Sweden's orange pension envelopes are an important part of the country's comprehensive pension system. The envelopes are used to inform individuals about their future pension payments, which come from the public pension system, the first of three pillars of the Swedish pension system. 

The envelopes are sent out every year to Swedish citizens and newcomer residents who have contributed to the social security system. They contain important information, such as your level of pensions payments, when you are eligible for a pension, and how to apply for it.

These envelopes have become a symbol of the Swedish welfare system and are an important resource for both native-born Swedes and immigrants.

The Swedish pension system is based on a pay-as-you-go model, with current workers' contributions funding the pensions of retired workers. 

The first pillar of the system, the public pension system, provides a basic income to all individuals who have contributed to the Swedish social security system for a certain number of years. 

The contents of the orange envelope can be confusing for newcomers to northern Sweden.

Foto: Jennifer Glans/Pensionsmyndigheten

The pension amount is calculated based on an individual's earnings over their working lifetime and the number of years they have contributed to the social security system. The second pillar of the system is occupational pensions, consisting of pension schemes that individuals can choose to participate in. The third pillar is individual pension savings that individuals can make in addition to their public and occupational pensions.

It's important to mention that the precise contents of your orange envelope are unique to you. The numbers inside the envelope will depend on details such as your salary, years spent working, and pension policy.

The orange pension envelopes can be especially important for newcomers as they navigate the complex Swedish pension system. In order to qualify for the public pension system, individuals must have contributed to the social security system for a certain number of years. This can be a challenge for immigrants, especially those who have recently arrived in the country and may not have had the opportunity to contribute for the required length of time. 

However, there are policies in place to help immigrants access the public pension system, such as the ability to transfer pension contributions from other European Union countries and programs for immigrants who have been in Sweden for a shorter period of time.

The orange pension envelopes provide clear and easily accessible information about future pension payments, which can be particularly helpful for immigrants who may not have the same level of knowledge about the Swedish pension system as native-born Swedes. 

Working out what you need for your pension is important.

Foto: Foto: FREDRIK SANDBERG / TT.

The envelopes are also a symbol of the Swedish government's commitment to providing a comprehensive social security system for all citizens, including newcomers.

To fully understand the Swedish pension system, it's important to be familiar with some of the key terms used in the orange envelope. Here are some translations of the most important terms:

• Allmänna pensionsfonden: This is the Swedish National Pension Fund, which manages the assets of the first pillar of the Swedish pension system.
• Premiepension: The second pillar of the Swedish pension system, which consists of occupational pension schemes that individuals can choose to participate in.
• Tjänstepension: Occupational pension schemes that are arranged by an individual's employer.
• Individuell pensionssparande: The third pillar of the Swedish pension system, which consists of individual pension savings that individuals can make in addition to their public and occupational pensions.
• Värde: This is the value that was in your pension at the turn of the year and, at the bottom of the table, how much your pension was worth at the end of the year.
• Beslutad pensionsrätt: The amount earned in your income pension in the last declared tax year.
• Administrations- och fondavgift: The administrative fees you pay for your pension accounts.
• Värdeförändring: This figure is based on income changes across all of Sweden, and it’s a set amount each year.
• Summa intjänad allmän pension: A key line, meaning “total accrued general pension”, which is the figure that’s used to calculate your pension forecast, usually seen on the second page of the document. 

It's worth noting that the Swedish pension system can be complex, so don't hesitate to seek out additional resources or assistance if you're having trouble navigating it.

A good primer can be found here (in Swedish). Use Google Translate. And if you need to talk to someone at the Swedish Pensions Authority, you can find contact numbers and other details here in English .

Our second article, focussing on what each page means, will be published later this week.