Opening a bank account in Sweden

To become a customer of a Swedish bank, you must be able to prove your identity and answer questions about how you intend to use the bank account. Here you will find guidance on how to open a Swedish bank account. 



What is required to open a bank account?
To open a bank account, the bank needs to verify your identity. You can do this even without a Swedish personal identity number. The following identification documents are accepted:

  • Swedish driving licence
  • ID card issued by a Swedish authority
  • Certified ID card
  • Foreign passport 
  • Other document that confirms your citizenship and has been issued by an authority.

If you are a student from a country outside the EU/EEA
There are a few other things to consider if you come from a country outside the EU/EEA. You must be able to present your passport, residence permit or visa, and your admission decision from the university showing the duration of your studies. Depending on the bank, you may also need to present additional documents.

Customer due diligence questions
When you apply for a bank account, the bank is legally required to ask you questions about why you want to open the account and how you intend to use it. Be prepared to explain the purpose of the account you are applying for. Common reasons for opening a bank account include:

  • Receiving a salary
  • Receiving benefits and grants
  • Paying rent and other bills
  • Saving money

Choose a bank and apply for an account
Compare offers from different banks, review the costs, and choose the bank that seems to suit you best. Some banks, for example, offer free bank cards for 12 months, while others have lower fees for various payment services. Once you’ve chosen a bank, you can apply for an account either online by identifying yourself with Mobile BankID, or by booking an appointment at the bank.

Sometimes the bank must refuse you as a customer
In some cases, the bank must refuse to open an account for you. This applies, for example, if the bank cannot securely identify you, or if the information you provide about why you want to open an account is deemed insufficient.