To register a company is one of the very first steps you have to take when you want to start a business in Sweden. Once you have confirmed that your business is a good idea and you are ready to do the pre-launch formalities, your next port of call is verksamt.se. This is the Swedish Point of Single Contact for all things starting a business related.

Sole trader, called enskild firma in Swedish

As a sole trader (self-employed) you need to register your business (called enskild firma in Swedish) with the Swedish Tax Agency, Skatteverket. You may also, but do not normally need, to register with the Swedish Companies Registration Office, Bolagsverket.

Tax registration

When starting up as a sole trader, you need to apply for F-tax and VAT registration and, where relevant, register as an employer with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). You can use the online service to apply for this permit. Your business will be identified by your personal ID number. Apply online (registration for tax, VAT and registration as an employer).

Register a name for your business (optional)

As a sole trader you can check the availability and register a name for your business with the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket). This is not a requirement, but is a good idea, as it gives you exclusive rights to the name in the county where you will be operating. You can use our online service to apply for this permit (registration of a sole business/proprietorship).

Do you have a Swedish identity number?

If you have a Swedish identity number and e-indentification (e-legitimation in Swedish) you can use e-services on verksamt.se (Mina sidor) for company registration. However, these services are only available in Swedish.

Limited company, Aktiebolog, AB.

A limited company can be started by one or more natural persons or legal entities. When starting a limited company, you must have 25000 SEK in share capital. You need to register your business with the Swedish Companies Registration Office, Bolagsverket and the Swedish Tax Agency.

Trading partnership

A trading partnership is an alternative if at least two natural persons or legal entities wish to start a business together. You need to register a trading partnership with the Swedish Companies Registration Office and the Swedish Tax Agency. 

So now you are registered and perhaps you are in need of some help. If you know Swedish and want to read about the employment laws, feel free to read this document on labour laws.

Alternatively, hire temporary staff, to begin via a recruitment agency. There are many out there including Incluso,  Academicwork and Manpower. 

Further reading

• A guide to Swedish business culture and behavior.
• Swedish business culture and what you need to know.

FAQs

2026 Tax Quick Facts

• • State income tax: Applies only above the annual threshold; see 
  • Skatteverket – Belopp & procent
  • Municipal & regional tax: Average rate varies by municipality/region; see
  • SCB – Local taxes