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
- Choose a company name
The name must be unique and not too similar to existing companies in your field. - Describe your business
Explain what your company will do—what products or services you will offer. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.
