International Students
The Swedish Bankers´ Association, in cooperation with its member banks, has produced this information for international students who will be studying in Sweden. The information may be used when students want to establish a banking relationship in Sweden.
The Swedish banks offer international students the possibility to open a bank account and, if possible, to the account link a bank card and connecting services. There is, however, certain requirements the student must meet in order to obtain a bank account with or without ancillary services.
The bank has to have good knowledge of its customers
According to the Act on Measures against Money Laundering a bank must be able to identify the customer. The law also places high demands on the bank to have good knowledge of its customers and their bank affairs. The bank must understand the purpose of the business relationships and the customer´s various transactions. Customer information received by the bank is encompassed by bank secrecy. (For more information see appendix “Why the bank has to ask”).
Students who already have a bank account
If you are studying only for a short time in Sweden, it might be easier for you to use your bank account and bank card from your home country, even if your transactions will result in currency exchanges. You will have the opportunity to withdraw cash in all ATMs and make your purchases with your bank card. For a fee you will also have the possibility to pay your bills during your stay in Sweden. Via the Internet you can continue to use your Internet bank.
Students who wish to open an account at a Swedish bank
If you wish to open an account at a Swedish bank you need to bring certain documents to the bank. As a general rule you need the following documents, see below. Further information may be requested by the bank depending on the bank´s internal rules.
Students who have obtained a Swedish Identity Number from the Swedish Tax Authority need to bring to the local branch office:
- A valid passport or, for EU/EEA citizens, an identity document which provides information of citizenship issued by an authorized agency
- A residence permit or registration residence in Sweden (not applicable to Nordic citizens)
- A birth certificate issued by the Swedish Tax Authority
- A letter of acceptance from the university with information of duration of the studies
- Details of address in Sweden
Students without a Swedish Identity Number need to bring to the local branch office:
- A valid passport or, for EU/EEA citizens, an identity document which provides information of citizenship issued by an authorized agency
- A residence permit or registration residence in Sweden (not applicable to Nordic citizens)
- A letter of acceptance from the university with information of duration of the studies
- Details of address in Sweden
Publicerad den 21 september 2011
