How to rent an apartment in Sweden without a personal number
Many people who move to Sweden look for a home before they have a Swedish personal number (personnummer). This guide explains why landlords ask for it, what can help your application, and how to stay safe from scams.
Why many landlords ask for a personal number
Landlords often use the personal number to run a credit check and to confirm your identity. Without one, some landlords cannot do their usual checks, so they may ask for other documents or decline the application.
Personal number and coordination number
A personal number is given to people who are registered in the Swedish population register (folkbokförd). Normally this applies if you are going to stay in Sweden for at least one year.
A coordination number (samordningsnummer) is for people who are not registered in the population register. Check with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) what applies in your situation.
What can help when you apply without a personal number
- An employment contract or a certificate from your employer
- Pay slips or bank statements
- Your passport
- References from previous landlords
- Asking the landlord directly whether they accept applicants without a personal number
Other ways to find a home
- Sublets (second-hand rentals, andrahandsuthyrning)
- Corporate housing arranged through your employer
- Student housing if you are a student
Avoid rental scams
- Never pay before you have seen the apartment and received a written contract
- Never send money abroad or through unknown payment services
- Check that the landlord is a registered company
How Lima Bostad helps
Lima Bostad gathers rental apartments from landlords who let without a queue, all in one place, with a direct link to each landlord's own application. Each landlord decides who gets the apartment and which documents they require.
See which apartments are available right now. Browse available apartments
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent an apartment in Sweden without a personal number?
It depends on the landlord. Some landlords require a personal number for their credit check, others may accept other documents. Ask the landlord directly before you apply.
What is the difference between a personal number and a coordination number?
A personal number is given to people registered in the Swedish population register, normally when staying at least one year. A coordination number is for people who are not registered. Skatteverket can tell you what applies to you.
Which documents can I show instead?
An employment contract or employer certificate, pay slips or bank statements, your passport and references from previous landlords can help your application.
How do I avoid rental scams?
Never pay before you have seen the apartment and signed a written contract, never send money abroad or via unknown payment services, and check that the landlord is a registered company.