What is a coordination number?
A coordination number (Sw: samordningsnummer) is an identity number used by Swedish official bodies in relation to individuals who are not registered residents in Sweden. As per today, a number of government entities can request the Swedish Tax Agency to grant a coordination number to an individual who is not intending to stay in Sweden during a period that exceeds twelve months.
On 19 May 2021, a bill containing changes of the rules on coordination numbers was approved by the Swedish parliament. The new rules will enter into force on 18 June 2021.
What does the new rules imply?
Today, a coordination number is unlimitedly valid from the day of granting. However, after the changes enter into force, a coordination number will be deactivated after five years of granting, if the individual in point does not apply for an extension. Competent governmental bodies will also have the right to extend a coordination number.
Moreover, the changes of the legislation imply that individuals with affiliation to Sweden, unlike before, can apply for a coordination number from the Swedish Tax Agency. In this regard, the individual in point has to visit one of the Swedish Tax Agency’s physical offices and prove his/her identity.
Regarding the requirement of affiliation to Sweden, the preparatory works of the legislation states that a person working partly in Sweden has fulfilled the criteria. Furthermore, it is stated that an individual who lives abroad but owns or rents a dwelling in Sweden, shall also fulfil the criteria, along with students and/or researchers coming to Sweden for a period not exceeding twelve months.
Who will benefit from the new rules?
Undoubtably, the new rules will simplify matters for foreign employees coming to Sweden for work. In particular, the construction business will be affected, since a coordination number is required for the granting of an ID-card valid more than three months within the electronic personnel ledger system that is mandatory on Swedish construction sites.
Also, the new rules will benefit non-Swedish resident owners of vacation homes located in Sweden.
Currently, there is no further information from the Swedish Tax Agency, on the implementation of these new rules, however we understand that additional service offices connected to the Tax Agency will be opened which should facilitate the receipt of a coordination number.
Skeppsbron Skatt’s GMS-team is closely monitoring any news on the topic. You are very much welcome to contact us in case you have questions about the new legislation, and/or if you are in need of advice.
