Frequently asked questions

Straight answers on personnummer waiting times, bank accounts without a personnummer, registering at a friend's address and more.

How long does a personnummer take?

Skatteverket says a notification of moving to Sweden takes about 6 weeks to be assigned a caseworker, in order of arrival, with no priority. After that it depends on whether your file is complete. Nobody can guarantee a date.

Can I work while waiting for my personnummer?

An EU citizen with a right of residence can work without waiting for the number. For jobs of under a year, the route is a samordningsnummer. For non-EU nationals it depends on the permit.

The bank says no account without a personnummer. Is that true?

Not necessarily. By law (Payment Services Act, ch. 4 a), a bank may not refuse a basic payment account to someone lawfully resident in the EEA, except for anti-money-laundering or special reasons. It must decide within ten banking days and refuse in writing, saying where to complain.

Can I register at a friend's address?

Yes, if you really live and sleep there. Give the full address, the flat number and your friend's name, and put your name on the door or mailbox. ⚠️ Skatteverket does not register a "c/o" address. Registering where you do not live is a crime.

I live in a hotel or hostel. Which address do I give?

That one, if it is where you live: Skatteverket asks for it. Report your new address when you move.

I have little in savings. Should I hide my bank statement?

The opposite. Directive 2004/38/EC (art. 8.4) bans a fixed amount: your personal situation must be assessed. Always submit your statements.

My child was born in Sweden — are they Swedish?

Only if a parent is a Swedish citizen (Citizenship Act, section 2). Birth here does not give citizenship. And if the mother is not registered, the child gets no personnummer.

My application was refused. What now?

Check the date first. The appeal must have reached the deciding authority within the period stated in the decision, usually three weeks from when you received it. ⚠️ With simplified service, a decision counts as received two weeks after it was sent. If you are late, you can still ask for the time limit to be restored with a valid excuse. Appealing is free.

What is BankID, and what if I cannot get one?

The most used e-ID. It needs a personnummer and a bank. Alternatives:

• Freja+: also works with a verified samordningsnummer. Government agencies must accept it from 2026.

• From 1 December 2026: the Police ID card for registered residents without Swedish citizenship includes the state e-ID SverigeID. Book on 114 14.