Opening a bank account is one of the first things you need in Sweden — it unlocks BankID, Swish and your salary. Here is an independent, English comparison of the banks and exactly what you need to get started as a foreigner.
How to open a bank account in Sweden
To open a full account you normally need a Swedish personal number (personnummer) and valid ID (passport). With those, most banks — Swedbank, SEB, Handelsbanken, Nordea and others — let you book an in-branch appointment to open an account, get a debit card and activate BankID.
BankID is the digital identity you will use for almost everything in Sweden — logging into services, signing documents and paying. Swish is the instant phone-to-phone payment app everyone uses. Both come once your account and ID are set up, so getting the bank sorted early matters.
Waiting for your personnummer? You can often open a limited/day-to-day account with a coordination number (samordningsnummer) or as an EU citizen with ID — ask the bank. Compare banks on fees, app quality, English service and how newcomer-friendly their onboarding is.
Can I open a bank account in Sweden as a foreigner?
Yes. By law, banks in Sweden must offer a basic payment account to anyone legally resident in the EU/EEA. In practice you open an account with a passport and, ideally, a Swedish personal number (personnummer). EU citizens can often open an account before the personnummer arrives — ask the bank about their newcomer process.
What do I need to open an account?
Usually a valid passport or national ID and a Swedish personal number (personnummer). Some banks accept a coordination number (samordningsnummer) for a more limited account. Bring proof of address and, if asked, proof of why you are in Sweden (job, studies, residence permit).
What are BankID and Swish?
BankID is Sweden’s digital identity — you use it to log in and sign for almost everything, from government services to online shopping. Swish is an instant mobile payment app used by nearly everyone for splitting bills and paying people. Both are set up through your bank once your account is active.
Which bank is best for newcomers to Sweden?
The big four — Swedbank, SEB, Handelsbanken and Nordea — all offer everyday accounts, cards and BankID. The best one for you depends on fees, English-language service, app quality and how smooth their onboarding is for foreigners. Compare them above.
Can I open an account before I get my personnummer?
Often yes, but with limits. EU/EEA citizens can usually open a basic payment account with a passport. With a coordination number (samordningsnummer) some banks offer a day-to-day account. A full account with credit and loans generally needs the personnummer.
Do Swedish banks speak English?
Yes — Sweden has very high English proficiency and most bank staff and apps work fine in English. Service quality in English still varies between banks and branches, which is one thing worth weighing when you choose.
Compiled by the Compera editorial team · Independent comparison, ranked by price, terms and customer ratings · We may earn a commission via some links, which never affects the ranking. How we compare →
