Set up a Swedish bank account

Unless your stay in Sweden is only going to be short, you should open a Swedish bank account. It will save you money on international fees and allow you to receive pay from a Swedish employer.

The four main banks in Sweden are Handelsbanken, Swedbank, Nordea and 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 for more details. Keep in mind that most banks require you to have a Swedish personal identification number when opening an account.

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. Learn more: 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 bankcards 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

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