Starting a Business in Sweden: Complete Registration & Tax Setup Guide

Starting a business in Sweden involves navigating two main government agencies: Bolagsverket for company registration and Skatteverket for tax setup. Sweden's digital government services make the process accessible, but understanding which agency handles what can save you time and confusion. Source: Bolagsverket - Set up a limited company.

This guide walks through the essential steps for registering your company and getting your tax affairs in order, whether you're a Swedish resident or operating from abroad.

Understanding Sweden's dual registration system

Sweden operates a split system where business registration and tax registration happen through different agencies. Bolagsverket (Swedish Companies Registration Office) handles company formation and annual reporting, while Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) manages all tax-related registrations including VAT, F-tax, and employer status.

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This separation means you'll typically need to register with both agencies, though the process is coordinated through digital services. The good news: both agencies offer online registration systems that work together reasonably well.

Choosing your business structure

The most common business structure for serious ventures is the aktiebolag (limited company). Registration for an aktiebolag occurs at Bolagsverket, which processes both the initial formation and ongoing annual reports.

When forming an aktiebolag, founders must deposit money or property that the company can use. Monetary deposits are called "aktiekapital" (share capital), while property deposits are termed "apportegendom," according to Skatteverket guidelines.

Other business forms include:

Enskild firma (sole proprietorship) - simplest structure, personal liability
Handelsbolag (general partnership) - shared liability between partners
Kommanditbolag (limited partnership) - mixed liability structure
Ekonomisk förening (economic association) - cooperative structure

Each structure has different registration requirements, tax implications, and liability protections.

Company registration through Bolagsverket

Bolagsverket serves as Sweden's central company registry. All limited companies must register here before beginning operations. The agency maintains corporate records and processes annual reports throughout your company's lifetime.

The registration process involves submitting formation documents, including articles of association and details about directors and shareholders. Bolagsverket reviews applications and issues a company registration number once approved.

For aktiebolag formation, you'll need:

Articles of association (bolagsordning)
Board of directors appointment
Auditor appointment (if required)
Share capital deposit confirmation
Registered office address in Sweden

Foreign entrepreneurs can register Swedish companies, though additional documentation may be required depending on your country of residence. EU/EEA citizens generally face fewer requirements than non-EEA applicants.

Tax registration with Skatteverket

Once your company exists, you need tax registration through Skatteverket. The tax agency offers an e-service that handles registration for F-tax, VAT, and employer status in one application.

F-tax registration allows your company to receive payments without tax deductions. Without F-tax, clients must deduct preliminary tax from payments to your company, creating cash flow complications.

VAT registration becomes mandatory once your annual turnover exceeds certain thresholds. You can also register voluntarily for VAT if it benefits your business operations.

Employer registration is required if you plan to hire staff, including yourself as an employee of your own company.

Non-Swedish businesses can register through the same e-service without needing Swedish e-identification, making the process accessible to international entrepreneurs.

Registration costs and timelines

Bolagsverket charges specific fees for company registration. The standard registration fee varies by business type and processing speed. Rush processing options are available for higher fees.

Minimum share capital requirements apply to different company types. Aktiebolag requires a minimum share capital that must be deposited before registration completion.

Typical timelines:

Standard processing: Registration typically takes 2-3 weeks from submission
Rush processing: Available for urgent applications at higher cost
Tax registration: Usually processed within 1-2 weeks after company registration

Processing times can extend during busy periods or if additional documentation is required.

Using Verksamt.se for coordination

Verksamt.se serves as Sweden's central portal for business information and services. This government website aggregates information from multiple agencies and provides access to registration forms.

The site includes a section called "F-skatt, moms, arbetsgivare och SNI" where you can access the necessary registration forms for tax purposes, according to Skatteverket. This coordination helps ensure you don't miss required registrations.

Verksamt.se also provides guidance on choosing business forms and understanding regulatory requirements across different industries. The site offers step-by-step checklists for different business scenarios.

Digital services and e-identification

Sweden's digital government services mean most business registration happens online. Both Bolagsverket and Skatteverket offer online registration systems for registration and ongoing compliance.

Swedish residents typically use BankID for digital identification, but foreign businesses can complete registrations without Swedish e-identification through alternative verification methods.

The digital approach speeds up processing and reduces paperwork, though you'll still need to provide physical documentation in some cases.

EEA considerations for foreign businesses

Businesses from other EEA countries benefit from simplified registration procedures under EU single market rules. This includes easier processes for establishing Swedish subsidiaries or branches.

