Opening a bank account in Sweden in 2026: cards and payments
If you are legally resident in the EU/EEA, you have the right to apply for a payment account with basic functions. You do not need a Swedish personnummer or BankID to apply. Once the bank has all the information it needs, you are entitled to a decision within 10 bank days, and if the bank refuses you should receive a written decision.
Who has the right to a payment account?
According to the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen), all consumers residing in the EEA have the right to a payment account with basic functions. The bank may refuse if it cannot verify your identity or if there is a suspicion of money laundering or terrorist financing. A record of non-payment is not enough on its own to refuse. Finance Sweden describes the right as applying to people lawfully resident in the EU/EEA.
Can you open an account without a personnummer?
Yes. Finance Sweden states on its page dated 28 October 2026 that you do not need BankID or a Swedish personnummer. The bank may ask for what is needed in your case, for example a passport or other ID, proof of your right to stay in the EU/EEA if you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country, tax residence details such as a foreign tax identification number, and information about where the money comes from and what the account will be used for. That can be an employment certificate, an admission letter, a signed purchase contract or account statements. If documents are in a language other than Swedish or English, the bank may require a translation by an authorised translator.
What is included, and what is not?
A basic payment account gives you basic functions for payments and transfers, but not every banking service. Swish and BankID are not part of the basic functions. They are separate services with the bank's own terms. Check the bank's price list before you apply.
How long does the decision take?
You are entitled to a decision within 10 bank days, about two weeks, once the bank has received all the information it needs. If the bank refuses, you are entitled to a written decision that also says where to turn if you disagree. Keep copies of your application, any documents the bank requested and the decision.
How do you pay rent and bills?
Swedish invoices often show a bankgiro or plusgiro number, an OCR reference and a due date. With e-faktura the invoice arrives in your online bank, and with autogiro the amount is deducted automatically once you have given your consent. Swish is common for private payments but is a separate service that you activate with your bank. If you do not yet have a Swedish account, ask the recipient which other payment methods they accept.
Sources: Finance Sweden, basic payment account (28 October 2026); Finansinspektionen, right to an account (checked 2026-11-10).
Frequently asked questions
No. Finance Sweden states that you do not need BankID or a Swedish personnummer.
No, not to apply for a payment account with basic functions.
No. Swish and BankID are not part of the basic functions.
Yes. You are entitled to a written decision that also says where to turn if you disagree.
You are entitled to a decision within 10 bank days, about two weeks, once the bank has all the information it needs.
Yes. The bank may ask about the source of funds and the purpose of the account.
No. According to Finansinspektionen, a record of non-payment is not enough on its own to refuse.
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