🕒 Loading... Stockholm
Calendar Icon Thursday, November 6 | 2025

How do I get a Swedish ID card?

Having a Swedish ID-Card – a so called ID–kort – will make your life in Sweden a lot easier. You need it at all times

Having a Swedish ID-Card – a so-called IDkort – will make your life in Sweden a lot easier as you will need it all the time – when picking up packages from the post office or when you wish to open a Swedish bank account.

Quick guide to How do I get a Swedish in Sweden (updated for 2025).

In order to get an ID-card you must:

  • Be registered as living in Sweden (have a personnummer).
  • Be at least 13 years old.
  • Have your parent/guardian´s approval if you are less than 18 years old.

A Swedish ID-card is not valid as identification when travelling in the EU. For international travel, you need a National ID-card, which you get at any passport office in the country.

How to apply for a Swedish ID card

The process is as follows:

  • Make an appointment at the Swedish Tax Office website.
  • Pay the application fee.
  • Go to a Tax Agency offices that issue ID card.
  • You do not need to bring a photograph as you will be photographed at the tax office.
  • At the tax office you must make an Electronic application.
  • Bring papers to prove your identity.

Pay the application fee for the ID card

Start by paying the fee which is approximately 400 SEK even though it varies a bit from year to year. Remember to print and bring the receipt of the payment or you will have to wait until the payment reaches the Swedish Tax Office. Make your payment to the following accounts:

  • Bankgiro 389-0100

Remember to quote your personnummer (personal identity number) in the field for messages/other information.

If you prefer to pay from abroad, you will need the following codes:

  • IBAN): SE55 1200 0000 0128 1012 1613
  • Swift/BIC: DABASESX

Prove your identity

Prove your identity through an approved ID document (mostly a passport). You have two options if you lack an approved ID document. The first option is to bring your Swedish residence permit with you and allow the Tax Agency – Skatteverket to compare the information in your residence permit with the information in your application.

The second option is to bring a family member, friend or employer (a so called attestor) with you when you apply. You will also need to tell them your personal number – personnummer. You will be photographed and measured at the office.

Last but not least, the ID-card from Skatteverket comes with an e-identification function. This might be quite useful, especially if you wish to use the e-services that many government offices offer.

Processing times for ID card in Sweden

Processing times are generally about two weeks. If something in your application needs to be investigated, it may take longer. You will receive a letter from Skatteverket when your card is ready. You need to collect your ID-card in person and within two months. Remember to bring your letter with you.

Note: the letter contains your PIN and PUK that you will need for your e-identification. Don’t bring this part of the letter with you when you collect your ID-card. Never keep your codes together with your ID-card.


More information on how to apply

Further reading

If you are still undecided on if it is worth the hassle to get a personal number or if you don’t have one yet – and therefore can not get an ID-card, here are some posts with useful tips and tricks from our newbie bloggers.

Missing something? Or does something feel unclear? Contact us and help us improve.

FAQs

How do I apply for a personnummer?

Register with Skatteverket after moving to Sweden and meeting residence grounds. Bring ID and required documents.

What is a coordination number (samordningsnummer)?

A temporary identifier used when a personnummer cannot be issued yet.

How long do coordination numbers take?

Processing times vary; check Skatteverket’s current guidance.


2025 Tax Quick Facts

  • State income tax: Applies only above the annual threshold; see Skatteverket for current breakpoints.
  • Municipal & regional tax: Average rate varies by municipality/region; see SCB for 2025 overview.

Official sources

Need more on How do I get a Swedish? See the resources below.

Picture of Career Sweden Team
Career Sweden Team
The Career Sweden Team brings together experts in recruitment, communication, and relocation, all working toward one goal: helping international talents find their place in Sweden. We create clear, reliable guides and articles about Sweden’s job market, recruitment, and work culture — as well as practical, fact-based resources on everything that shapes life and career here.
Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest articles
Need better insurance deals?

Weekly Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest info and advice directly in your inbox!

Want more? Here are some similar posts!

Like it? Share it!

FACEBOOK
LINKEDIN
WHATSAPP
TELEGRAM
THREADS
EMAIL
PRINT

How do I get a Swedish ID card?

Having a Swedish ID-Card – a so called ID–kort – will make your life in Sweden a lot easier. You need it at all times

Login

Sign in or register to have access to courses and products

Receive the latest news

Subscribe To Our Weekly Newsletter

Get blog articles and offers via email