7. International organisations
Content
- Arrival and departure
- The Swedish National Population Register
- Health care
- Immunity
- Organisation registration number
- Taxes, duties and import/export licenses
There are currently 16 international organisations that have concluded seat agreements with the Swedish Government or operate on a similar legal basis. This chapter highlights the specific rules that apply to these international organisations and their staff members. It should be noted that each seat agreement contains all the necessary details on matters such as privileges and immunities.
- Bank for International Settlements Innovation Hub (BISIH) Nordic Centre
- European Space Agency (ESA)
- European Commission Representation in Sweden
- European Parliament Information Office in Sweden
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
- European Investment Bank (EIB)
- European Spallation Source (ESS) ERIC
- Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO)
- International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA)
- International Vaccine Institute (IVI)
- Secretariat of the Council of Baltic Sea States (CBSS)
- Secretariat of the Northern Dimension Partnership in Public Health and Social Well-being (NDPHS)
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- United Nations Children's fund (UNICEF)
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- World Maritime University (WMU)
Arrival and departure
The same procedures as for diplomatic missions and consular posts apply:
- The Protocol Department should be notified about arrival and departure of staff members.
- Heads of international organisations should promptly notify the Protocol Department of any changes to the staff of the mission.
- When a head of an international organisation leaves Sweden or is unable to perform their functions for a period of time, they normally appoint one of their deputies as acting head of the organisation. Such an appointment should be made known to the Protocol Department in writing, indicating the period in question.
- Staff members will be provided with ID cards and residence permits valid for three years.
The Swedish National Population Register
Unlike diplomatic missions and consular posts, staff members of international organisations are registered in the Swedish National Population Register and will therefore automatically receive a personal identity number through the Swedish Tax Agency.
Health care
Regarding access to health and medical care, staff members are advised to contact the relevant healthcare institution for proper guidance applicable to residents in Sweden.
See more in Chapter 18
Immunity
The privileges and immunities for staff members in each international organisation are based on the individual seat agreement between Sweden and the relevant international organisation.
Links
Organisation registration number
An organisation registration number is useful for identification of an international organisation in Sweden, for instance when opening a bank account in Sweden.
There is no specific form for applying for an organisation registration number.
Registration of foreign companies in Sweden - The Swedish Tax Agency - external website,
Applications for organisation registration numbers can be addressed to:
Skatteverket
Utlandsenheten Stockholm Företagsregistrering
171 94 Solna
Taxes, duties and import/export licenses
Tax exemptions are regulated in detail by each individual seat agreement.
As a rule, the general provisions for diplomatic missions apply also to international organisations (customs privileges, certain import restrictions, refund of or exemption from VAT, and exemption from VAT on certain goods purchased from other EU member States and on taxes, duties and fees).
See more in Chapter 14.
Contact
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Visiting address Gustav Adolfs torg 1
Address 103 39 STOCKHOLM
email to Protocol Department
