Starting a business in Sweden 

Starting a business in Sweden? – Great decision! Sweden is a great place for entrepreneurs. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started.

How to Start a Business in Sweden

If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you are free to live and work in Sweden without a permit.
If you are from a country outside the EU/EEA, you need a residence and work permit. You can apply through the Swedish Migration Agency. Learn more at www.migrationsverket.se.

Business Structures in Sweden

It’s fairly easy to register a company in Sweden. Depending on the structure you choose, it may take just a week. Common business forms are:

• Limited liability company (Aktiebolag)
• Sole trader (Enskild näringsidkare)
• Branch (Filial)
• Trading partnership (Handelsbolag)
• Limited partnership (Kommanditbolag)
• Economic association (Ekonomisk förening)

The limited liability company (AB) is the most popular form. To start one, you need a share capital of SEK 25,000.

Steps to Register a Limited Liability Company

1. Choose a company name
   The name must be unique and not too similar to existing companies in your field.
2. Describe your business
   Explain what your company will do—what products or services you will offer.
3. Appoint a board of directors
   You need at least one ordinary member and one deputy. The deputy can step in if the ordinary member is unavailable.
4. Create a foundation document (stiftelseurkund)
   This document shows who the founders are, how much each one invests, and includes the proposed articles of association (bolagsordning). The articles must be in Swedish.
5. Open a business bank account
   Deposit the share capital (SEK 25,000) into the company’s bank account. You’ll need a certificate from the bank confirming this.
6. Register with Bolagsverket and Skatteverket
   • Bolagsverket (Swedish Companies Registration Office) handles the legal registration.
   • Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) handles VAT, F-tax, and employer registration.

You can register online via the government portal verksamt.se, or send in paper forms.

Taxes

As of 2025, the corporate tax rate in Sweden is 20.6%, which is competitive by international standards.

Need help with starting a business in Sweden ?

Talenom is here to support you! We’ve helped many entrepreneurs get started in Sweden. Our experts are ready to assist you with registration, accounting, and everything in between.