Understanding the Swedish Personal Number: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to personal identification in Sweden, the personal number, also known as “personnummer,” plays a crucial role. This unique identifier is used for various purposes, from opening a bank account to applying for a job. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the Swedish personal number, providing you with a detailed and multi-dimensional introduction.
What is a Swedish Personal Number?
A Swedish personal number is a ten-digit identification number assigned to every individual living in Sweden. It is used to uniquely identify individuals for official purposes, such as taxation, social security, and healthcare. The format of the personal number is as follows:
| Position | Component |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Year of birth (last two digits) |
| 3 | Month of birth (01-12) |
| 4 | Day of birth (01-31) |
| 5-6 | Sequence number (00-99) |
| 7-8 | Control digit |
The first six digits represent the date of birth, while the last four digits are a unique sequence number assigned to each person born on the same day. The control digit is used to verify the validity of the personal number.
How to Calculate the Control Digit
The control digit is calculated using a specific algorithm. To determine the control digit, follow these steps:
- Start with the first six digits of the personal number.
- Multiply each digit by its position, starting from the rightmost digit (1 for the rightmost digit, 2 for the second rightmost digit, and so on).
- Sum up the results of the multiplication.
- Divide the sum by 10.
- The remainder of the division is the control digit. If the remainder is 10, the control digit is 0.
For example, let’s calculate the control digit for the personal number 9901020123:
- 990102
- 9 1 = 9, 0 2 = 0, 1 3 = 3, 0 4 = 0, 2 5 = 10
- 9 + 0 + 3 + 0 + 10 = 22
- 22 / 10 = 2 remainder 2
- The control digit is 2.
Therefore, the complete personal number is 99010201232.
Why is the Personal Number Important?
The Swedish personal number is essential for several reasons:
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Identification: The personal number serves as a unique identifier for individuals, making it easier to track personal information and ensure accurate records.
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Taxation: The personal number is used for tax purposes, allowing the Swedish Tax Agency to manage and calculate taxes efficiently.
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Social Security: The personal number is linked to the Swedish Social Security system, enabling individuals to access various social security benefits and services.
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Healthcare: The personal number is used in the healthcare system to ensure accurate patient records and facilitate access to medical services.
How to Obtain a Swedish Personal Number
There are several ways to obtain a Swedish personal number:
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Birth: A personal number is automatically assigned to a child at birth.
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Residency: If you move to Sweden, you can apply for a personal number at the Swedish Tax Agency.
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Marriage: If you marry a Swedish citizen, you can apply for a personal number.
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Other reasons: In some cases, you may need to apply for a
