Skip to content
SVI Fokus
Working in Sweden

How do I get a personnummer, and what is the residence permit card (UT-kort)?

If you move to Sweden and will live here at least 1 year, you register your move with Skatteverket to be entered in the population register; on first registration you get a personnummer. For shorter stays you may instead get a coordination number. Non-EU/EES people with a residence permit get a UT-kort with photo and fingerprints. Check current times with Migrationsverket and Skatteverket.

Updated

  • If you move to Sweden and plan to live here at least 1 year, you generally register your move with Skatteverket to be entered in the population register; on first registration you receive a personnummer.
  • If you will stay less than a year you cannot be entered in the population register, but you may apply for a coordination number (samordningsnummer) if you can show a need and a connection to Sweden; it is replaced by a personnummer if you later register.
  • Non-EU/EES people granted a residence permit receive a residence permit card (UT-kort) showing a photo and fingerprints, so you must give biometrics.
  • The card is sent to a Swedish address about two weeks after you give biometrics; up to four weeks if it is processed abroad.

Processing times vary. See our guide for newcomers and check the current times with Migrationsverket and Skatteverket.

Sources

Official details can change. Always confirm what applies to your own case directly with the responsible authority.

Back to working in sweden

Related questions

Practise anywhere

The SVI Fokus app gives you the full question bank, spaced repetition and a timed mock exam — offline and in your language.

The app is launching soon.