BUSINESS IN SWEDEN

To start a business in Sweden as a foreigner, you generally need a residence permit for self-employment, which requires a valid passport, a viable business plan, proof of experience, and sufficient funds (around SEK 200,000 for a two-year period for yourself). For a simpler, temporary solution, you can use third-party companies that handle invoicing and taxes for you, or you can register as a sole trader which is faster than setting up a limited company. 

Residence and permits

• Residence permit: You must have a residence permit to live and work in Sweden for more than three months. Apply for this before you travel.
• Requirements:
  • At least 18 years old.
  • Clean criminal record and good morals.
  • Sufficient funds: A minimum of SEK 200,000 for yourself for a two-year period is needed, plus funds for your spouse and children.
  • Business plan: The Swedish Migration Agency
     will assess your business plan.
  • Experience: You need considerable industry experience and relevant knowledge in Swedish or English.
• Processing: Processing time is about three weeks.
• Permanent residency: You can apply for permanent residency after five years of continuous residence, and citizenship after an additional five years. 

Business registration

• Online portal: You can start the process online through verksamt.se, which is a joint website from several Swedish authorities.
• Business types: You can choose between a sole trader (enskild näringsidkare) or a more formal structure like a limited liability company (aktiebolag).
• Sole trader: Registering as a sole trader is the simplest and fastest option, sometimes taking only about 30 minutes. 

This video explains how to start a business in Sweden as a foreigner:

37s

Persia Global

YouTube • 1 Apr 2023

Alternative for short-term/testing

• Third-party services: If you are not ready to establish a formal company, you can use third-party companies that provide a platform for invoicing and receiving payments for a fee.
• Benefits: This is a good option for temporary work or testing a business idea.
• Disadvantages: It can be expensive, with fees like administration, income tax, and employer contributions reducing your payout.
• Requirements: You can register with these companies using a coordination number instead of a personnummer and providing your passport and work/residence permit (if applicable). 

This video explains how to use third-party services to start a business in Sweden:

58s

Living Swedish

YouTube • 15 Sept 2024

Other important information

• Tax registration: Businesses must be registered for VAT and employer contributions.
• Language: While many government services are in English, strong Swedish language skills are necessary if you interact frequently with Swedish clients or suppliers.
• Online presence: A strong online presence, including using social media, SEO, and e-commerce platforms like Tradera and Blocket, is crucial for success in Sweden's digital market. 
• SEK to INR exchange rates today

  SEK	INR
  1 SEK	9.46 INR
  5 SEK	47.28 INR
  10 SEK	94.56 INR
  20 SEK	189.13 INR

• https://sweden.se/work-business/business-in-sweden/how-to-start-a-business-in-sweden