Banking in Sweden

Sweden is often referred to as a cashless society, which is a truth with some modification. Although a lot of Swedish people only rarely use cash, it is very few places where cash cannot be used. All shops and supermarkets accepts both cash and international debit/credit cards such as Visa and Master Card/Maestro. What can cause problems for international students, in particular students from outside EU/EAA is that many bills, such as rent, electricity etc. only can be paid by bank deposits if not through your home bank.

There are no alternatives in Borås to pay your bills (through bank deposit) with cash. The banks can only help their customers with this kind of service, and in order for you to become a customer at a Swedish bank they require you to have a Swedish personal identity number. A Swedish personal identity number can only be obtained if you have a residence permit valid in Sweden for 12 months or longer.

We therefore strongly recommend all students to make bank arrangements from their home bank and pay for their bills (such as rent, electricity etc.), through an IBAN number that can be provided by your landlord, the electricity company etc. Students staying in Sweden for less than 12 months will experience difficulties to pay for their bills in any other way.

Opening a Swedish bank account

If you are staying in Sweden for more than one year and can arrange with a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) you should think about opening a bank account as it will make everyday life easier for you. In that case, you can visit a bank of your choice in person once you have received your personal identity number. Most banks will charge you for different services. Ask about fees before choosing a bank.

In order to open an account at a Swedish bank, you should bring the following:

• Passport
• Residence permit (not required if you are an EU/EAA citizen)
• Letter of admission or registration papers from the university (they should be stamped and signed by the University). The Student Reception can help you with this
• Proof of your address (a copy of your lease or a receipt from an invoice)
• If you have registered for a Swedish personal identity number you should bring a recent copy (no more than 2 weeks old) of a "personbevis". A personbevis is a paper showing your personal identity number. It can be acquired either by ordering one over the phone 020-567 000 (local number) or by visiting the local tax office (Skatteverket).

Available banks

Danske Bank
Stora Brogatan 2, tel: +46 (0)33-785 90 50
Apply online Danske bank website (external link)

Handelsbanken
Kyrkängsgatan 8, tel: +46 (0)33-16 75 00
Visit their office, bring a registration certificate with contact information to someone at the university that can confirm that you are a student.

Nordea
Västerbrogatan 8a, tel: +46 (0)771-22 44 88
Visit their office, bring a registration certificate with contact information to someone at the university that can confirm that you are a student.

SEB
Kyrkängsgatan 8, tel: +46 (0)33-348 40 20
Visit their office, bring a registration certificate with contact information to someone at the university that can confirm that you are a student.

Sparbanken Sjuhärad
Allégatan 55, tel: +46 (0)33-16 65 00
Visit their office, bring a registration certificate with contact information to someone at the university that can confirm that you are a student.