Swedish visa resources
After you arrive in Sweden
The steps after arriving on a Swedish long-stay permit: collecting your residence permit card, biometrics if needed, and registering for a personal identity number.
Important
Once your residence permit is granted, the practical next steps are getting your residence permit card and, if your permit is long enough, registering with the Swedish Tax Agency to receive a personal identity number (personnummer). The permit card is proof of your right to be in and re-enter Sweden.
If you did not need an entry visa, you can give biometrics for the card at a Swedish Migration Agency service centre after arrival; the card is then sent to your registered address. It can take up to four weeks after you submit biometrics for the card to be ready.
Getting your residence permit card
- Give biometrics (photo and fingerprints) if you have not already done so abroad.
- The card can take up to four weeks to be produced; in Sweden it is posted to your registered address.
- The card shows your photo and holds your fingerprints on a chip.
Population registration and personal identity number
- If you are granted a permit for more than one year, you should register in Sweden's population register.
- Registration and the personal identity number are decided by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket), not the Migration Agency.
- The personal identity number is needed for everyday services such as healthcare, banking and employment.
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.