Personal ID Numbers: Am I Entitled To Apply For One As A Student In Sweden?
The coveted personal number in Sweden is not only a useful thing to have but, in many cases, an obligation for anything from signing up for a bank account to a gym membership. To obtain a personal number, you will need to have first obtained a residence permit for your studies, and then prove to Skatteverket that you will be studying in Sweden for at least 12 months.
Although it's not absolutely essential, obtaining a Swedish personal number will make your time in Sweden much easier. Having a personal numbers means that you are signed up on the Swedish population register. Photo by Huslangford
Having a personal number is a great benefit, especially if you are from a country outside of the EU. This is because having a personal number will entitle you to healthcare at the same rate as Swedish citizens and those with an EHIC card. Additionally, having a Swedish personal number will allow you sign up for a bank account, obtain BankID and use the popular digital payment app Swish. If you are studying in Sweden for 12 or more months, obtaining a personal number is a must.
Read on to discover how to apply for a personal number once you move to Sweden.
How Do I Apply For A Personal Number?
The personal number, or personnummer, is widely used in Sweden for everyday purposes, such as setting up a bank account or gym membership. It is your birthdate, followed by four unique numbers. Photo by Skatteverket
Applying for a personal number in Sweden is a fairly straightforward process. All you need is a registration certificate to prove you are enrolled at a university for 12 months or more. You will need to visit the Swedish tax agency, Skatteverket, with your registration certificate to prove that you are enrolled on a course at your university. For this reason, you cannot apply for a personal number before your arrival in Sweden.
Ensure your university course runs for 12 or more months
Obtain a registration certificate from your university to prove your enrollment (you'll need a residence permit)
Visit the Swedish tax agency – Skatteverket – to apply for a personal number
Read more about the personal number in Sweden.
What If I’m Not Entitled To A Personal Number?
Although having a personal number is a benefit for your time here in Sweden, it is not an absolute necessity. There are numerous ways around the problems you may face during your time here without one. Photo by Avel Chuklanov
If you are not entitled to a personal number, don't fret. It is not the end of the world, although it is a possibility that you might run into difficulties in day to day life. Some of these difficulties may include accessing healthcare, signing up for a bank account, attending SFI course (Swedish For Immigrants) and accessing accommodation. However, there are many different solutions to these problems, as listed below.
Accessing Healthcare
Solution: purchase comprehensive health insurance or use your EHIC card if you are from an EU member state
Signing Up For A Bank Account
Solution: search around choose a bank that specialises in accounts for international students or apply for a basic current account if you are a from an EU member state
Attending SFI Courses
Solution: find other ways to learn the Swedish language including using Duolingo, watching Swedish TV series and speaking Swedish to friends on a daily basis
Finding Accommodation
Solution: contact your university to apply for student accommodation through the SSSB, the student housing association. Or, check out Facebook and Blocket for sublets
Read more about what the right are of EU citizens living in Sweden.
If you are studying in Sweden for 12 months or more, then it is definitely worth applying for a personal number upon your arrival. It will make your stay in Stockholm run a lot more smoothly and allow for easier access to essential services. However, if you are not entitled to a personal number then it's not the end of the world. There are numerous ways around the various problems you may encounter during your time in Sweden.
If you are currently studying or about to move to Sweden, which university did you choose? Tell us about it the comments section below!
