Education & Swedish
SFI: Swedish for immigrants
SFI is the municipality’s free basic Swedish course for adults who live in Sweden. You do not need a personnummer to start.
At a glance
- Who
- From 16 (second half of the year), living in Sweden, without basic Swedish
- Where
- Your municipality’s adult education (komvux)
- Right lasts
- Three years from your first start
Who can study
You have the right to SFI from the second half of the year you turn 16, if you live in Sweden and lack basic Swedish. The municipality cannot require you to have a personnummer before you start. The right lasts three years from when you were first accepted (it can sometimes be extended).
How to start
Find your municipality’s adult education
Search “SFI” and your municipality’s name, or ask at the municipality’s contact centre.
Apply
Usually an online form. You do a short assessment to place you in the right course (A–D).
Choose the format
Many municipalities offer daytime, evening and distance courses — useful if you work.
Choose your city to see how to apply there.
Official sources
Rules and fees change. Always confirm on the official page before you apply or pay. Last checked 14 Oct 2026.