Protected identity
If you have been subjected to threats, you may be eligible for protected identity, in which case access to your personal data is restricted. If you are granted protected identity, we restrict access to information about you in the Swedish Population Register, such as your name and address. Under normal circumstances, data held in the Swedish Population Register is available to the general public.
For public-sector organisations
Please click on the link below for specific information about protected identity:
There are three different types of protected identity:
- protected Population Register data
- confidentiality marking (works as an alert for public authorities)
- new identity details (which means you are given a new name and personal identity number)
To apply for protected Population Register data or confidentiality marking, please contact the Swedish Tax Agency. For new identity details, you need to apply to the Swedish Police.
We will not share your personal data in connection with a change of address notification
From summer 2024, the Swedish Tax Agency will generally send a message to any registered occupant when someone notifies us that they are moving to the same address.
If we are notified of a move to an address where someone else is already registered as living, the Swedish Tax Agency will generally send a message to any registered occupant. This applies from summer 2024.
However, if you have protected personal data or confidentiality marking, we will not send a message. This is the case whether you report a change of address, or someone else notifies us that they are moving to your registered address.
What is protected identity?
Here you can find out more about protected Population Register data and confidentiality marking, and who can be granted these protection measures.
Films about protected identity
Films about protected identity
Click on the link below to see short films about protected Population Register data and confidentiality marking. The films explain what these protection measures mean, how to apply, and what you need to think about if you have protected identity.
Film in English
What is protected Population Register data?
Protected Population Register data is a stronger protection measure than confidentiality marking. When you have protected Population Register data, you are allowed to be registered in a municipality you have moved away from, or in another municipality with which you have had no connection. Your previous address details are deleted, and your new address is not recorded in the Swedish Population Register. This means that your new address will not be shared with other public authorities. Your mail will be delivered to one of the Swedish Tax Agency’s offices.
We will notify the other public authorities and community services with which you have contact that your Population Register data is protected. These include healthcare services, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (“Försäkringskassan”) and the municipality where you live. These organisations will be able to see that you have protected Population Register data.
Who can be granted protected Population Register data?
You can be granted protected Population Register data if there are specific grounds to suspect that you are at risk of being subjected to crime, persecution or serious harassment.
Even if the Swedish Tax Agency recognises a high risk, we can only grant you protected Population Register data if it can be considered to be an effective measure in your case. You will normally be required to move to a new address in order to be granted protected Population Register data. You must also take care not to disclose your personal data – for example, by accidentally posting details on social media.
You may be eligible for protected Population Register data if:
- a restraining order is considered unlikely to provide you with sufficient protection
- you are part of a personal security program
- you have testified in a serious criminal case
- you have been – or are at risk of being – subjected to violence or threats of violence from immediate family members or other relatives
When is it not possible to grant protected Population Register data?
You cannot be granted protected Population Register data if you are unable to make your own contribution to the effectiveness of this protection measure. This applies if, for example:
- you still live at the same address, even though it’s known to the person threatening you
- you have not broken off contact with the person who has been threatening you
- you share personal information on social media
The Swedish Tax Agency will assess the circumstances in each individual case. If you cannot be granted protected Population Register data, you might still be eligible for confidentiality marking.
What is confidentiality marking?
Confidentiality marking is the lowest level of protected identity. It is an administrative measure that makes it more difficult for others to access your personal data in the Swedish Population Register.
Confidentiality marking applies to all your personal data. It alerts the Swedish Tax Agency and other public authorities that a review must be carried out before your personal data is disclosed. This means that your data is not subject to strict confidentiality. Rather, this marking is a bit like a “Confidential” stamp on a printed document.
Who can be granted confidentiality marking?
You may be eligible if you are at risk of being subjected to crime, persecution or serious harassment.
When is it not possible to grant confidentiality marking?
You cannot be granted confidentiality marking because you want to be anonymous on the internet or you have been subject to identity theft, for example.
What is meant by new identity details?
You may be granted new identity details if you are at risk of serious crime involving a threat to your life, health or freedom. In these circumstances, you can be given a new name and personal identity number, for example. You have to apply to the Swedish Police for new identity details.
Apply for protected identity
On this page, you can find out how to apply for protected Population Register data or confidentiality marking.
