How to get a Swedish coordination number
If you work, study or own a holiday home in Sweden without being registered as a resident, you may need a Swedish coordination number. Here you can learn who needs one, how to apply and what it is used for.
What is a coordination number?
A Swedish coordination number, samordningsnummer, is used to verify your identity and gives you access to various public and private services in Sweden.
Unlike a Swedish personal identity number, personnummer, a coordination number is issued to people who are not registered as residents in Sweden. If you later become registered in Sweden, you will receive a personal identity number instead.
A coordination number is structured in the same way as a personal identity number, with your date of birth followed by four digits. However, the day of birth is increased by 60, which is how you can recognise a coordination number.
Who needs a coordination number?
A Swedish coordination number is intended for people who are not registered as residents in Sweden.
If you have a connection to Sweden, you may need a coordination number to verify your identity and access certain services. This may apply, for example, if you work, study or own a holiday home in Sweden.
Read about some of the most common situations below.
If you get a job in Sweden, you may need a coordination number in order to receive your salary and pay tax in Sweden.
You can apply for a coordination number through the Swedish Tax Agency, Skatteverket. You must also book an appointment at a service centre to verify your identity.
To work in Sweden, you must also be registered for tax purposes. During your visit to the service centre, you can apply for either SINK tax or ordinary income tax in Sweden.
If you or your employer apply for SINK tax or ordinary income tax without applying for a coordination number first, Skatteverket may ask you to visit a service centre to verify your identity as part of the tax registration process.
Applying for a coordination number and verifying your identity at the same time may speed up the process.
Book an appointment for identity verification at a service center
If you are going to study in Sweden, your educational institution must apply for a coordination number on your behalf. You may need the coordination number to verify your identity and to communicate with Swedish authorities and organisations.
Once the application has been submitted, you will be asked by the Swedish Tax Agency, Skatteverket, to visit a service centre in person to verify your identity.
If you own a holiday home in Sweden, you may need a coordination number to access services such as internet connection or municipal waste collection.
As a holiday homeowner, you must apply for a coordination number yourself and visit a service centre at the Swedish Tax Agency, Skatteverket, to verify your identity.
Bring documentation showing your connection to Sweden, such as the registration of ownership for your holiday home, lagfart.
Levels of identity for a coordination number
A coordination number is registered in the Swedish Population Register with one of three identity levels: confirmed, probable or uncertain.
If you apply for a coordination number yourself, you must verify your identity in person at a service centre in order to receive a coordination number with confirmed identity.
To receive a coordination number with confirmed identity, you must verify your identity in person at the Swedish Tax Agency, Skatteverket.
You verify your identity by presenting valid identification, such as a passport.
If you cannot verify your identity during a personal visit, Skatteverket may assess your identity as probable based on the documentation you have submitted.
This only applies if a Swedish authority or educational institution has requested the coordination number on your behalf.
Documentation may include copies of valid identification, such as a passport, or other supporting documents.
In certain cases, you may receive a coordination number even if your identity cannot be fully verified. This is only possible if a Swedish authority has requested the coordination number and submitted the available information about you to Skatteverket.
If you receive a coordination number with uncertain identity, you can later strengthen your identity status by submitting additional documentation to Skatteverket or by verifying your identity in person at a service centre.
Active and inactive coordination numbers
A coordination number is valid for five years at a time and can be renewed if needed.
If you move away from Sweden or stop working in Sweden and no longer need contact with Swedish authorities, you can inform Skatteverket so that your coordination number is registered as inactive.
Reactivate your coordination number
If your coordination number has been registered as inactive, you can apply to have it reactivated.
Information previously submitted to Skatteverket remains stored in their records. However, you must verify your identity again in person at a service centre in order to reactivate your coordination number.
Apply for renewal of a coordination number at skatteverket.se
How long does it take to get a coordination number?
If you apply for a coordination number yourself, the processing time is up to 10 weeks.
If a public authority applies for a coordination number on your behalf, the processing time can be up to 11 weeks. If you are asked to appear in person to verify your identity, the process may take longer.
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We can help you
You can always visit our Information Center in Malmø to get help with your questions regarding working, moving or studying in Sweden.
