Abstract: A magnetic actuator (1) comprising a stationary part (3), a movable part (4) and a coil (10) arranged circumferentially relatively to the movable part (4) in such a manner that the movable part (4) is moved relatively to the stationary part (3) in response to a magnetic field induced when an electrical current runs in the coil (10). The stationary part (3) and the movable part (4) are shaped in such a manner that one is provided with a protruding part (5) and the other is provided with a recess (6) adapted to receive the protruding part (5). Thereby the minimum distance between the stationary part (3) and the movable part (4) are kept relatively low, and it is thereby possible to obtain a large pulling force without increasing manufacturing costs. The actuator (1) further comprises a shading ring (7) providing a magnetic field having a phase which is different from the phase of the field induced by the coil (10).