How to start SFI: step by step

SFI means svenska för invandrare, Swedish for immigrants. It is free Swedish teaching for adults. The municipality (kommun) where you live is responsible for SFI. Here is how to get started.

1. Check that you can study SFI

You can usually study SFI if you:

• are registered as living in Sweden (folkbokförd) in a municipality,
• are 16 or older,
• do not already know basic Swedish.

Don't have a personal identity number (personnummer) yet? Ask your municipality. Some municipalities offer SFI to other groups too.

2. Apply to SFI with your municipality

Search online for "SFI" and the name of your municipality, for example "SFI Göteborg". There you'll find an online service (e-tjänst) or a form (blankett). You often log in with BankID. If you don't have BankID, you can usually call or visit the municipality's adult education office (vuxenutbildning).

3. Intake meeting and assessment

After you apply, you get a letter with a time to come in (kallelse). You talk with a study and careers adviser (studie- och yrkesvägledare) about your schooling, your languages and your goals. Sometimes you do a short test. Then you get a place on the right study path and course.

4. Remember that the time is limited

Since 1 January 2026 you have the right to study SFI for three years from the day you are admitted. The time can be extended in some cases. So it pays to study regularly from the start.

5. Choose how you want to study

Many municipalities offer SFI during the day, in the evening and online (distans). There is also SFI combined with work or vocational training. Ask what fits your life.

6. Start practising straight away

You don't need to wait for your first lesson. Listen to easy Swedish, read short texts and learn everyday words. See our tips: free apps and sites for learning Swedish.