Wedding Guide
Hindersprovning
Hindersprovning is the legal prerequisite for getting married in Sweden. This guide explains exactly what it is, what you need, and how to apply.
5 min read
What is hindersprovning?
Hindersprovning (formally: prövning av äktenskapshinder, or "examination of impediments to marriage") is a check performed by the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to confirm that there are no legal barriers to your marriage. Swedish law requires this check before an officiant can conduct the ceremony.
Skatteverket checks primarily that:
- –Neither of you is currently married or in a registered partnership that has not been dissolved.
- –Both parties are at least 18 years old (or have an exemption).
- –The parties are not close relatives in a direct line of descent, or siblings.
What documents do you need?
What you need depends on whether you are registered as a resident in Sweden.
If you are registered in Sweden (folkbokförd)
- –Personal identity numbers (personnummer) for both partners — Skatteverket retrieves data directly from the population register.
- –Valid photo ID if visiting in person.
- –If either of you was previously married or widowed: this is usually verified automatically, but have relevant documents on hand in case Skatteverket requests them.
If you are not registered in Sweden
- –Valid passport.
- –A Certificate of No Impediment (or equivalent) issued by the competent authority in your home country — may need to be apostilled.
- –Divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable) from the country where a previous marriage was dissolved.
- –Certified translations may be required — contact Skatteverket about your specific situation.
How to apply
You can apply for hindersprovning in three ways:
- 1Online via Skatteverket's e-service — the fastest option for couples who both have personnummer and a Swedish e-ID.
- 2By post using form SKV 7650 — download, complete, and mail to Skatteverket or hand in at a local office.
- 3In person at a Skatteverket office — recommended if you have foreign documents that need to be reviewed.
Timeline and validity
Plan hindersprovning well in advance. The recommendation is to apply at least four weeks before your planned ceremony date — earlier if you have complex circumstances such as foreign documents.
Cost
Hindersprovning is free of charge for couples who are both registered residents in Sweden. For couples with foreign documents, additional costs may apply for apostilles, translations, and legalisation — these are handled by you, not by Skatteverket.
Frequently asked questions
Do we both need to be present when applying?
No. Both partners do not need to be in the same place. The application can be submitted digitally by one person, or you can each complete your part of the paper form separately. Skatteverket may require in-person attendance if documents need to be verified.
What if we are citizens of different countries?
Non-Swedish citizens typically need to provide a Certificate of No Impediment (or equivalent) from their home country. Contact Skatteverket early to confirm exactly which documents are required for your specific nationality.
Can we get married without hindersprovning?
No. Under the Swedish Marriage Code (Äktenskapsbalken, Ch. 3 § 1), the officiant is legally required to verify that hindersprovning has taken place and that a valid certificate exists. The ceremony cannot proceed without it.
Our certificate expired — what do we do?
Apply for a new one through Skatteverket. There is no shortcut, but the process is identical to the first application and typically faster if your circumstances have not changed.
Is hindersprovning the same as banns of marriage?
No. Banns (lysning) are a church custom and are not required for civil ceremonies. Hindersprovning is the civil legal equivalent — it serves the same protective purpose but is handled by Skatteverket rather than a church.