- SFI stands for Svenska för invandrare (Swedish language classes for immigrants)
- Offered by your local municipality (kommun) and it's free
- Levels from beginner to more advanced
- Flexible schedules (day/evening/online options)
- Focus on real-life Swedish (work, daily life, integration)
- One of the best starting points when you arrive
SFI (Svenska för invandrare) is a state sponsored Swedish language school where:
- you learn Swedish (obvs!)
- meet people in the same situation and maybe start growing a network
- quickly go from “hej” to “jag förstår vad du menar.”
It’s not glamorous, and it can be a little weird, especially for adults… but it gets you up and running and does open doors.
SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) is a government-funded language programme designed to help newcomers learn Swedish.
You will be placed in levels based on:
- your education
- your current language skills
It’s structured, but flexible
what you learn
SFI focuses on practical Swedish, like:
- introducing yourself
- shopping, appointments, daily conversations
- workplace communication
- basic grammar and writing
It’s less academic, more “how to function in Sweden”
flexible study options
Depending on your city, you can choose:
- full-time classes
- part-time/evening classes
- online or hybrid
Perfect if you are working or job hunting
the social side
SFI is also where you:
- meet other internationals
- share experiences
- build your first network
Everyone is figuring things out just like you.
☐ Get a Swedish personal number (personnummer)
☐ Register your address in Sweden (folkbokföring)
☐ Find your municipality’s SFI
☐ Prepare your passport or ID
☐ Prepare your residence permit card (if applicable)
☐ Submit your SFI application online or in person
☐ Check your email regularly for updates from the municipality
☐ Attend your placement interview or language assessment
☐ Receive your class placement and schedule
☐ Choose daytime, evening, or distance classes if available
☐ Start attending classes regularly
☐ Practise Swedish outside class every day
☐ Use Swedish at shops, cafés, work, and appointments
☐ Combine SFI with work, internships, or volunteering if possible
☐ Continue to higher levels (C and D) after completing beginner courses
☐ Consider moving on to SAS (Swedish as a Second Language) after SFI
- It’s free, but you must be registered in Sweden (personnummer helps a lot)
- Quality can vary depending on location and teacher
- Progress depends heavily on your own effort outside class
- Waiting times may exist in some cities
- Attendance matters, don’t treat it too casually
- Combine SFI with real-life practice (shops, work, TV, etc.)
- Speak Swedish even if it’s broken, confidence matters more than perfection
- Use apps alongside (duolingo, babbel, etc.)
- Make friends in class, it helps motivation
- Don’t rely only on SFI, immerse yourself outside
↗︎ Apply for SFI (official info)
↗︎ Gothenburg
↗︎ Folkuniversitet
↗︎ Arbetsformedlingen
↗︎ Skolverket (the Swedish Education Agency)
is s.f.i. really free?
Yes. SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) is free through municipal adult education, including the teaching materials you need. However, SFI does not qualify for CSN student finance.
do I need a personnummer?
You generally need to be registered as living in Sweden and meet the eligibility requirements for SFI. Your municipality will assess your situation and decide how you can enrol, so not having a personnummer does not necessarily mean you cannot study.
how long does s.f.i. take?
It depends on your previous education, Swedish level and how much you study outside class. Since 2026, students normally have 3 years from admission to complete SFI. Extensions may be possible in certain circumstances, including work, illness or other studies, with a maximum total study period of 6 years.
is s.f.i. enough to become fluent?
SFI gives you a foundation in Swedish, but becoming fluent usually takes more than classroom study. Speaking Swedish at work, with friends and neighbours, watching Swedish media and practising every day can make a big difference.
can I work while studying s.f.i. ?
Yes. SFI can be combined with work, and many people choose to study while working. You can also study SFI alongside an internship or another education programme.
are there evening or part-time s.f.i. classes?
Often, yes. The options vary between municipalities, but some SFI providers offer evening, part-time or flexible study for people who work during the day. Ask your municipality or SFI provider what schedules are available where you live.
what alternatives are there to s.f.i. ?
SFI isn't the only way to improve your Swedish. Depending on your situation, you may be able to combine SFI with vocational training, other Komvux courses, workplace practice or study at a folk high school (folkhögskola). Your municipality's study and career adviser can help you find the most suitable option.