Quick answer: A Swedish coordination number (samordningsnummer) is an identity number that the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) assigns to people who are not registered residents of Sweden. You typically need one to work, study or own property here, and the identity documents behind the application often need to be notarised, translated by an authorised translator or provided with an Apostille.
If you have dealings with Sweden but do not live here permanently, you will often be asked for a Swedish coordination number, or samordningsnummer. It is a common requirement for people who work, study or buy property in Sweden for a limited period, yet it is easy to confuse with the Swedish personal number. This guide explains what a coordination number is, who needs one, how to apply through Skatteverket and, importantly, when the identity documents behind your application need to be notarised, translated or provided with an Apostille.
What is a coordination number?
A coordination number is an identity number that the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) assigns to a person who is not registered in the Swedish Population Register. Its purpose is to let Swedish authorities, employers, banks and other organisations identify you even though you are not a registered resident. Without it, many everyday tasks in Sweden become difficult, from receiving a salary correctly to completing certain official processes.
Coordination number, personal number and Norwegian D-number
It helps to keep three similar terms apart. A personal number (personnummer) is issued to people who are registered as residents in Sweden, typically when they intend to stay for at least a year. A coordination number (samordningsnummer) is for those who are not registered as residents but still need to be identified. The formats look alike, but in a coordination number the day of birth has 60 added to it, which is how the two can be told apart.
A common point of confusion for people moving within the Nordics is the Norwegian D-number. It plays a comparable role in Norway, but it is a separate identifier issued by a different country. If you are dealing with both countries, see our guide to the D-number system so you do not mix them up.
Who needs a coordination number?
Skatteverket can assign a coordination number to people in a range of situations. Some of the most common are:
Workers. People employed or posted to Sweden for a limited period who are not registered as residents.
Students. Those studying in Sweden for less than a year.
Property buyers. Individuals living abroad who purchase real estate in Sweden.
Business owners. People who live abroad but have a company registered in Sweden.
Other contact with authorities. For example dealings with the Swedish Migration Agency or the courts.
In many of these cases the number is requested by the authority or organisation you are in contact with. In some situations you can apply for it yourself.
How to apply through Skatteverket
Applications are handled by the Swedish Tax Agency. If you apply yourself, you submit your application, often through Skatteverket’s e-service, and then book an appointment for an in-person identity check at a service centre. At the identity check you must prove who you are, so bring a valid passport or national identity card, and your residence permit card if you have one.
Skatteverket needs to establish your identity with certainty, which is why the documentation stage matters so much. This is also where many international applicants run into avoidable delays, because their supporting documents are not in an accepted form.
Document requirements: notarisation, Apostille and translation
You generally have to present your identity documents in original. When a copy is submitted instead, it usually needs to be notarised, meaning a Notary Public confirms that it is a true copy of the original with the wording “A true copy of the original document” together with a signature and stamp. Apostille24 can help you with a notarised copy that meets these requirements.
If you support your application with foreign civil documents, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, those documents may need to be legalised before they are accepted. For countries connected to the Hague Apostille Convention, an Apostille is normally enough. In Sweden an Apostille is issued by a Notary Public. Documents that are not in Swedish or English may also need to be translated by an authorised translator, and both the original and the translation are usually presented together.
If you already have a Swedish identity document, our page on identity proof explains how it can be used and legalised for international purposes.
How Apostille24 can help
Getting the paperwork right is the part of a coordination number application that most people find confusing, especially when documents come from another country. Apostille24 brings together the services you are likely to need: notarised copies by a Notary Public, Apostille for use of Swedish documents abroad, and authorised translation. Contact us for a free quote and we will guide you based on your situation and the documents involved.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Swedish coordination number (samordningsnummer)?
A coordination number is an identity number that the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) assigns to a person who is not registered in the Swedish Population Register. It lets Swedish authorities and organisations identify you when you have dealings with Sweden but do not live here permanently, for example when you work, study or own property in Sweden for a limited time.
What is the difference between a coordination number and a personal number?
A personal number (personnummer) is given to people who are registered as residents in Sweden, usually when they stay for at least one year. A coordination number (samordningsnummer) is for people who are not registered as residents but still need to be identified by Swedish authorities. The two numbers look similar, but in a coordination number the day of birth has 60 added to it.
Is a Swedish coordination number the same as a Norwegian D-number?
No. They serve a similar purpose in their respective countries, but a Norwegian D-number is issued in Norway and a Swedish coordination number is issued in Sweden by Skatteverket. They are separate identifiers and cannot be used interchangeably.
Do foreign documents need an Apostille for a coordination number application?
You must present your identity documents in original at the identity check. When copies are submitted they usually need to be notarised, and foreign civil documents such as birth or marriage certificates may need an Apostille and an authorised translation. In Sweden an Apostille is issued by a Notary Public.
Can I apply for a coordination number myself?
In many cases the number is requested by an authority you are in contact with, such as an employer, university or the Swedish Migration Agency. In some situations you can apply yourself through the Swedish Tax Agency. You then need to prove your identity and show why you need the number, and book an appointment for an in-person identity check.