bankID: the digital key

A digital ID (electronic ID or eID) lets you prove who you are online, just like showing your passport or national ID in person.

In Sweden, a digital ID is used to securely log in, sign documents and confirm your identity when using online services.

The 2 main digital IDs are:

bankID

The digital ID used by almost everyone in Sweden.

It's issued through participating banks and is accepted by virtually all banks, government agencies and many private companies.

freja eID

An alternative digital ID issued independently of banks.

Freja can be useful if you can't get BankID yet, but it isn't accepted by every organisation.

In short:

• Digital ID = the way you prove your identity online
• BankID = the most widely used digital ID in Sweden
• Freja eID = an alternative digital ID accepted by many, but not all, services

real-world example

You need to:

• sign a job contract
• log into Skatteverket
• approve a bank payment
• access healthcare online

.. with a digital i.d. (usually bankID)

You simply open the app and confirm using Face ID, fingerprint or your PIN. It usually takes just a few seconds.

.. without a digital i.d.

You may need paper forms, in-person identity checks or extra waiting time — and some digital services won't be available at all.

bankID

To get BankID, you usually need to:

1. Get a personnummer (or, in some cases, a coordination number)
2. Open a Swedish bank account
3. Verify your identity with the bank
4. Activate BankID through your bank's app or online banking

reality check

• EU/EEA citizens: Usually the quickest route once a bank account is open
• Non-EU citizens: Normally need a residence permit, personnummer and full bank approval first
• Asylum seekers: BankID is generally not available until legal status and banking arrangements are in place

freja eID

Getting Freja is usually simpler.

1. Download the app
2. Register using your passport or national ID
3. Verify your identity in the app
4. For the highest level of verification, complete an in-person identity check if required

reality check

• Doesn't require a Swedish bank account
• Can be useful while waiting for BankID
• Accepted by many organisations—but not all banks or government services

which one should you get?

If you can get BankID, that's the one to aim for. It's the standard digital ID in Sweden and works almost everywhere.

If you can't get BankID yet, Freja eID is a useful alternative that can give you access to many services while you complete the rest of your Swedish setup.

Getting a digital ID isn't the same for everyone.

e.u. / e.e.a. citizens

Usually the easiest path.

Once you've opened a Swedish bank account and verified your identity, getting BankID is often straightforward.

non-e.u. / e.e.a. citizens

You'll normally need:

• a valid residence permit
• a personnummer
• a fully approved Swedish bank account

Because banks have stricter identity checks, BankID often comes later in the process.

asylum seekers / t.p.d.

BankID is usually not available at first.

Some people may be able to use Freja eID for certain services, but full access to BankID generally comes after residence status has been resolved and banking requirements are met.

Think of it like this:

• Digital ID is the concept
• BankID is the digital ID that almost everyone in Sweden uses
• Freja eID is an alternative that can be very useful, especially while you're getting established, but it doesn't completely replace BankID

This flow is much clearer because it introduces the category (digital ID) first, then explains the two systems that belong to that category, before discussing how to obtain each one.