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In Sweden an electronic ID such as BankID is used to log in to many e-services, from authorities to banks. Banks issue BankID to their own customers, and each bank decides what identity documents it accepts. For many non-EU newcomers the first Swedish identity document is a Skatteverket ID card, and that system is changing.
The usual order
- Personnummer, from registering in the population register (how to register).
- Skatteverket ID card, applied for at a state service centre.
- Bank account, opened with your bank.
- BankID, issued by the bank. Ask your bank what it needs.
The Skatteverket ID card in 2026
- Fee: SEK 400, paid before your visit. You can't pay at the service centre.
- Who can get one: people who are registered in the population register with a personnummer, are 13 or older, and can prove their identity. Under-18s need written consent from their guardians.
- Proving who you are: Skatteverket accepts, among others, a Swedish passport or driving licence, or a valid EU, Icelandic, Liechtenstein, Norwegian or Swiss passport issued from 1 September 2006. Non-EU citizens can instead rely on their Swedish residence permit, which Skatteverket checks with Migrationsverket. Someone who knows you well can also vouch for you. Bring your passport and your residence permit card.
- Waiting time: normally about two weeks. You then collect the card yourself at the service centre within two months.
What changes: Skatteverket ID cards are being wound down
In June 2026 the government published a proposal (memo Fi2026/01416) to wind down Skatteverket's ID card service, with the changes taking effect on 1 March 2027. Separately, the Police plan to start issuing a state electronic ID, Sverige-id, from 1 December 2026. For people who are not Swedish citizens, the Police say it will be linked to an ID card without a travel function.
The phase-out was a proposal when we checked, and the details may change. The practical advice for anyone arriving in 2026: apply for the Skatteverket ID card as soon as your personnummer arrives, before the process changes.
Getting BankID
- BankID is issued by banks, so you first need a bank account and an ID document your bank accepts. Ask your bank what it needs.
- Book a meeting with the bank as soon as your ID card is ready, and try more than one bank if the first can't see you soon.
- If you are legally resident in the EEA, Swedish banks must give you a basic payment account. They can refuse only if it would break the anti-money-laundering rules or there are other special reasons.
US citizens: US tax reporting rules (FATCA) mean Swedish banks have to identify accounts held by US persons. See our US guide.
Until you have BankID
- Ask HR for an employment certificate (anställningsintyg). It shows banks and landlords that you have a job.
- Use your payroll bank details as soon as the account is open. Ask payroll whether a first salary can go to a foreign account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get BankID without a personnummer?
BankID is issued by banks, and each bank decides what it needs from new customers. Ask your bank. If you are legally resident in the EEA, a bank must give you a basic payment account unless anti-money-laundering rules or other special reasons stand in the way.
How much does a Swedish ID card cost?
SEK 400 at Skatteverket in 2026, paid before your visit to the service centre.
Is Skatteverket stopping ID cards?
The government has proposed winding down Skatteverket's ID card service, with the changes taking effect on 1 March 2027. Separately, the Police plan to start issuing the state e-ID Sverige-id from 1 December 2026. The phase-out was still a proposal when we checked.
Moving for work? How Settio helps
Settio helps employers and immigration and relocation agencies run the whole move in one place, so the person moving can focus on settling in:
- Before the move: one plan for the permit and the move, with every step and deadline. A partner and children get their own steps in the same household.
- After arrival: the employee portal shows the newcomer their next steps on their phone, in their language, from registering after arrival to help for settling in.
- When the permit runs out: permit monitoring flags the extension in good time.
HR teams and agencies can start for free. Moving yourself? Try our free tools for life in Sweden.
More in our guide toSettling in SwedenSwedish immigration news
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