EU Citizens Gain Digital Verification Access with Swedish Social Insurance Agency

EU citizens can now secure digital verification through the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. This pivotal change signifies a significant leap forward in facilitating seamless interactions between EU residents and Swedish authorities.

As of October 5, 2023, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) has officially announced its acceptance of foreign e-identifications for authentication. The inaugural e-service available for use is the “Submit Information when Moving to or Working in Sweden” (equivalent to form 5456).

Previously, foreign nationals without a Swedish BankID were required to complete cumbersome physical paperwork. However, the integration of this new policy is attributed to the EU’s SDG (Single Digital Gateway) regulation, a revolutionary digital conduit to Europe.

– This is a milestone, says Maria Karlsson, Project Manager in the IT department.

The purpose is to simplify the use of digital services for individuals and businesses in other EU countries and includes authorities in the member states.

For many EU citizens, it is taken for granted to be able to handle their affairs with authorities digitally, without needing to be physically present or send forms by mail. The SDG regulation requires public entities to offer their services digitally,” says Patrik Thelander, Försäkringskassan’s contact person for SDG.

Soon, it will also be possible for individuals who are not registered residents in Sweden to apply for an EU card or an A1 certificate by identifying themselves with a foreign electronic identification. Those who wish to use the services digitally will need an e-identification that is compatible with eIDAS, the Regulation on electronic identification and trusted services within the EU.

– A person with an eIDAS authentication will be able to log in to Försäkringskassan’s new e-service for submitting information when moving to or working in Sweden (equivalent to form 5456) and apply digitally, just like a person with a Swedish BankID can do via the regular e-service. The new e-service is available in English and can be accessed through forsakringskassan.se, says Niklas Fridén, Business Developer in the department for common insurance issues.

In the coming years, approximately 70 e-services on forsakringskassan.se will be accessible with foreign e-identifications.

Source and photo: Försäkringskassan, September 28, 2023.