The Swedish National Data Service was established 1st January 2008 by the Swedish Research Council. The organisation is managed by the University of Gothenburg and is financied by the Swedish Research Council and the University of Gothenburg. SND replaced its predecessor the Swedish Social Science Data Service (SSD) and has an extended commission which includes the humanities, social sciences and social medicine/epidemology.

A steering committee, who has at its disposal a scientific advisory committee, leads the Swedish National Data Service. A director who is appointed in consultation with the Swedish Research Council and employed at the University of Gothenburg leads the operative organisation.

SND has an operational plan including a short-term three year plan as well as an overall long-term plan SNDs arbetsplan 2008-2012 (only available in Swedish)