Coordination number (samordningsnummer)

What it is and what it is not

In Sweden almost everything runs on a ten-digit number: employer, tax, insurance, subscriptions. People who live here long term have a personnummer (personal identity number), which you get when you are registered in the population register (folkbokföring).

The samordningsnummer is for people who are not and have never been folkbokförd (registered). It gives authorities and companies a way to identify you, but it is identification only. It does not register you as a resident and does not open the rights that depend on residence. If you register later, the samordningsnummer is replaced by a personnummer.

Who can get one

There are two routes.

• You apply yourself, if you will stay in Sweden less than a year, need the number, and have a connection to Sweden (for example a job, a contract, or a home purchase to register).
• An authority requests it for you, for example Skatteverket (the Tax Agency) for work, or Försäkringskassan (the Social Insurance Agency). This is set out in the Act on coordination numbers (2022
  ).

If you will stay a year or more, this is not your route: you must report your move and be registered. See folkbokföring. This applies whether or not you are an EU citizen: what counts is how long you stay.

How to apply

1. Submit the application. Either in Skatteverket's e-service "Samordningsnummer" or on paper with form SKV 7540.
2. Book the identity check. You must appear in person at a servicekontor (a Skatteverket service office). Book a time in advance. You can hand in the paper form there.
3. Bring original identity documents. A passport or valid ID card.
4. Biometric check. Skatteverket also performs a biometric check, done at the office.
5. Wait for the decision.

Since 2023 Skatteverket carries out the identity checks itself. Coordination numbers come at different levels of assurance, and the highest level requires an in-person check. That is why it cannot all be done from home.

How long it takes

For a personal application Skatteverket gives up to 5 weeks before the case is assigned to a caseworker. Plan for weeks, not days. If an employer or company is waiting for the number, say so right away: in some cases an authority can request it on your behalf.

Validity, renewal and vilande

• The number is valid for 5 years.
• To renew it you need a new visit and a new identity check.
• If you have not used it within 5 years, it becomes vilande, meaning dormant. It is not lost: it can be reactivated.

What it is useful for, and its limits

A samordningsnummer is useful for, for example:

• working, so that pay and tax are handled correctly;
• paying tax to Skatteverket;
• insurance and subscriptions;
• registering the purchase of a home (lagfart, at Lantmäteriet).

Its limits compared with a personnummer:

• You are not folkbokförd, so you do not get the rights that come with registration. See vård (healthcare) and Försäkringskassan for what depends on residence.
• It does not entitle you to social insurance benefits tied to residence.
• Skatteverket's ID card is for people who are registered, not for those who only have a samordningsnummer.
• Banks and BankID: many banks ask for a personnummer, and with a samordningsnummer it can be harder to get an account or electronic ID. Ask your bank before relying on it. See BankID.

When you register later

When you move here for good and are registered, you get a personnummer and the samordningsnummer is replaced. From then on you use only the new number. You do not need to close anything yourself, but tell your bank, employer and insurers that your number has changed.

Common mistakes

• Applying when you will stay a year or more. Then you need folkbokföring.
• Forgetting to book the in-person check. The online application alone is not enough.
• Expecting a resident's rights. Subsidised healthcare and Försäkringskassan benefits follow registration, not the number.
• Counting on BankID or an account straight away. It can be harder with a samordningsnummer: check with the bank.
• Leaving it unused for 5 years and then being surprised that it is vilande. It can be reactivated, but it takes a procedure.
• Not telling anyone when the number changes to a personnummer.