- Police record checks are mandatory for jobs in Swedish schools, preschools and certain other educational settings
- You normally request the extract when you've been offered a job, not when you apply
- The extract for work within the education system is valid for 6 months
- Applications are free for Swedish employment purposes and can be made online or using a form
- If you've lived abroad, check whether additional documentation is needed for your particular role
police checks
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Applying for jobs in Sweden? If you're working with children, you may need a police record extract (belastningsregisterutdrag). Here's who needs one, how to apply and what to know if you're new to Sweden.
Anyone offered a job, assignment or student-teacher placement within the Swedish education system must present the relevant extract. This applies to both public and private employers.
Covered settings include:
- preschools and preschool classes
- primary and secondary schools
- special needs schools
- school-age childcare and after-school centres
- certain other educational activities
- municipal adult education
Separate rules apply to some other roles. For example, police record checks are required for certain jobs in residential care homes for children, while employers can request checks for some positions involving elderly people or adults with disabilities.
Requirements depend on the type of work and the legal rules covering it. Not every job involving contact with children has the same requirements.
↗︎ Check the official guidance: Swedish Police – Criminal record extracts
For school and preschool jobs, you should normally request your extract after you've been offered the position.
Don't send it with your initial job application. The Police Authority (Polisen) specifically advises applicants not to submit the extract during the application stage.
The school or employer will tell you when to present it as part of the recruitment process. You can keep the original document, and the same valid extract can be shown to more than one employer.
The extract for work within the education system is valid for 6 months.
You can apply through the Swedish Police Authority (Polisen) following the below steps:
step 1
⭕ choose the correct extract
Select the extract for employment within the education system if you're applying for a covered school or preschool role.
step 2
⭕ apply online or use a form
The online service requires an email address. If you cannot use the service, Polisen provides application forms in English.
step 3
⭕ complete the application carefully
If you use a form, follow the instructions for signing and submitting it.
step 4
⭕ wait for the extract
It is normally sent to you, rather than directly to your employer.
step 5
⭕ present extract when requested
Show the extract to the employer at the appropriate stage of recruitment.
Polisen says processing can take up to 2 weeks after receiving a completed application, although this may vary.
The extract is free for Swedish employment purposes.
Apply in good time once you receive a job offer.
↗︎ Apply here: extract for employment within the education system
If you've recently moved, you may be unsure how your overseas background affects the process.
Start by applying for the Swedish extract required for the job. Polisen has specific procedures for certain applicants who are citizens of other EU countries or the UK, which can involve requesting information from another country's criminal records register. This may extend processing times.
If you've lived or worked in other countries, ask the employer whether any additional documents are required. Don't assume that a Swedish extract automatically covers every aspect of your overseas history.
If you cannot use the online service, check Polisen's English application forms and instructions.
A record check is 1 part of assessing suitability for a position; it is not a universal rule that anyone with a conviction is automatically barred from employment.
The implications depend on the type of role, the information recorded and the applicable rules. If you're concerned about your circumstances, consult the relevant official guidance or seek qualified advice.
- The rules for school-related record checks changed on 15 July 2026. The extract was expanded to cover additional offences and certain information from the criminal suspects register, and its validity period changed from 1 year to 6 months
- Requirements vary between occupations and types of workplace. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm the current requirements for your specific role with the employer and the Swedish Police Authority (Polisen)
- Wait until the right stage: you generally don't need to arrange a school-related extract before applying for jobs
- Allow enough time: processing may take up to two weeks, and some cases take longer
- Use the correct police record extract: different roles may require different types of record checks
- Ask about overseas documents early: this is especially useful if you've lived in several countries
- Use official sources: requirements can change, check Polisen's latest guidance before applying
do all jobs in sweden require a police record check?
No. Checks are mandatory for certain roles and settings, including covered school and preschool jobs. Other employers may have specific rights to request checks, depending on the occupation and applicable law.
can I apply for a teaching job before getting my police extract?
Yes. For covered school and preschool jobs, you normally request the extract after receiving an offer. You should not include it with your initial application.
how long does a police record extract take?
Polisen states that processing can take up to 2 weeks after receiving a completed application. It may take longer depending on demand or whether information must be obtained from another country.
can I use the same extract for several employers?
Yes. You can show the same valid school-related extract to multiple employers during its 6-month validity period.
is a police record extract the same as a teaching licence?
No. A police record extract is a background check. Teacher certification is a separate matter, with its own requirements. If you qualified outside Sweden, check whether your qualifications need to be assessed by the Swedish National Agency for Education (Skolverket).