opening a bank account

step 1

☐ determine your legal status

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

EU citizens benefit from freedom of movement, which generally makes banking more flexible.

• EU citizens can often open an account only with:
  • a passport
  • proof of address or ties to Sweden

A personnummer helps, but is not always required upfront, and EU citizens are still subject to identity and compliance checks like another international. 

In practice, EU applicants usually face fewer structural barriers, but verification is still strict.

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

For non-EU nationals, requirements are more formalised.

To open a bank account, you will typically need:

• a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) or a coordination number (samordningsnummer)
• proof that you are legally resident in Sweden

Without these, banks are unlikely to proceed. They are the key difference compared to EU citizens and often determine whether your application is accepted or not.

asylum seekers / t.p.d.

Asylum seekers / people under Temporary Protective Directive (TPD) may be able to open a basic account, but access is more limited and depends on the bank.

• Identity verification may rely on documents issued by migration authorities
• Some banks offer restricted accounts
• Not all services (e.g. full digital access or BankID/eID) are immediately available

Outcomes vary case by case, and approval is not guaranteed.

step 2

☐ gather the relevant documents

• Passport
• Proof of residence in Sweden
• Residence permit / legal status (if applicable)
• Personnummer or coordination number (if available)

step 3

☐ identify a bank and book and appointment (see “useful links” below for recommended banks)

Not all banks have the same requirements for international customers, so check which bank is most suitable for your situation before booking.

• Compare your options: check which banks accept applicants with your legal status and available documents
• Check the requirements: some banks may require a personnummer or coordination number, while others may consider applications without one
• Book an appointment: many banks require you to visit a branch in person to open an account. Check whether you need to book in advance and what documents to bring
• Explain your situation: if you do not yet have a personnummer, BankID or a Swedish residence permit card, ask the bank what alternatives it accepts

step 4

☐ submit identity verification in person

Bring your original documents to your appointment. The bank needs to verify your identity and understand why you need an account in Sweden.

You may be asked about your employment, income, source of funds and how you intend to use the account. These are standard checks to help prevent financial crime.

If you are missing documents or do not qualify for every service, ask whether the bank can offer a basic payment account.

step 5

☐ wait for approval and account activation

The bank will review your application and may ask for additional documents or information. Processing times vary, so ask when you can expect a decision.

If your application is rejected, ask why. You can try another bank, as requirements and assessments differ. If you are legally resident in the EU, you may also have a right to a basic payment account, subject to certain conditions.

step 6

☐ activate online banking then apply for bankID / eID (once eligible)

Once your account is active, follow the bank’s instructions to set up online and mobile banking, manage payments and arrange to receive your salary.

BankID is a separate step. It is widely used to access Swedish public services, sign documents and verify your identity online, but opening a bank account does not automatically make you eligible. Requirements vary by bank, and you may need to provide additional identification.

If you cannot get BankID yet, ask whether the bank offers another secure login method.

e.u. / e.e.a. citizen moving to sweden for work

• Arrives with a passport
• Provides proof of employment and address
• Opens a bank account within a couple of weeks

non-e.u. / e.e.a. worker

• Must first secure residence status
• Obtain a personnummer or coordination number
• Then apply for an account with full documentation

asylum seeker / t.p.d.

• May be able to open a basic account
• But could face limitations in functionality until identity and status are fully verified

• Banks assess risk individually — even within the same category, outcomes can differ
• Documentation quality matters — incomplete or inconsistent papers can delay approval
• Identity verification is strict due to anti-money laundering regulations
• Personnummer is often the real key for full banking + digital services
• Account access is not the same as full functionality — features like BankID depend on further verification