Non resident business accounts in Sweden, who can open and what to expect

Snapshot

A non resident can open a Swedish business account, but it is often difficult at the large banks, which expect a Swedish organisation number, identification through BankID, and frequently a branch visit, and they apply extra checks to non resident owners. Electronic money providers that serve the European Economic Area are a common alternative for companies registered in Sweden. As of 12 March 2026.

Can a non resident open: Possible but often difficult at traditional banks, easier through electronic money providers for a Swedish registered company
Identification: BankID, which generally needs a Swedish personal identity number, with a coordination number for foreign directors where available
Company needed first: A Swedish company with an organisation number, and share capital deposited for an aktiebolag
Most providers: Several business accounts

Fees and features as of 12 March 2026Last reviewed 12 March 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

A non resident can open a business bank account in Sweden, but traditional banks make it harder. They usually want a Swedish organisation number, identification through BankID, beneficial owner details for anti money laundering checks, and often a branch visit, and they are cautious with non resident owners. Companies registered in Sweden that struggle with a traditional bank often use an electronic money provider that serves the European Economic Area, such as Wise Business, Revolut Business or Airwallex, where onboarding is online. These are not banks and balances are handled differently. Positions here are shown as of 12 March 2026. Verify current terms with each provider.

Can a non resident open a business account in Sweden

The route depends on whether the business is registered in Sweden and where its owners live. A company registered with Bolagsverket with an organisation number can apply for a business account, but a traditional Swedish bank applies stricter checks when the owners or directors live abroad. Banks verify identity through BankID, which generally needs a Swedish personal identity number known as a personnummer, so a foreign director without one faces friction. A foreign director can apply to the Swedish Tax Agency for a coordination number known as a samordningsnummer, but it does not always grant BankID. As of 12 March 2026.

The traditional bank route

Large Swedish banks such as SEB, Swedbank, Handelsbanken and Nordea can open a business account for a non resident owned Swedish company, but they often ask for a branch visit, extra documentation on the source of funds and the business activity, and a clear link to Sweden. Applications from non resident owners are more often delayed or declined. Confirm the current requirements with the bank before you apply.

The electronic money provider route

As of 12 March 2026, Wise Business, Revolut Business and Airwallex serve businesses across the European Economic Area and onboard online, which suits a Swedish registered company with owners abroad. They still run anti money laundering checks and ask for beneficial owner details, and they are not banks, so balances are handled differently and without the same deposit guarantee as a Swedish bank. Verify the current eligibility and protection with the provider.

What a non resident usually needs

Most providers ask for the following from a non resident owned Swedish company, as of 12 March 2026. Verify with the provider

A Swedish company registered with Bolagsverket and an organisation number, with share capital deposited for an aktiebolag.
Identification for the owners and directors, through BankID where possible, and a coordination number for a foreign director where it is available.
Beneficial owner details and documents that show the business activity and the source of funds for anti money laundering checks.

How to approach it as a non resident

Register the company in Sweden with Bolagsverket and obtain an organisation number, and arrange identification for the directors.
Compare a traditional Swedish bank, which may want a branch visit, against an electronic money provider that serves the European Economic Area.
Confirm the current eligibility, documents and any deposit protection with the provider before you apply.

Compare business accounts available in Sweden

These providers accept business customers in Sweden, including many non resident owned Swedish companies. Fees and eligibility shown as of 12 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Compare business accounts →

Questions about business banking in Sweden

Can a non resident open a business bank account in Sweden?

It is possible but often difficult. Traditional Swedish banks usually expect a Swedish organisation number, identification through BankID, and frequently a branch visit, and they apply extra checks to non resident owners. Electronic money providers that serve the European Economic Area, such as Wise Business, Revolut Business and Airwallex, are a common alternative. As of 12 March 2026. Verify with the provider.

Do I need a Swedish personal identity number to open a business account?

Identification at a Swedish bank usually runs through BankID, which generally needs a Swedish personal identity number known as a personnummer. A foreign director can apply for a coordination number known as a samordningsnummer from the Swedish Tax Agency, but it does not always give BankID, which is why non resident applications are slower. As of 12 March 2026. Verify with the provider.

What is the easiest route for a non resident owned Swedish company?

Many non resident owned companies that are registered in Sweden use an electronic money provider that serves the European Economic Area, because onboarding is online and does not need a branch visit. These are not banks and balances are handled differently, without the same deposit guarantee. The position varies by provider, so verify directly. As of 12 March 2026.

Does the business need to be registered in Sweden first?

For a Swedish business account you normally need a company registered with Bolagsverket and an organisation number, and for a private limited company an aktiebolag you deposit share capital before final registration. A purely foreign company without Swedish registration usually cannot open a standard Swedish business account. As of 12 March 2026. Verify with the provider.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 12 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Non resident accounts in Sweden