EU/EEA entrepreneurs can:

Register companies with the same requirements as Swedish residents
Use simplified documentation procedures
Access the same digital services
Benefit from mutual recognition of qualifications

Non-EEA businesses may face additional requirements, particularly around documentation and verification of foreign corporate structures. The specific requirements depend on your home country's agreements with Sweden and the nature of your planned operations.

Common mistakes to avoid

Registering in the wrong order: Always register your company with Bolagsverket before applying for tax registrations with Skatteverket. Tax registration requires an existing company registration number.

Forgetting SNI codes: You must specify your business activities using SNI (Standard för Svensk Näringsgrensindelning) codes. Choose codes that accurately reflect your planned activities, as these affect tax and regulatory requirements.

Inadequate registered address: Your registered office must be a real address in Sweden where official correspondence can be received. A PO box is not sufficient.

Missing auditor requirements: Some companies must appoint an authorized auditor. Check requirements based on your company size and structure.

Incomplete shareholder information: Provide complete and accurate shareholder details, including personnummer for Swedish residents or equivalent identification for foreign shareholders.

Timeline and next steps after registration

After successful registration with both agencies, you'll receive confirmation documents and tax identification numbers. These are essential for opening business bank accounts, signing contracts, and beginning operations.

Maintaining compliance requires ongoing interaction with both agencies. Bolagsverket requires annual reports, while Skatteverket handles periodic tax filings and VAT returns.

Keeping accurate records from day one simplifies these ongoing obligations and helps avoid compliance issues. Consider setting up proper accounting systems before you start trading.

Registration checklist

Before you start:

Choose your business structure based on liability and tax needs
Prepare required documentation and translations if needed
Decide on company name and check availability through Bolagsverket
Secure a registered office address in Sweden
Identify appropriate SNI codes for your business activities

Company registration (Bolagsverket):

Submit formation documents online or by post
Provide complete director and shareholder information
Deposit required share capital in Swedish bank
Appoint auditor if required by law
Pay registration fees

Tax registration (Skatteverket):

Apply for F-tax status using company registration number
Register for VAT if turnover will exceed thresholds
Set up employer registration if hiring staff
Specify business activities using correct SNI codes

After registration:

Open business bank account using registration documents
Set up accounting systems and procedures
Understand ongoing compliance requirements and deadlines
Register for any industry-specific licenses or permits
Consider professional liability insurance

FAQ

Do I need to be a Swedish resident to start a business in Sweden?
No, foreign entrepreneurs can register Swedish companies. Non-Swedish businesses can use Skatteverket's e-service without Swedish e-identification, though additional documentation may be required.

What's the difference between Bolagsverket and Skatteverket?
Bolagsverket handles company registration and corporate filings, while Skatteverket manages all tax-related registrations including VAT and F-tax. You need to register with both agencies.

Can I register for taxes before incorporating my company?
No, you need a registered company before applying for business tax registrations. Company registration through Bolagsverket must come first, as tax registration requires your company registration number.

What is F-tax and do I need it?
F-tax allows your company to receive payments without tax deductions. Most businesses need F-tax registration to operate effectively in Sweden, as clients otherwise must deduct preliminary tax from payments.

How long does the entire registration process take?
Standard processing takes 2-3 weeks for company registration, followed by 1-2 weeks for tax registration. Rush processing is available for higher fees if you need faster turnaround.

What happens if I need to hire employees later?
You'll need employer registration through Skatteverket's e-service. You can add this registration later, but it's easier to include it in your initial tax registration if you plan to hire staff soon.

Are there different requirements for EEA vs non-EEA businesses?
EEA businesses generally face simpler procedures under single market rules and can use the same processes as Swedish residents. Non-EEA businesses may need additional documentation and verification.

Where can I find current fees and requirements?
Both Bolagsverket and Skatteverket provide current fee schedules and requirements on their websites, with Verksamt.se serving as a central coordination point for business information.

What to do next

Start by visiting Verksamt.se to understand the specific requirements for your business type and situation. This government portal provides current information and links to the relevant registration services.

Once you've chosen your business structure, begin the registration process with Bolagsverket for company formation, followed by tax registration through Skatteverket's e-service.

Consider consulting with a Swedish accountant or business advisor, especially if you're unfamiliar with Swedish business practices or have complex international tax considerations. Professional guidance can prevent costly mistakes and ensure you meet all requirements from the start.

In brief