How to apply for protected Population Register data
What you need to do before applying for protected Population Register data
- You will usually be required to move to a new address
In most cases, a move is necessary for the protection measure to be effective. In certain cases, it may be possible to grant Protected Population Register data without a change of address – but only if this measure can be considered to provide adequate protection. The Swedish Tax Agency will assess the circumstances in each individual case. - Everyone who lives with you should apply for protected Population Register data
Otherwise, there is a risk that you could be traced through your family relationships, which would make your protected Population Register data ineffective. - You must help to ensure your own protection
You must actively help to ensure the effectiveness of your protected Population Register data through your lifestyle and actions. This could mean, for example, not posting information about yourself on social media, and avoiding the social circles and places with which you are associated. This usually means you have to change your workplace, school or any other environment in which you carry out your daily activities. If you have children, they will usually have to be moved to a new preschool or school.
How to apply for protected Population Register data
Click the link below to download the application form. If you cannot print it out, you can order a paper copy by calling the Swedish Tax Agency:
Alternatively, you can apply by sending us a letter. The details you need to include are outlined below.
Please fill in all the fields of the application form. If you apply by letter, you must include all of the following details:
- your personal identity number
- your name
- your address
- your phone number and e-mail address (if you have one)
- the name and telephone number of your social services (“socialförvaltningen”) or Swedish Police contact (if you have one)
- your signature, and the signatures of any other adults who also wish to apply for protected Population Register data
In your letter, you should also state why you want to apply for protected Population Register data. Please answer the following questions in your letter:
- Who is threatening you?
- Where does this person live?
- How did this threatening situation come about?
- How long has the threat been present?
- How have you tried to protect yourself?
- Have you been granted protection measures before (a restraining order or confidentiality marking, for example)? If so, how effective have they been?
Please attach any documentation that is relevant to your situation, such as:
- statements or investigation reports from social services
- statements or investigation reports from the Swedish Police
- police reports
- court judgements
- a restraining order decision notice
- information about the infringement of a restraining order
- statements or reports from sheltered accommodation units
- other relevant statements or reports
You must also:
- state in your application whether you have moved or plan to do so
- notify us of a special postal address in your application
- tell us about your current housing situation
By providing us with a special postal address, you can prevent someone who is threatening you from gaining access to your mail before you have moved to a permanent address. You can use the address of a women’s shelter or a legal representative, for example.
You can complement your application by notifying us of a new address at a later date.
You cannot use our e-services
If you are applying for protected Population Register data, you must not use our e-services to notify us of a change of address or a special postal address.
Post your application to the Swedish Tax Agency.
Apply for protected Population Register data for children under 18 years of age
Only the parents or guardians of a child can apply for protected Population Register data on the child’s behalf. The application process for children is the same as for adults. There are some things you need to consider when applying for protected Population Register data for a child:
- If the child has two parents or guardians, both must usually sign the application. If the purpose of the application is to protect the child from a parent or guardian, the application can be signed by just one party.
- In certain cases, an application can be made by the Social Welfare Board (“socialnämnden”). This is the case if the child is cared for in accordance with a decision under the Swedish Care of Young Persons (Special Provisions) Act, and the Social Welfare Board needs to protect the child against one or both parents or guardians.
- The Swedish Tax Agency always registers a temporary confidentiality marking if an application for protected Population Register data indicates that a child is at risk of being subjected to threats, violence or serious harassment.
What happens after I have applied for protected Population Register data?
When the Swedish Tax Agency receives an application, our first step is usually to register an immediate temporary confidentiality marking. This will remain in place while we investigate the case. The Swedish Tax Agency will contact you to confirm this. If you clearly do not meet the requirements for protected Population Register data or confidentiality marking, no temporary confidentiality marking will be registered.
The Swedish Tax Agency has the right to contact other public authorities – such as the Swedish Police or social services – that can provide information relevant to your case. The Swedish Police and social services can also comment on the information you have provided and the seriousness of the threat. The Swedish Tax Agency then makes an overall assessment based on the information available.
When the Swedish Tax Agency has reached a decision on protected Population Register data, we will send you a notification letter. As a rule, protected Population Register data is granted for an unlimited time. However, we may grant it for a limited period if there are specific grounds for doing this.
How to apply for confidentiality marking
Things to consider before you apply for confidentiality marking
- You are required to move
You must move to a new address in a different area to avoid being traced by the person who is threatening you. Confidentiality marking has no effect if you do not move and the person threatening you knows your address. - Everyone who lives with you should apply for confidentiality marking
Otherwise you could be traced through your family relationships. - You must help to ensure your own protection
You must actively help to ensure the effectiveness of your confidentiality marking through your lifestyle and actions. This could mean, for example, not posting information about yourself on social media, and avoiding social circles and places with which you are associated. This usually means you have to change your workplace, school or any other environment in which you carry out your daily activities. If you have children, they will usually have to be moved to a new preschool or school.
