Written by Concillier
14 Jan 2019
Sweden runs on personal identity numbers (personnummer) that are distributed by Skatteverket (Sweden’s tax agency). While Swedes get their personal identity numbers at birth, all foreigners have to make an application through the Swedish Tax Agency. Personal identity numbers help you to do every basic task from opening a bank account to accessing health services. If you are planning to stay in Sweden for one year or more, you can in most cases apply to be added to the civil registry. When you are added to the civil registry, you will receive your personal identity number. But if you have a permit valid for less than 12 months, you might be able to get a coordination number, that is usually referred to as “samordningsnummer”.
Since I study a 1 year Master’s programme in Information Systems, I was given an 11-month resident permit. and means that my alternative was a coordination number. I was able to get one because I have a part-time job. This number helps the Swedish Tax Agency track my tax obligations.
How do you apply for a coordination number?*
The Swedish Tax Agency issues coordination numbers. ↗️ You can apply for a coordination number by yourself if you:
- Plan on staying in Sweden for less than one year
- Have a connection to Sweden (for example, studying at a university in Sweden) and need a coordination number
You will be able to apply for a coordination number online on the Swedish Tax Agency’s website (in Swedish or English) or by filling in a printed form. Read more about how to apply on the Swedish Taxy Agency’s website. ↗️
Before the Swedish Tax Agency can issue you a coordination number, you will be required to visit one of their service centres in person for an identity check. Please note that you will need to book an appointment for your identity check at a service centre.
About 4/5 weeks after your application has been submitted, you will get your coordination number, which can be used by your employer for salary payment purposes. However, it is important to note that even with a coordination number, you may not be able to access certain services such as:
- Mobile BankID or Swish
- Online hospital bookings through 1177
Want to know more?
You can get in contact with the Swedish Tax Agency for any questions about how to get a coordination number. ↗️
*The information about how to apply for a coordination number was updated in March 2025.
