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How to Apply for SFI in Sweden: The Complete 2025 Guide
If you’ve recently moved to Sweden, learning the language is one of the most important steps toward integration. This guide explains how to apply for SFI in Sweden — a free government program for immigrants to study Swedish for free.
What Is SFI?
SFI (Svenska för invandrare) is a free Swedish course offered by municipalities to adult immigrants living in Sweden. It helps you learn everyday Swedish, from beginner to advanced, and is often the first step to integration.
Who Can Apply for SFI?
You can apply for SFI if you:
Are registered in a Swedish municipality
Are over 16 years old
Have a personnummer (Swedish ID number)
Can You Apply Without a Personnummer?
It depends on the kommun (municipality).
Some cities require a personnummer, others accept samordningsnummer (coordination number) or temporary status.
Examples:
Stockholm & Gothenburg usually require a personnummer
Malmö sometimes allows registration with a coordination number
Smaller municipalities may be more flexible
Contact your local vuxenutbildning to ask.
Documents You’ll Need
To apply, prepare the following:
Valid ID or passport
Residence permit or proof of residence
Personnummer or coordination number (if accepted)
Previous school records (optional, for placement)
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
The SFI application process usually starts online via your municipality’s website.
Step 1: Find Your Municipality’s Adult Education Website
Go to Google and type:
[your city] + vuxenutbildning + SFI
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
Usually online, sometimes PDF. You’ll enter:
Personal details
Language background
Education level
Preferred schedule
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Upload or send by email, depending on the municipality.
Step 4: Wait for Contact
You’ll usually be contacted within 2–4 weeks with:
A placement interview date
Your starting level (A–D)
What’s the Placement Interview?
You’ll meet with a counsellor to:
Review your background
Assess your current Swedish skills
Choose the right SFI level:
SFI A/B = beginners
SFI C = some prior education
SFI D = advanced (often needed for jobs)
How Long Does SFI Take?
| Level | Duration (full-time) |
|---|---|
| A to B | 8–12 weeks |
| B to C | 10–15 weeks |
| C to D | 10–20 weeks |
Part-time schedules are available for workers or parents.
Can You Study SFI Online?
Yes! Many municipalities offer online SFI (distansundervisning) perfect if you:
Have childcare responsibilities
Work irregular hours
Live in rural areas
Online SFI may require stronger self-discipline and internet access.
Where to Get Help
Still unsure? Try these:
Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen)
Municipality’s language coordinator
Refugee/migrant centers
Ask in Facebook groups (e.g., “Expats in Sweden”, “Learn Swedish Free”)
What’s Next After SFI?
After SFI, many students move on to:
KOMVUX (Adult upper secondary education)
SAS (Swedish as a second language)
Vocational Swedish courses
Job training or internships
