Opening a Swedish bank account
Major banks: Swedbank, SEB, Handelsbanken, Nordea, ICA BankenBy Swedish law, banks must offer you a basic account if you live here legally — even if you don't have a job yet. Some banks make it harder than others, so don't give up if the first one says no.
Steps
- 1
Get a personnummer first if you can (a samordningsnummer works for some banks, especially for short stays).
- 2
Gather your documents: passport, residence permit, proof of address, and proof of income or studies if you have it.
- 3
Book a visit with a bank — most need an in-person meeting for your first account.
- 4
Ask for a 'lönekonto' (everyday account) and a debit card (bankkort).
- 5
Set up 'mobilt BankID' at the same visit if possible — it saves a second trip.
- 6
If a bank refuses, ask for the reason in writing. Then try another bank — by law they cannot all refuse without a serious reason.
Good to know
- If every bank refuses, you can complain to Finansinspektionen (the financial supervisor).
- ICA Banken, Swedbank and others let you start the application online before you visit.
- A basic account is free or very cheap. Be careful with extra products (insurance, loans) — you can say no.