Your Personal Details Are Public in Sweden

Many newcomers are surprised to find their new address, and sometimes their personnummer, on websites a few weeks after registering. It isn't a leak. It follows from how Swedish authorities work.

Why it's public

Skatteverket is a government authority, so it is covered by the principle of public access (offentlighetsprincipen). Documents it holds can become public records that anyone may ask for, and that is how details from the population register reach other sites. Information covered by confidentiality isn't given out.

If you need protection

If a person in the population register has a confidentiality marking (sekretessmarkering), the information is as a rule not given out. If you need your details kept back, for example to stay safe from someone, ask Skatteverket about it.

Tip: Assume your address is known. Treat calls and letters that quote your address or personnummer with the same care as any other: knowing them proves nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my address online in Sweden?

Skatteverket is covered by the principle of public access, so details in its records can be given to anyone who asks, unless confidentiality applies.

Can I hide my address in Sweden?

With a confidentiality marking in the population register, the information is as a rule not given out. Ask Skatteverket if you need protection.

Moving for work? How Settio helps

Settio helps employers and immigration and relocation agencies run the whole move in one place, so the person moving can focus on settling in:

• Before the move: one plan for the permit and the move, with every step and deadline. A partner and children get their own steps in the same household.
• After arrival: the employee portal shows the newcomer their next steps on their phone, in their language, from registering after arrival to help for settling in.
• When the permit runs out: permit monitoring flags the extension in good time.

HR teams and agencies can start for free. Moving yourself? Try our free tools for life in Sweden.

Sources

1 official source

• Skatteverket: why personal details can be found online (in Swedish)