As the semester just started again and many new international students have arrived the hunt for personal numbers has started again. And yes, I say hunt as it is quite a long and demanding process which at some point will leave you frustrated. Even though it took me a while to receive my PN as well, I have really come to appreciate it. Here are the reasons why:

1. ID kort

With your personal number you can get a Swedish ID card. You can get an appointment at Skatteverket to get one. You will have to pay 400SEK in advance and bring a copy of the bank transfer as well as your Passport and your PN. This is of course not a must, but I really like having a Swedish one. They will take your picture right there. I usually only have with one with me when I’m out since it is much easier for people here to understand and if I lose it, it’s much easier to get an new one than my German one.

2. Bank Account

If you would like to work part time to finance your studies abroad, you will most likely need a PN. Some banks like Nordea even require you to have a Swedish ID card. But all of this is not possible without the personal number. A Swedish Bank account will then also give you a Bank ID. This allows you to identify yourself easily and quickly online. This is also the requirement to get SWISH.

3. Phone Subscription

When I first got to Sweden, I had a prepaid SIM card. Since then, I have changed provider though. I was able to get a student subscription with my PN and also keep the number from the first provider. With Bank ID I can log into my account very easily and make any changes to the subscription or my personal information. With my previous provider I didn’t need Bank ID to log in, so it was sufficient to have a PN. You should check thar beforehand.

4. Memberships

The PN will let you sign up for store or online memberships. It is really easily done. Since your PN is connected to your name, address, and birthday it will all get filled out automatically. Especially when it comes to grocery store it really pays off. They sometimes have really good deals for members and you sometimes you receive a coupon for a few SEK.

5. Online Orders

Usually, you can order online without a personal number but with some restrictions. For one again you can sign up as a member. You also won’t be able to have package delivered to Self-Pick-Up stations, as those require you to identify yourself with Bank ID. Also, if you like to pay by invoice the usually ask for a PN. This way the payments are connected to you.

 

These are the reason why I think the hassle to get a PN is worth it! If you are currently in that process: hang in there!

All the best,

Emily

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