Bank account - How to set up

Unless your stay in Sweden is short, you will have to open a Swedish bank account. This will help you save money on international fees and allow you to receive payment from a Swedish employer. 

Banks in Sweden 

The four main banks in Sweden are: 

Handelsbanken

Swedbank

Nordea

SEB

Bank offices are generally open Monday–Friday, 10am–4 pm

The easiest way to open an account is to visit a bank branch in person. You usually need proof of address and your passport or Swedish ID card but contact your bank or check its website beforehand for more details. Keep in mind that most banks require you to have a Swedish personal identification number when opening an account. 

Access Handelsbanken's checklist


Some companies offer packages including mobile phones, internet and digital TV.

Handelsbanken has created a checklist for people who would like to become a customer - who already have or have applied for a Swedish personal number and Swedish ID-card. Access the checklist in the link below.

Welcome to Handelsbanken Gårda

asset-mtg-bank-id_01.jpg

Get a Bank ID

Next on your to-do list should be to get a Bank ID, which allows you to sign for things on the internet, for example, on the websites of banks, the Swedish Social Insurance Agency and the Swedish Tax Agency. You can organise this in person at a bank branch or online via your internet bank.

Bank ID 

Good to know


To a large extent Sweden is a cash-free society. While most stores and eateries still accept cash, some will only accept payments via bank cards or Swish.

Paying bills

Most people in Sweden manage their finances and pay their bills using either internet or mobile banking. Check with your Swedish bank to find out more.

If you don’t have a Swedish bank account, you may be able to pay your bills through the online payment service from your home country. Another option is to take your bills into a Forex Bank, which are located in several places across Gothenburg as well as in Uddevalla, Borås and Kungsbacka, and make the payment in person.

Terms you'll find on your bills/invoices (faktura)


Bankgiro/plusgiro
An identification number for the company sending the invoice

OCR
A number that identifies your payment

Förfallodatum
The date when your payment is due

Belopp/att betala
The amount you have to pay

Transferring money abroad

There are many online services that let you send money to and from Sweden for low costs. These include:

Wise

Western Union

Photo credits: Antoni Shkraba/Pexels