BankID: Sweden’s Digital Key to Everyday Life
NEW TO SWEDEN
If you plan to live, work, or manage money in Sweden, obtaining BankID should be one of your first priorities. BankID is the foundation of Sweden’s digital society. Once you have it, nearly every financial and administrative process becomes faster, smoother, and more accessible.
What is BankID?
BankID is an electronic identification solution issued by Swedish banks and backed by strong security standards. It functions as both an online ID and a digital signature, allowing you to prove who you are and approve actions securely over the internet.
Instead of usernames, passwords, or physical documents, BankID verifies your identity using encrypted certificates tied to you and your device. It is widely accepted across Sweden and has become the standard method for digital identification.
What do you use BankID for?
Banking and Finance
Logging in to online and mobile banking
Approving transfers and payments
Opening new financial accounts or services
Signing loan or investment agreements
Government and Public Services
Accessing the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket)
Managing social insurance with Försäkringskassan
Signing official documents
Accessing healthcare portals and public records
Private and Everyday Services
Signing rental or employment contracts
Logging in to insurance companies
Verifying identity for telecom, utilities, and subscription services
Using many digital marketplaces and apps
In many cases, services require BankID and there is often no alternative login method.
How to get BankID
To obtain BankID, you must first meet a few basic requirements..
1. Open a Swedish bank account
BankID is issued through Swedish banks, so you need an account with a participating bank. Most major banks in Sweden support BankID, see the full list here.
To open an account, you typically need:
A valid passport or national ID
A Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) or coordination number, depending on the bank
Proof of residence or right to stay in Sweden
2. Activate BankID through Your bank
Once your bank account is active:
Download the BankID app on your smartphone or tablet
Log in to your bank’s online banking platform
Follow the bank’s instructions to activate BankID