Here are the most common questions that the Swedish Pensions Agency get from pension savers and pensioners who live abroad.
Old Age Pension
How long does it take to get the pension after I sent my application for old age pension?
Apply for your old age pension early. You must apply for the Swedish old age pension by yourself. You should apply in good time. If you worked or lived in several countries in Europe, you should apply about six months before you want to receive the pension.
I have moved to another country, what happens to my pension and what do I do?
Your pension may be changed if you move to another country. The Guarantee pension is paid if you live in the EU/EES countries or Canada.
Notify Pensionsmyndigheten your new address.
I've received an orange envelope, why and what is it?
In the orange envelope you can see a summary of how much you have so far accumulated for your old age pension from Sweden.If you have already received a pension from Sweden in previous years, you will also receive a statement of income in your orange envelope.
Why should I notify if I change my marital status or receive a foreign pension?
Marital status is included in the calculation for your pension from Sweden. The size of your pension is affected if you are married or single.Your foreign pension may affect your Swedish old age pension pension, thus you should always notify Pensionsmyndigheten if you have new or changed foreign pension, new or changed foreign occupational injury annuity.
Payment and bank accounts
How do I change bank accounts?
Any changes regarding address and/or payment details have to be in writing including the original signature of the person concerned (or person having relevant Power of Attorney). Also, state the Swedish personal identification number. Regarding payment details, forms are available at this website - Forms and Brochures Send to: Pensionsmyndigheten
SE-839 77 Östersund
Sweden
Why have I not received my pension payment yet?
To transfer a payment to an account abroad usually takes 3-5 banking days. Thereafter, it is possible for us at Pensionsmyndigheten to take concrete measures to trace the payment.
Life certificate
May the insured submit information by phone, fax or mail in proof of life?
No, life certificate must be submitted by mail with a signature and must be verified by any of the institutions mentioned in the info sheets. Life certificate can also by verified by using Swedish Bank-id.
The insured is in Sweden for a visit. How can he/she get their certificates attested?
If the beneficiary is in Sweden, he/she can contact one of our customer service departments. The Pensions Agency or the Insurance Agency. Then send the certificate to the Pension Authority scanning company in Stockholm. Contact
The insured person is sick and cannot get his life certificate attested?
In special cases, the pension authority can accept the life certificate if it is verified by a doctor with an explanation. We will not accept power of attorney.
What happens when a foreign institution refuses to sign a Swedish life certificate?
The foreign institution can issue certificates on its own form. The recipient shall submit both forms to the pension authority. She/he must fill in our form.
When can the beneficiary submit life certificate that applies for the coming year?
Life certificate year begins in July each year and ends in May the following year.
When the life certificate removes the hold, when do I get my money?
It may take up to two weeks before the customer receives the money.
Why do I receive a life certificate and what is it?
For people who receive an old age pension and live abroad, a proof is needed if the entitlement to pension remains. You will receive a life certificate once a year.This certificate should be signed and sent to:
Pensionsmyndigheten
Levnadsintyg
FE 1
SE-839 77 Östersund
Sweden
If you live in Norway, Denmark, Finland or Germany, you won't get the life certificate because the information transfers through the data exchange between countries.
Survivor's pension
How do I apply for Swedish survivor's pension?
Applying for survivor's pension and living outside the EU/EES: the application must be signed by the applicant (or legal guardian for minor children) and certified by an authority in your country. Additional documents such as copy of birth certificate (for applying child), a copy of your marriage certificate and the death certificate are required.
I am living abroad and have a widow's pension. What will happen when I turn 65 years of age?
The easiest way is to send an email or a letter to Pensionsmyndigheten with your question and state your personal number.
I am living abroad and wonder if my wife could be entitled to a survivor's pension?
The easiest way to get a preliminary calculation of a possible survivor's pension is to send an email or a letter to Pensionsmyndigheten. Please state your Swedish personal number and a date for your marriage in your email/letter. Also write in the email/letter when the spouse was born and birthdates of common children.
My husband is deceased and had a Swedish pension. Could you transfer his future pension payments to my account instead?
A surviving spouse has not automatically the right to his/her deceased spouse's pension. An application is required and has to be sent to Pensionsmyndigheten.Citizens living within the EU/EES should contact the pension authority where they live and for citizens living outside should use the application forms at this website.
