Do you need to register a prepaid SIM card in Sweden?
What PTS requires, how to register and who can do it.
Short answer
Yes, every prepaid card for a mobile phone or mobile broadband in Sweden must be registered, and the operator checks your identity before the card can be used. You register with BankID or a valid identity document, depending on the operator and your age. Registration can be done online or in a shop.
Why
- According to PTS, all prepaid cards for mobile or mobile broadband must be registered, and the operator records the subscriber's name and address and an identification number.
- PTS says identity is checked with a valid identity document or a reliable electronic identification, and the operator must document the check.
- The committee report to the Riksdag proposed 1 August 2022 as the date the law enters into force, and Comviq says all prepaid cards in Sweden had to be registered from 1 February 2023.
Details
Comviq lets you register online with BankID or a photo ID through Veriff, or at a reseller. Telia accepts BankID, or a valid ID in a Telia shop. A card must not be handed to someone else without re-registration, according to PTS. For entry documents, see whether you need a passport to go to Sweden, and see telecom and internet providers in Stockholm for operators.
Tip
Have the phone number and the 20-digit ICC code printed on the SIM card ready, because Telia says you need both to register the card.
What may differ
Age matters: Telia says 16 and 17-year-olds can only register in a Telia shop with valid ID because its BankID service has a minimum age of 18, and under 16 a guardian must register the card. PTS says machine-to-machine cards are exempt.
Common misconception
A prepaid SIM card in Sweden is anonymous.
What actually happens
PTS says the operator must register the subscriber and check identity before the card is activated, and a card cannot be used until it is registered.
People also ask
- Do you have to register a prepaid SIM in Sweden?
- Does a prepaid SIM need to be registered?
Sources
- PTS: Prepaid cards (kontantkort)Checked at:
- Riksdag: committee report JuU34 on registration of prepaid servicesChecked at:
- Comviq: Prepaid cardsChecked at:
- Telia: Register a prepaid cardChecked at:
- Comviq help: Getting started with a prepaid cardChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check PTS and your operator before you buy a SIM card.
Telecom and internet providers in StockholmRelated questions
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You can remove your listing on Hitta with its Ta bort function, but MrKoll says it usually does not delete published information.
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Is there free Wi-Fi in Sweden?
Yes, Visit Stockholm lists free Wi-Fi at all public libraries in Stockholm, at Stockholm Central Station and for three hours at Arlanda Airport.
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Can you use your phone in Sweden without extra roaming charges?
Visitors with a plan from an EU or EEA country pay their home prices for calls, texts and data in Sweden under the EU roaming rules.
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Where can you buy an eSIM for Sweden?
You can get an eSIM for Sweden from Swedish operators such as Comviq, Hallon and Lyca Mobile or from travel eSIM sellers such as Airalo.