Police, Embassy, and Migration Authorities #
Polisen (The Swedish Police) #
The Swedish police force is called Polisen. Polisen’s main goals are to increase public safety and reduce crime. You will see police officers or ordningsvakter (security guards with limited police power) around the city, especially near bars and clubs or at large events.
The force generally leads with a communicative and non-confrontational approach. Individual offers and, to some extent, ordningsvakter have relatively broad authority to use coercive measures, including detention, to reduce harm based on their individual assessment of a given situation. There is high public trust in Polisen.
Make a Police Report #
Call the non-emergency police number 114 14 (from a non-Swedish number, +46 77 114 14 00) to report a crime, report lost or stolen property, or ask a question. (Although it can be very distressing to have your phone, bag, or other property stolen, such crimes should be reported to the non-emergency number, not to emergency services at 112, unless there is an immediate threat.)
To learn more about contacting the police or making a police report, visit Polisen’s website.
The American Embassy #
If you lose your passport or have a non-medical emergency such as being detained by legal authorities, you can contact the US Embassy in Sweden for American Citizen Services:
Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 31
115 89 Stockholm
Phone: 08-783 53 00
Please be aware that the embassy does not supersede local authorities. For example, if you are the victim of a crime, the US Embassy cannot investigate crimes, provide legal advice or representation, or pay legal, medical, or other fees for you.
Migrationsverket (The Swedish Migration Agency) #
Migrationsverket is the Swedish authority for migration. If you have a question about any aspect of your resident permit, please contact Migrationsverket directly. Migration laws are complex so we advise you not to rely on anecdotal information. Swedish Program staff cannot speak on behalf of Swedish migration authorities.
Getting a UT Card (Residence Permit Card) #
After arriving in Sweden, you need to make an appointment to visit a National Government Service Center to have your photograph and fingerprints taken for your uppehållstillståndskort, or residence permit card (often shortened to UT kort or UT card). This is a requirement of Swedish law. If you have an EU passport, or if you have a non-US passport and were required to complete this step at the Swedish embassy in Washington D.C. before departure, you do not need to visit Migrationsverket after arrival in Sweden.
Your UT card serves as proof of your residence permit and should be presented to border authorities when you re-enter Sweden after traveling. If you want to travel outside of Sweden before you have received your UT card, contact Migrationsverket for advice. Swedish Program staff cannot advise on their behalf.
Book an Appointment #
To book an appointment, log into My Page on the Migrationsverket website. Select “Reserve time,” then “Find a request to book an appointment.” If an appointment doesn’t pop up automatically, enter your case number. The case number is listed on your resident permit approval letter in the upper right corner under Beteckning. (You received this letter via email from admin@swedishprogram.org when your permit was approved. You can also call Migrationsverket to ask for your case number.)
Please note that Migrationsverket does not accept drop-in appointments. Appointments are released on a rolling basis. If no appointments are currently available, check back frequently until more appointments are released. There are several National Government Service Centers in Stockholm, so make sure to note which location you select for your appointment. The center in Sundbyberg is closest to SSE and student housing.
At the Appointment #
You must bring your passport to the appointment. The appointment will take approximately five minutes. We strongly recommend asking to pick up your UT card in person instead of receiving the card via postal mail. In-person pickup is the fastest and most reliable way to receive your card.
After the Appointment #
You will receive a notification when your card has been manufactured and is ready for pick-up. This typically takes about two weeks. It is not possible to speed up this process. If you do not receive a notification that your UT card is ready within three weeks of your appointment, contact Migrationsverket.
Lost or Stolen UT Card #
If your UT card is lost or stolen, you must file a police report and make a new appointment to be photographed and fingerprinted for a new card. Bring the police report to the appointment.
Questions #
If you have a question about any aspect of your resident permit or UT card, contact Migrationsverket directly. Program staff cannot speak on behalf of Swedish migration authorities.