During the onboarding process with Remote People for a role in Sweden, it is not uncommon for individuals to begin without having a Swedish tax card (personnummer). While onboarding can proceed in the meantime, the personnummer must be obtained prior to inclusion in payroll.
What Is a Personnummer?
A personnummer is a personal identity number issued by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). It serves as an essential identifier and is required for various administrative and financial activities in Sweden, such as: receiving salary and employment benefits; accessing public healthcare services; opening bank accounts; and signing rental and service agreements.
How to Apply for a Personnummer
To obtain a personnummer, the individual must register their move to Sweden with Skatteverket. This process must be completed in person at a local office. The following steps and documents are required:
Visit a Local Skatteverket Office: A personal visit is required. Some offices may request a scheduled appointment.
Documents to Bring: A valid passport or national ID card (EU IDs are accepted); proof of accommodation in Sweden (e.g., rental contract); an employment contract or evidence of sufficient financial means; and health insurance information, if employment does not provide coverage.
Complete the Required Form: The form titled "Flyttning till Sverige" (Moving to Sweden) must be completed as part of the relocation registration.
Upon approval, the applicant will be issued a personnummer and registered in the Swedish Population Register.
Onboarding with Remote People Without a Personnummer
While waiting for the personnummer: the onboarding form can be completed as usual; a placeholder document (such as a blank PDF) may be uploaded in place of the tax card during this stage; Remote People will proceed with issuing the employment contract without the tax number. Please note: The personnummer must be provided before the first payroll can be processed. Without it, the employee cannot be added to the payroll system.