The Tax Agency issues personal identity- and coordination numbers, birth certificates and identity cards. They are also responsible for collecting the country’s taxes and its population register.
During your stay in Sweden you need to get an ID-number to use in contact with different authorities. The length of your stay determines which kind of ID-number you can get.
Swedish personal ID-number or coordination number
Swedish personal ID-number - if you are staying in Sweden for one year or more.
If your stay is 1 year or more you should normally be registered in the Swedish population register and receive a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer). A Swedish personal identity number gives you access to health care in Sweden on the same terms as Swedes. It is an important number for many other reasons, for example to opening a bank account and get a BankID. With BankID you can identify yourself at both companies and authorities, log in to e-services and sign contracts.
Coordination number - if you are staying less than one year.
If you are staying less than one year you might qualify for a coordination number. This is an identifier for individuals who does not meet the requirements to obtain a Swedish ID-number.
How to apply for an ID-number
Staying more than one year: Swedish personal identity number (personnummer)
As soon as you have arrived in Sweden you should visit the Tax Agency´s office and submit your application for a Swedish personal ID-number. If you have accompanying family members you must visit the office together. Depending on your citizenship and civil status there are specific documents you need to bring with you. Address: Sveagatan 12
Requirements to obtain a Swedish personal identity number
The Swedish Tax Agency assesses whether you can be registered in the population registry. To do so, they take two things into account:
1. If you are staying one year or more
2. If you have the right of residence (EU-citizens) or a permit to study, research or work in Sweden (non EU-citizens)
3. Note that Post Docs with a scholarship (not employed) must have a S1- certificate or documents proving there is a private health insurance or meeting the requirements. An EHIC card does not meet the requirements.
Staying less than one year: coordination number (samordningsnummer)
A coordination number is an identifier for individuals who are not registered in the Swedish population register.
Requirements to obtain a coordination number
1. You are staying less than one year
2. If you have the right of residence (EU-citizens) or a permit to study, research or work in Sweden (non EU-citizens if the time exceeds three months)
You have a taxed income (salary)
The pay roll at Umeå University will apply for the coordination number for you and you do not have to visit the Tax Agency´s office. Contact your HR at the department for help.
Note that if you stay less than one year and receive a scholarship paid directly from the funding body the pay roll cannot help you with a coordination number.
More information about the ID-numbers
If you want to know more about personal identity number and coordination number, visit the Tax Agency´s webpage
More information about Swedish personal identity number and how to apply. Moving to Sweden films
