This economy profile presents the Doing Business indicators for Sweden. To allow useful comparison, it also provides data for other selected economies (comparator economies) for each indicator. The data in this report are current as of June
1, 2014 (except for the paying taxes indicators, which cover the period January–December 2013).

Economic forecast summary

Overview of Sweden Economy – This page summarizes Doing Business 2015 data for Sweden. The first section presents the Ease of Doing Business rank (out of 189 economies) and the distance to frontier (DTF)** measure, overall and by topic. The second section summarizes the key indicators for each topic benchmarked against regional averages.

The government’s innovation strategy aims to improve the business climate for entrepreneurs, education, and the flow of research from the lab to the market.

A foreign entity wishing to establish a business presence in Sweden can do so either through incorporation of a limited liability company (aktiebolag) or through the registration of a branch (filial).

Starting a business in Sweden is relatively easy and straightforward. The three different types of enterprise you can start are a limited liability company, a trading partnership and limited partnership or a branch. You can also be a sole trader.

Sole trader, trading partnership/limited partnership, limited company and economic association are the most common types of company in Sweden.

Below is a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Sweden. It examines the procedures, time and cost involved in launching a commercial or industrial firm with up to 50 employees and start-up capital of 10 times the economy’s per-capita gross national income.

See #4 – Register Your Business

General overview on taxes

Current and historical corporate tax rates in Sweden

Swedish corporate tax rate is one of the most favorable in the world, and the country is very open to foreign business owners.

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Sweden stands at 56.90 percent. Personal Income Tax Rate in Sweden averaged 56.24 percent from 1995 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 61.40 percent in 1996 and a record low of 51.50 percent in 2000. Personal Income Tax Rate in Sweden is reported by the Skatteverket.

An individual is either considered as an unlimited tax resident or a limited tax resident for Swedish income tax purposes. An individual who is considered as an unlimited tax resident is taxed on worldwide income, while a limited tax resident is taxed on Swedish-source income only.

Sweden has a 25% value added tax or consumption tax which is high from an international stand-point. But high taxes are not necessarily high, if you are getting your money’s worth. The Swedish welfare system — often referred to internationally as The Swedish Model — can be described as providing lifetime benefits for all citizens. It is a social and economic system whose guiding principles are full employment, equal pay for equal work and the collective welfare of society as a whole.

There are three VAT rates in Sweden. 25 per cent VAT is the general tax rate, which applies to most goods and service

The rules for moving to Sweden for work vary depending on your country of citizenship.

Tourist visa information for US citizens

In order to work in Sweden, you must have a work permit. Read more about how to apply for a work permit or for a residence permit as a self-employed person or a visiting researcher.

Visa information for tourists, students and business

If you wish to visit Sweden as a tourist and are a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA, you will in most cases need a visa.

Sweden is among the world’s leaders in information technology, computer hardware, software, and services. It has the highest number of phone lines (combined fixed and mobile) per capita, as well as the highest percentage of Internet users in the world. Some 74 percent of Swedish companies and 45 percent of households had Internet access in early 2000. In 2000, the phone infrastructure had 68 fixed lines per 100 inhabitants, and mobile phone penetration was approximately 48 percent.

Swedes uses their public transportation frequently. There are various types of coupons according to each city’s bus, metro or tram system. These are usually bought in kiosks or information centers.

In Sweden, local transport is always linked with regional transport (länstrafik). Regional passes are valid both in the city and on rural routes.

Sweden’s telecom market has one of the most mature mobile and broadband sectors in Europe, with one of the best developed LTE infrastructures in the region and a high penetration of fibre broadband services. The country was also the first in Europe to complete the switch to digital TV broadcasting. – See more at: http://www.budde.com.au/Research/Sweden-Key-Statistics-Telecom-Market-and-Regulatory-Overviews.html#sthash.YLnD3nr0.dpuf

The Swedish telecom market used to be dominated by the state monopoly Televerket. However the market has been deregulated and three main companies fight for market share alongside a number of smaller operators.

Below is a detailed summary of some of the labor regulations that would apply to local entrepreneurs wishing to hire workers, organize working schedules, or make workers redundant for economic reasons in Sweden. It measures the regulation of employment, specifically as they affect a local entrepreneur running a factory operating under continuous operations in the manufacturing sector and employing 60 employees.

Labor laws from the government of Sweden

Sweden has developed a social welfare system that has eliminated poverty by providing extensive government benefits to everyone. But taxes are high, and some doubt that this so-called “Swedish Model” can continue without major changes.

Scope of employment regulations including minimum wage, worktime restrictions, employee representation

Employees in Sweden who have been a member of an unemployment insurance fund (arbetslöshetskassa) for at least a year and who have lost their jobs.

Guide to doing business in Sweden – Swedish etiquette and protocol tips

Sweden has a much milder climate than most other regions of the world that lie as far north. Sweden’s climate is influenced by the Gulf Stream, a warm ocean stream that flows off Norway’s west coast. Sweden’s many lakes and the gulfs of Bothnia give Sweden generally a relatively mild climate. 

Most of Sweden has a typical continental climate with a moderate to large temperature range between summer and winter.

Sweden – Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette

Cost of living information includes price indices for rent, food, utilities, transportation, restaurants, clothing and more

The cost of living in Sweden is quite high and Stockholm, its capital city, is the most expensive place in the country. 

How to carry yourself in an acceptable way when doing business in Sweden

US Department of State – Go to Safety and Security for updates from the Swedish government

Sweden enjoys a low crime rate. However, the notion that foreign travelers are immune to crime is a common misconception. 

Elementary education is compulsory in Sweden between the ages of 7 and 16. Most Swedish students continue their studies for a further three years in upper secondary school. Since the medium of instruction in state schools is Swedish, many expatriates living in Sweden choose to send their children to international schools.

Public education in Sweden is compulsory and free for all children between the ages of seven and 16. In addition to the public schools system, expat parents also have the option of sending their children to a private or international school in Sweden.

Schedule of public and defacto holidays

Public holidays in Sweden (Swedish: helgdagar) in Sweden are established by acts of Parliament (the Riksdag)

Demographic information includes population, quality of life, health, sports, technology, energy and the environment

Sweden top imports and exports traded

Before you can use or sell your goods, you must clear them through customs. This means that you submit an import declaration and pay fees for customs duties, VAT and other applicable tax.

Relevant information about Customs Clearance to and from Sweden

Sweden has traditionally pursued a free trade policy. It is strongly dependent on foreign trade, which has been an important driving force behind its development into an industrialized nation with a high standard of living.

Finding a nice place to live in Sweden can be difficult. Getting good accommodation at the right price can be hard, especially in large cities. Read our guide to room and flat rental and for buying an apartment or villa by the sea.

Securing accommodation in Sweden can be one of the most difficult parts of an expat’s relocation to the Scandinavian country. 

Sweden’s official travel and tourist information web site. Search for holiday and hotel information, images of Sweden and its culture.

Expert picks for your Sweden vacation, including hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, top attractions, and more.