SendMoneyCompare — International Money Transfer Comparison

Akif Hazarvi

Sweden IBAN

SE·SEK·SEPA

The International Bank Account Number (IBAN) for Sweden is 24 characters long and is used to identify bank accounts for international transactions, within the SEPA network for euro transfers and via SWIFT for non-euro currencies.

A Sweden IBAN begins with the country code SE and two check digits, followed by the 20-character BBAN (Basic Bank Account Number). The Sweden BBAN encodes a 3-character bank code, followed by a 17-character account number. As a SEPA member, Sweden supports low-cost euro transfers across 36+ European countries using the SEK currency. Always include the full 24-character IBAN together with the bank's BIC/SWIFT code when making or receiving international payments.

IBAN Length

24 chars

Currency

SEK

SEPA

Yes

Banks

5+

Example IBAN

Electronic format

SE4550000000058398257466

Print format

SE45 5000 0000 0583 9825 7466

IBAN structure for Sweden

A Sweden IBAN is 24 characters long and consists of the following components:

Country code

SE

Check digits

45

Bank code

3 chars

Account number

17 chars

Total length24 characters

BBAN format details

The Basic Bank Account Number (BBAN) is the domestic part of the IBAN, following the country code and check digits. Here is the BBAN validation format for Sweden:

Bank code3 characters

^[0-9]{3}

Account number17 characters

^[0-9]{17}

Major banks in Sweden

5 banks in Sweden that support IBAN-based international transfers:

S

Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken

N

Nordea Bank Ab (Publ)

D

Danske Bank As, Sverige Filial

S

Swedbank Ab

S

Svenska Handelsbanken

Understanding IBAN in Sweden

What is the IBAN format in Sweden

An IBAN (International Bank Account Number) is an internationally-agreed code made up of up to 34 letters and numbers that helps banks make sure that international transfers are processed correctly. Each set of characters represents a different detail for your bank account. You can see the breakdown of this IBAN below.

What is the IBAN code in Sweden

IBAN in Sweden consists of 24 characters: 2 letter country code 2 digit check number 3 characters from the bank's bank code 17 digit code for the bank account number

Do you need an IBAN in Sweden

Yes. If you’re making – or expecting to receive – an international money transfer to a bank account in Sweden, then just a standard bank account number isn’t enough. If you want your money to arrive quickly and safely, you’ll usually need to give the bank a few extra details, such as an IBAN or SWIFT code. Banks assign IBANs to each of their accounts to make sure that international transfers are processed correctly. IBANs contain all of the country, bank, and account details you need to send or receive money internationally. This system is used throughout Europe, and also recognised in some areas of the Middle East, North Africa and the Caribbean.

Frequently asked questions

What is the IBAN format for Sweden?

A Swedish IBAN is exactly 24 characters long. It starts with SE, 2 check digits, a 3-digit bank code, and a 17-digit account reference that incorporates the clearing number. Example: SE45 5000 0000 0583 9825 7466.

How do I find my IBAN in Sweden?

Your SE IBAN is available in your bank's internet banking (internetbank) or mobile app. Swedbank, SEB, Handelsbanken, and Nordea Sweden all display the 24-character IBAN on the account details page. The mapping from domestic clearing number to IBAN varies between banks, so use your bank's own IBAN lookup tool if unsure.

Is Sweden part of SEPA?

Yes. Sweden is an EU member and a full SEPA participant. Euro transfers from other EU and EEA countries are processed via SEPA Credit Transfer. However, Sweden's currency is the Swedish krona (SEK), so incoming EUR SEPA transfers will be converted to SEK by your bank unless you hold a dedicated EUR account.

What is the difference between a Swedish clearing number, Bankgiro, and IBAN?

A clearing number (4-5 digits) identifies the bank and branch for domestic transfers. Bankgiro is a separate domestic invoice payment system. The IBAN incorporates the clearing number into an international format (SE + check digits + bank code + account reference). Bankgiro numbers are not recognised outside Sweden — for international transfers, always use your SE IBAN.

Do I need a SWIFT code to receive an international transfer in Sweden?

For SEPA EUR transfers from EU and EEA countries, only the SE IBAN is required. For SEK transfers from abroad or transfers from non-SEPA countries, the sender needs both your IBAN and your bank's SWIFT/BIC code. Swedbank's SWIFT code is SWEDSESS; SEB's is ESSESESS; Handelsbanken's is HANDSESS; Nordea Sweden's is NDEASESS.

Can I receive SEK from abroad via SEPA?

No. SEPA only processes EUR transfers. SEK transfers from abroad must go through SWIFT, and the sender will need your SE IBAN and your bank's SWIFT code. If someone in the EU sends you EUR via SEPA, your Swedish bank will convert it to SEK at their exchange rate.

What are common mistakes when sharing a Swedish IBAN?

Common mistakes include: providing a Bankgiro number instead of the IBAN (Bankgiro is domestic only), confusing the clearing number with the IBAN, and errors in the 17-digit account reference. The mapping between domestic clearing numbers and IBAN varies by bank, so always confirm your exact IBAN through your bank's tools.

How IBAN is used in Sweden

Sweden uses a 24-character IBAN, but the domestic banking system has historically relied on clearing numbers and the Bankgiro system for payments. The transition to IBAN for international transfers is complete, though many Swedes still use Bankgiro numbers for domestic bills and Swish for peer-to-peer payments. As an EU and SEPA member, Sweden supports IBAN-based euro transfers alongside its domestic SEK infrastructure.

A Swedish IBAN starts with SE, two check digits, a three-digit bank code, and a seventeen-digit account reference that includes the clearing number. The mapping from domestic clearing number to IBAN can vary between banks — Swedbank, SEB, Handelsbanken, and Nordea each have different conventions. Use your bank's online tools to confirm your exact IBAN.
For receiving international transfers in SEK, the sender needs your IBAN and your bank's BIC/SWIFT code. For euro transfers from within SEPA, the IBAN alone is sufficient. Note that Sweden uses the krona (SEK), so euro SEPA payments will be converted to SEK by your bank at their exchange rate.
Sweden's Bankgiro system remains widely used for domestic invoice payments, but it is separate from the IBAN system. If someone abroad wants to pay you, always provide your IBAN rather than a Bankgiro number, which is not recognised outside Sweden.