Quick answer: Sweden does not issue a stand-alone Swedish birth certificate the way many countries do. Instead, the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) issues a personbevis (population registration certificate) that shows your birth details. Within the EU it is usually accepted without an Apostille; outside the EU it normally needs an Apostille from a Notarius Publicus.
Does Sweden issue birth certificates?
Sweden does not have a separate birth certificate document. Birth information is recorded in the population register and provided on a personbevis (population registration certificate) issued by the Swedish Tax Agency. When a foreign authority asks for a “birth certificate”, the relevant personbevis showing birth details is what you order.
What a Swedish birth certificate contains
Depending on the purpose, the personbevis can show your full name, date and place of birth, citizenship and parents. You select the type that matches what the foreign authority needs, for example for citizenship, marriage or school enrolment. Choosing the right purpose avoids delays.
How to order it from Skatteverket
You can order a personbevis from the Swedish Tax Agency online, by phone or by post. Many versions can be downloaded, but for official use abroad you usually need an original issued and signed by the authority. Order the version intended for the specific country or purpose where possible.
EU rule: when no Apostille is needed
Under EU Regulation 2016/1191, civil-status documents such as proof of birth must be accepted in another EU country without an Apostille. A multilingual standard form can be attached as a translation aid so no separate translation is required. The European Commission’s guide to public documents explains how this works in practice.
Outside the EU: when an Apostille is required
For countries outside the EU that have joined the 1961 Hague Convention, the personbevis needs an Apostille to be valid. You can confirm membership through the HCCH. The Swedish Tax Agency does not issue Apostilles, so this is a separate step handled by a Notarius Publicus.
How an Apostille works in Sweden
Since 2005, only a Notarius Publicus may issue an Apostille in Sweden. The Apostille confirms that the signature and stamp on the personbevis are authentic. Apostille24 arranges the Apostille through a Notarius Publicus in Stockholm and can manage the whole process remotely.
Certified translation
Outside the EU, or where the multilingual standard form is not accepted, you may need a certified translation by an authorised translator certified by Kammarkollegiet. The translation can also be Apostilled so that both documents are accepted together.
Step by step
First, order the correct personbevis from Skatteverket. Second, if your destination is outside the EU and in the Hague Convention, have it Apostilled by a Notarius Publicus. Third, add a certified translation if the receiving authority requires it. Finally, submit the legalised set abroad.
Common uses abroad
A Swedish birth certificate or personbevis is commonly used for citizenship and passport applications, marriage abroad, school and university enrolment, inheritance matters and residence permits. Each authority sets its own format and translation requirements, so confirm before you order.
How Apostille24 can help
Apostille24 helps you get your Swedish birth certificate or personbevis Apostilled and translated for use abroad. Send us your document, verify your identity and receive the certified set back. We provide an individual quote up front with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Does Sweden issue a birth certificate?
Not as a separate document. The Swedish Tax Agency issues a personbevis (population registration certificate) that shows birth details and serves the same purpose abroad.
Who issues it?
The Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) issues the personbevis. The Apostille is issued separately by a Notarius Publicus.
Do I need an Apostille within the EU?
Usually not. Under EU Regulation 2016/1191, proof of birth is accepted in other EU countries without an Apostille, often with a multilingual standard form.
Do I need an Apostille outside the EU?
Generally yes, if the destination country is a member of the Hague Convention. A Notarius Publicus issues the Apostille.
Does Skatteverket issue the Apostille?
No. The Tax Agency only issues the personbevis. The Apostille must be obtained from a Notarius Publicus.
Do I need a translation?
Outside the EU you often need a certified translation by an authorised translator. Within the EU a multilingual standard form usually replaces it.
Can I order it from abroad?
Yes. You can request a personbevis from the Swedish Tax Agency from outside Sweden, and Apostille24 can handle the Apostille remotely.
How recent must it be?
The authority that receives it decides how recent it must be, so check the requirement for your destination before ordering.