Pension Transfer Form for Sweden – What You Need to Know Before You Submit

Transferring a pension to Sweden isn’t just about the money — it’s also about navigating paperwork, legal forms, and knowing what Swedish authorities actually need from you.

If you’ve worked abroad and want to move your pension home, one of the first steps is often dealing with what many call the “pension transfer form” — the documents that allow you (or your pension provider) to initiate the transfer and report it to Swedish institutions correctly.

This guide will walk you through what the pension transfer form typically includes, why it matters, what supporting documents you’ll need, and what pitfalls to avoid. We'll also show you what this might look like in real life, with examples from Swedes transferring pensions from the UK and EU.

What Is the Pension Transfer Form?

There’s no single official “Pension Transfer Form” for Sweden — instead, there are several forms and confirmations that may be required, depending on the country you're transferring from, the type of pension, and the receiving institution in Sweden.

At its core, the purpose of the paperwork is to:

• Prove your identity and tax residency

• Confirm the pension type and value

• Allow authorities to track the origin and destination of funds

• Ensure you’re not violating tax or pension laws (both in Sweden and the origin country)

In some cases, it’s your pension provider abroad that initiates the paperwork. In others, you’ll be the one filling out and sending forms to Skatteverket, Finansinspektionen, or your Swedish pension account provider.

What the Process Looks Like – Step by Step

Here’s a general overview of what happens when you transfer a pension to Sweden:

1. You request a transfer from your foreign pension provider.

2. You fill out a withdrawal or transfer form from that provider, which may include a request for confirmation of residency or tax status in Sweden.

3. You may need to send a “Certificate of Residence” (from Skatteverket) to avoid double taxation or to prove you live in Sweden.

4. Your provider abroad releases the funds and confirms details of the transfer.

5. In Sweden, you (or your advisor) report the transfer to Skatteverket for tax purposes.

Depending on your situation, the receiving entity in Sweden may also require a copy of the pension agreement, proof of origin, and a certified ID.

Real Example: UK Pension Transfer with Form Confusion

Anders, 56, had a private pension in the UK through a former employer. He planned to transfer it to Sweden and contacted the provider to initiate the move. The provider required two key forms:

• A transfer request form, naming a Swedish financial institution as the receiving party

• A “Letter of Authority”, giving permission to disclose pension details

In parallel, his Swedish pension platform asked for:

• A copy of the UK pension policy

• Proof of tax residence in Sweden

• Clarification that the pension would retain its status and not be seen as early income

Anders ended up spending over six weeks collecting and submitting forms — and still had to work with a tax advisor to declare the income correctly when the funds arrived. Had he known which forms and processes were required at the start, it would have saved time and stress.

What to Prepare Before You Transfer

Even before you fill out any forms, it’s smart to gather the following:

• A full statement from your foreign pension provider

• Your Swedish personnummer and a certificate of residence

• Confirmation of whether the pension can be transferred or must be withdrawn

• Details about the recipient bank or pension account in Sweden

• A clear plan for tax declaration — will it be seen as income or pension?

If you’re unsure about any of these, that’s where a free pension check can help clarify what you’ll need based on your country and pension type.

Example: EU Pension Transfer – What Was Needed

Maria, who worked in Germany for several years, had her employer pension held by a local insurance company. She wanted to transfer the capital to Sweden to simplify her retirement planning.

In her case, the provider required:

• A Swedish IBAN and account confirmation letter

• Her social security number

• A translated copy of the pension agreement

• Confirmation that the funds would go to a pension-qualified account in Sweden

She also had to ensure the tax-free treatment of her pension in Germany wouldn’t be undone by early withdrawal or incorrect classification in Sweden. The paperwork wasn’t difficult, but without help from a local expert, she would have missed critical steps.

Why It’s Important to Get This Right

Filling out the wrong form, or sending it to the wrong authority, can delay your pension transfer by weeks or even months. Worse — if you misreport the income to Skatteverket, you might end up paying too much tax or face penalties later.

Forms are important — but understanding their purpose and when they apply is even more critical. And because there’s no central form for “all pensions,” the safest path is often a step-by-step review of your situation.

Need Help?

We help Swedes with pensions in the UK, UAE, US, EU and beyond understand:

• Which forms and documents they’ll need

• What tax consequences to expect

• How to make the process as smooth as possible

Start with a free pension check, and we’ll guide you based on your country and pension type.

Disclaimer

The content in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Pension transfers are subject to regulation in both Sweden and the country of origin. Always consult with a qualified advisor or tax specialist before initiating a pension transfer. Requirements and processes may change and vary based on your individual situation.