How to apply for confidentiality marking
Click the link below to download the application form. If you cannot print it out, you can order a paper form by calling the Swedish Tax Agency:
Alternatively, you can apply by sending us a letter. The details that you must include are outlined below.
Please fill in all the fields on the application form. If you apply by letter, you must include all of the following details:
- your personal identity number
- your name
- your address
- your phone number and e-mail address (if you have one)
- the name and telephone number of your social services (“socialförvaltningen”) or Swedish Police contact (if you have one)
- your signature, and the signatures of any other adults who also wish to apply for confidentiality marking
You should also write why you want to apply for confidentiality marking. Please answer the following questions in your letter:
- Who is threatening you?
- Where does this person live?
- How did this threatening situation come about?
- How long has the threat been present?
- How have you tried to protect yourself?
Please also attach any documentation that is relevant to your situation, such as:
- statements or investigation reports from social services
- statements or investigation reports from the Swedish Police
- police reports
- court judgements
- a restraining order decision notice
- statements or reports from sheltered accommodation units
- other relevant statements or reports
You must also:
- state in your application whether you have moved or plan to do so
- notify us of a special postal address in your application
- tell us about your current housing situation when you make your application
By providing us with a special postal address, you can prevent someone who is threatening you from gaining access to your mail before you have moved to a permanent address. You can use the address of a women’s shelter or a legal representative for example.
You can complement your application by notifying us of a new address at a later date.
You cannot use our e-services
If you are applying for confidentiality marking, you must not use our e-services to notify us of a change of address or a special postal address.
Post your application to the Swedish Tax Agency. You can find the address by clicking the link below.
Apply for confidentiality marking for children under 18 years of age
The application process is the same as for adults, but there are some things you need to consider:
- Someone other than a parent or guardian can apply for confidentiality marking for a child. Staff of the social services or the Swedish Police can apply, for example.
- In addition to a summary or investigation report regarding the threat to the child, you should also send details of any official decisions regarding care or other relevant matters.
- You must notify the Swedish Tax Agency if the child is moving to a family home or a new address.
- You must notify us of a special postal address so that mail will be sent to the correct recipient, if it must not to be sent to a parent or guardian.
What happens after I have applied for confidentiality marking?
When the Swedish Tax Agency receives an application, our first step is usually to register an immediate temporary confidentiality marking – unless you clearly do not meet the requirements. The Swedish Tax Agency will notify you that we have registered a temporary confidentiality marking.
We will then assess your eligibility. The Swedish Tax Agency has the right to contact other public authorities, such as the Swedish Police or the Social Welfare Board, that can provide information about your case. The Swedish Police and social services can also comment on the information you have provided and the seriousness of the threat.
If your application is approved, the Swedish Tax Agency will usually grant you a confidentiality marking for a two-year period. The period that applies to you will be stated in the decision letter you receive.
Frequently asked questions about living with protected identity
Living with protected identity can be a strain since contact is broken with a range of service providers and other parties in the community. In this section, we have compiled some answers to questions you may have.
How do I provide my address to parties who need it?
You must notify organisations and companies yourself
You should always be cautious about giving out your address. If you need to do so, make sure you inform the organisation that you have protected identity. Ask how the organisation will handle your data. If it has no specific procedures for handling protected personal data, you should not disclose your real address. Instead, ask the organisation to contact you through the Swedish Tax Agency. You can find out more about this on the page “Sending mail to someone with protected identity”.
The Swedish Tax Agency will notify other authorities
The Swedish Tax Agency will send your personal data digitally to other public authorities, together with a notification that you have been granted protected Population Register data or confidentiality marking by the Swedish Tax Agency. Each authority is then responsible for its handling of your data. You can contact your municipality if you would like to know about the routines that apply where you live. If you have been granted protected Population Register data, your address will never be visible to any public authorities or organisations that receive your information.
These authorities and organisations will be informed automatically that you have protected identity:
- the Swedish Board of Student Finance (CSN)
- the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (“Försäkringskassan”)
- the prison and probation service
- the Swedish Mapping, Cadastral and Land Registration Authority (Lantmäteriet)
- the Swedish Migration Agency (“Migrationsverket”)
- the Swedish Pensions Agency (“Pensionsmyndigheten”)
- the Swedish Police
- the Swedish Tax Agency
- the Swedish state personal address register (“SPAR”), which sends data to organisations such as banks and insurance companies
- the National Government Employee Pensions Board (“SPV”)
- Statistics Sweden (“Statistiska centralbyrån”)
- the Church of Sweden
- the Swedish Election Authority (“Valmyndigheten”)
- the Swedish Transport Agency (“Transportstyrelsen”)
The following public authorities will be notified of your protected identity within one week of the Swedish Tax Agency’s decision:
- the Swedish Defence Recruitment Agency (“Totalförsvarets rekryteringsmyndighet”)
- municipal administrations
- county health service administrations (note that some counties are notified on a daily basis)
How will my child’s school handle protected personal data?
