Starting a business
This is an introduction for individuals planning to start a
business in Sweden. It aims to provide a stand-alone and hands-on
overview of key issues to consider and offer guidance on where to
find further information.
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Setting up a business in Sweden is a straightforward process.
Procedures are simple and efficient, based on a transparent system
that seeks to facilitate establishment of new enterprises.
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A limited liability company is the structure that foreign
enterprises most often use when setting up business activities in
Sweden. Investors can purchase a limited liability company
off-the-shelf or form the company themselves. Either way, it is a
quick procedure.
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A foreign-based company can begin business activities in Sweden
without opening a subsidiary by starting a Swedish branch. The
branch is legally a part of the foreign-based company but has no
individual share capital, making it a less capital intensive way to
gain entry into the Swedish market.
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Sweden presents ample opportunities for international
franchisors. Franchising is a well established business model,
especially in the retail industry.
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Attractive business opportunities, high transparency and
uncomplicated legal and regulatory procedures underpin Sweden's
attractiveness to companies seeking business opportunities. This
fact sheet aims to provide a brief overview of the market as well
as information on the process for mergers and acquisitions
(M&A).
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Running a business
A range of different employment forms, including contracts for
trial periods, offers flexibility to employers. Clear and
transparent rule frameworks, for instance relating to termination,
also add a strong measure of certainty.
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Swedish commercial leases tend to be standardized and for
relatively short periods, providing flexibility to business
tenants. The physical standard of premises is high and fee
structures generally cost-effective, while the regulatory system is
business-friendly with high transparency.
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Skilled professionals, smooth business procedures and
receptivity to international ownership make Sweden an easy country
to operate in. International businesses will find an environment
that is modern, open and enterprise friendly.
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Sweden offers a framework of publicly funded social provision,
ranging from pensions and healthcare to parental allowances and
employment-related insurance. The national basic pension and
insurance system is often combined with occupational-based
insurance plans.
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Sweden has numerous government agencies and publicly run
foundations, research councils and organizations that offer funding
support. This fact sheet explains where in the business process
these organizations can offer assistance.
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Sweden's tax structure is transparent and efficient and designed
to meet the needs of international investors. Companies can benefit
from advantageous tax rules, highly favorable structures for
holding companies and tax relief for key foreign employees.
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Sweden operates a tax relief scheme to help companies attract
top international expertise to their Swedish operations. Key
foreign employees with special skills may qualify for an income tax
reduction. Employers may also benefit from a lower rate of employer
contributions.
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Sweden offers an economical business cost environment, including
competitive salary rates for highly qualified staff. This is a
guide to price levels for key services, rents, labor, utilities and
insurance.
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Sweden offers a limited range of financial incentives to help
companies set up a business and expand in Sweden. This support is
primarily regional in nature and comprises regional investment
grants, employment support and a special social insurance-related
tax break.
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Swedish property law protects the interests of all parties -
investors, creditors, tenants and the public. It strikes a good
balance between security, reliability, transparency and
cost-efficiency. It is well suited for cross-border real estat
investments.
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