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SFI (svenska för invandrare) is free Swedish teaching for adults, run by your municipality. Here is how to get a place and what it leads to.
Who has the right
- Anyone living in Sweden who lacks basic Swedish, from the second half of the year they turn 16.
- No personnummer needed. The right doesn't depend on a personnummer or a coordination number, and the municipality can't require one before you start.
- Your home municipality must offer it, normally starting within three months.
How long the right lasts
Three years from the day you were first admitted, with extensions for special reasons such as parental leave or illness.
SFI and citizenship
From 6 June 2026 Swedish citizenship requires knowledge of Swedish and of Swedish society for applicants aged 16 to 66. A pass in SFI course D is one way to show the Swedish. Migrationsverket: new citizenship rules
Tip: Make it count. Ask colleagues to keep speaking Swedish with you, even slowly. Many people switch to English to be helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a personnummer for SFI?
No. According to Skolverket the right to SFI doesn't depend on a personnummer or a coordination number.
Does SFI count for Swedish citizenship?
Yes, from 6 June 2026 a pass in SFI course D is one way to show the Swedish needed for citizenship.
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.
More in our guide toSettling in SwedenRelocating to Sweden
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