If you have children who also have protected identity, it is important that you come to an agreement with their school or preschool as to how their data will be handled. Information to consider includes class lists, yearbooks and the school nurse’s records, for example.
More information is available on the Swedish National Agency for Education’s (“Skolverket”) website.
How do I resolve issues with the Swedish Tax Agency if I have protected identity?
Only selected administrators at the Swedish Tax Agency will process your protected personal data. This means it can take longer than usual for us to respond to your enquiries.
General questions
If you have questions about names, tax returns or taxes, for example, you can find information on our website and in our brochures. The usual rules apply to you in most cases.
Identity cards
If you need to apply for an identity card from the Swedish Tax Agency, you must book an appointment with a special administrator for matters relating to protected identity. You are welcome to call our tax information service:
From outside Sweden, call:
Population registration certificates
You can use the Swedish Tax Agency’s e-services to order certain types of population registration certificates for yourself. If you need to order population registration certificates for different recipients, keep in mind that these documents can only be sent to your registered address. The same applies to other Population Register extracts, such as those to confirm a name change. The Swedish Tax Agency will usually remove your address details from your population registration certificates.
If you need a population registration certificate that includes information about other people as well as yourself, you should call our tax information service on 0771 567567 (or +46 8 564 851 60 from outside Sweden).
How do I report a change of address if I have protected identity?
That depends on whether you have confidentiality marking or protected Population Register data.
- If you have applied for – or been granted – confidentiality marking for yourself only, you can submit a change of address notification via our e-service “Flyttanmälan”. Log in with your Swedish e-identification. Alternatively, you can fill in form SKV 7845: “Flyttning inom Sverige” (“Notification – moving within Sweden”).
- Do not use the e-service if you have:
- applied for – or been granted – protected Population Register data
- submitted a change of address notification for someone more than just yourself (for example accompanying children)
If you cannot use the e-service, you should fill in form SKV 7845 instead. You must then send the completed form to your protection group.
What if I want to subscribe to a service or shop online?
If you have protected identity, it can be difficult to sign up for a mobile phone subscription or pay by invoice, for example. This is because the companies involved do not have access to your Population Register data. You will need to contact companies and organisations directly to discuss how your requirements can be best met.
Can I use social media or apps that track my location?
You should be very restrictive about using social media when you have protected identity. You should block any services and apps on your mobile phone that could help someone to locate you.
Which of my personal details are protected?
All of your personal details are protected.
Can I decide which address to have my mail sent to?
Yes, you can. If you have protected identity, you can notify of us of a special postal address to which you would like your mail to be sent. A special postal address can be a post office box address, for example, or the address of a trusted person who can receive your mail. Choose a valid address that you feel secure about having your mail sent to.
If you have confidentiality marking, you can either notify us of a special postal address through our e-service, or by filling in form SKV 7844 “Anmälan – Särskild postadress” (“Notification – special postal address”).
If you have protected Population Register data, you should fill in the form below instead of using the e-service.
You must then send the completed form to your protection group.
Here are some instructions for those who want to send you mail:
It is a good idea to register a digital mailbox for mail from public authorities, and to use automatic payment and electronic invoicing services whenever possible.
How do I receive my mail?
Physical mail will be delivered to the address that you have chosen. To ensure that your address is as protected as possible, it is a good idea to have your mail sent to a special postal address. A special postal address can be a post office box address, for example, or the address of a trusted person who can receive your mail.
If you have confidentiality marking or protected Population Register data, the Swedish Tax Agency will deliver your mail to you. This means that you do not need to disclose your personal address to anyone who sends you mail.
Since it can take longer to obtain access to your mail if you have such protection, it is a good idea to use automatic payment and electronic invoicing services for expected mail if possible.
You need to decide on the best way to handle your mail, based on your personal circumstances: whether to receive it yourself, for example, or have it sent to someone else. There is always a certain level of risk associated with physical mail, even when security measures are in place.
If you receive suspicious mail that might be a danger to you, please contact the police immediately. If you receive a delivery notification for a package that you haven’t ordered, you do not have to collect it.
How public authorities should handle protected personal data: guidance
Each public authority is responsible for its own personal data records. This means that each authority decides which information should be distributed to its administrators and external parties. The Swedish Tax Agency has developed guidelines on how public authorities should handle protected personal data in their operations.
Legal guidance
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