you can do after moving to Sweden is to get your Swedish personal number (Personnummer) and Swedish ID (Identification Card). These two documents are highly useful and will be frequently used as you settle into your new Swedish life.

When you go to apply for your Personnummer, you will go to the Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency). As the Skatteverket serves many purposes, there are usually many people there. Once you have chosen a day to make your application, it is therefore important to arrive about 30 minutes before opening time if you want to avoid queues (opening hours can be found on the Skatteverket website; https://www.skatteverket.se/).

In order to ensure that your Personnummer and ID applications go smoothly it is important to be organised before heading to the Skatteverket by knowing what you need to bring. Seeing as a Personnummer is a necessary prerequisite to apply for a Swedish ID, I will discuss applying for a Personnummer first.

Personnummer:

A Swedish Personnummer is a 12 digit code comprising of your date of birth (YYMMDD) and four additional, random numbers separated from the date of birth by a hyphen. This number is very important to have when living in Sweden and allows you to complete essential tasks such as opening a bank account, purchasing insurance and applying for jobs (to name a few). It is possible to live in Sweden without a Personnummer for a few months (but you are required to apply for one if you plan to live in Sweden for over a year). However, the ease of living noticeably improves after getting a Personnummer, making it worthwhile to apply as soon as possible. Details such as your name and address are also linked to your Personnummer, making identification and applications quick and easy.

Depending on why you are in Sweden and if you’re moving here alone or with family the requirements for registering for a Personnummer are different. However, common items required for registration are a passport (or national ID card) and your civil status. If you are moving to Sweden from a country that isn’t part of the European Union (EU), you will also need to present your Swedish residence permit card. For more detailed information on what you’ll need to apply for your Personnummer, visit https://www.skatteverket.se/ and select the circumstances that apply to you. Applications for a Personummer can be made at either of the Skatteverkets in Stockholm (Östermalmstorg, Regeringsgatan 109, 118 27 or Thorildsplan, Lindhagensgatan 76, 112 18).

After you have applied for your Personnummer, it will be mailed to your address and may take around a month. Once you have received the letter it is important to store it in a safe place and, if possible, memorise your Personnummer so that you are able to recite when necessary.

Swedish Identification Card:

If you are over the age of 18 (or between 13 and 18 with proof of your parents’ permission) and have obtained a Personnummer you will be able to apply for a Swedish ID card. If you have no form of ID other than your passport, an ID card is a great alternative for everyday use. This is an official ID and so can be used when buying alcohol or getting age-related discounts. Additionally, a Swedish ID can be used in place of a passport when travelling within the EU.

While I have heard some other people refer to it as difficult process, I myself have found applying for an ID to be quick and simple. To apply for an ID card you must come to the Skatteverket with two things prepared:

1. Proof of Identity – a passport is your best bet here, but information from your residence permit or an attester can be used in place of this.
2. Proof of payment – the application fee for a Swedish ID is 400 SEK which must be transferred electronically before your visit. If you do not yet have a Swedish bank account, you can transfer the application fee internationally or have a trusted friend with a Swedish bank account transfer the money for you. Payment details for this transfer can be found on Skatteverket’s website. Once the transfer is complete you should print or electronically save the evidence of this, so that you can present it when you visit the Skatteverket.

So, with these two things checked off you’ll be ready to go and apply for your ID. In contrast to how it is for the Personnummer, only the Skatteverket near Thorildsplan handles ID applications in Stockholm, so make sure you go to this one. It is definitely sensible to allow at least an hour for this visit as you will have your photo taken and height measured (these details are presented on your ID card). I’m not sure whether you can smile or not for the photo, but try and avoid looking as grumpy as I did so you’re not embarrassed to take out your ID in public!

If your proof of identity and payment are confirmed and you are registered as a Swedish citizen (i.e. you have a Swedish Personnummer), your application should be processed without an issue. After a few weeks you should expect to receive a letter in the post telling you that your ID card is ready for collection. You can collect the ID card anytime from the Skatteverket, but must remember to bring your letter with you to help confirm your identity. It is also important to go back to the Thorildsplan Skatterverket (or to the same address where you made your application if you’re not in Stockholm), as that is where your ID will be waiting. Don’t make the mistake I did of turning up at another Skatteverket and wondering why they don’t have your ID card ready!

So, there we have it! A brief summary on how to obtain two very important Swedish documents. The Skatteverket website can be a little confusing at the best of times, so hopefully this blog post has made the whole process clear. The most important thing is simply to be organised and know what you’re doing each step of the way!

See you next week where I’ll be talking about 3 sights to visit in Stockholm!

Hannah