How to Register a Company in Sweden as a Foreigner
In this guide:
Understanding Swedish Company Types
Sweden offers several business structures, each with different complexity, liability, and tax implications. The choice depends on your business model, risk profile, and whether you're solo or have partners.
AB (Aktiebolag) — Limited Liability Company
An AB is the Swedish equivalent of a limited liability company. It's a separate legal entity, meaning your personal assets are protected if the company faces debt or legal issues. This is the most popular structure for startups and growth-focused businesses.
- Minimum share capital: 25,000 SEK (since 2020, reduced from 50,000 SEK)
- Liability: Limited to your investment
- Best for: Multiple founders, significant capital needs, external investors
- Complexity: Requires more bookkeeping and board meetings
- Tax advantage: Can retain earnings, potential for lower tax over time
Enskild Firma — Sole Proprietorship
The simplest structure for solo entrepreneurs. You and the business are legally one entity — income from the business is your personal income, but you're also personally liable for all debts.
- Minimum capital: None
- Liability: Unlimited (personal assets at risk)
- Best for: Solo freelancers, consultants, low-risk services
- Complexity: Minimal paperwork
- Flexibility: Easy to shut down if needed
Handelsbolag — Partnership
A business structure for two or more people without separate legal entity status. Similar to a sole proprietorship but with multiple owners.
- Best for: Multiple founders wanting simplicity (but consider AB instead)
- Liability: Each partner is personally liable
- Setup: Simple but rarely chosen today
Foreign Founders: Most Common Path
If you're foreign and starting in Sweden, an AB is usually the right choice. The modest 25,000 SEK capital requirement is a small barrier (you can fund it yourself or through investors), and you get liability protection and credibility with banks and clients. An enskild firma works only if you already have a personnummer, which adds a step.
Do You Need a Personnummer?
This is the first hurdle many foreigners face. A personnummer (personal identity number) is required for almost everything in Sweden, but getting one requires a bit of planning.
When Do You Need It?
- For an AB: Not immediately required. You can register an AB using your passport and a Swedish tax identification number (company F-skatt).
- For an enskild firma: Required before registration.
- For a bank account: Most banks will eventually ask for one, though some accept initial applications without it.
- For taxes: F-skatt can substitute initially, but a personnummer is needed for the long-term tax reporting (deklaration).
How to Get a Personnummer
You need to apply to Skatteverket (Swedish Tax Agency) in person. This requires:
- A valid passport
- Proof of residence in Sweden (lease agreement, employment contract, or bank statement with your address)
- In-person visit to Skatteverket or Migrationsverket (Swedish Migration Agency)
Processing takes 2-4 weeks after your application. If you're in a rush to register a company, start this process immediately upon arrival in Sweden — don't wait for the company registration.
The Registration Process (Verksamt.se)
Verksamt.se is the Swedish government's business registration portal. It's a single point of entry for registering your company, and it handles everything: Bolagsverket (company registry), Skatteverket (tax), and Försäkringskassan (social security).
Step-by-Step: Registering an AB
Go to Verksamt.se and start a new registration
Click "Starta eget" (Start your own business) and select "Aktiebolag." You'll need a Swedish BankID or eID to log in.
Enter basic company details
Company name (must be unique), registered address, business activity description. Choose your business sector carefully — it affects your tax classification and future compliance requirements.
Define share capital and ownership
Specify how many shares, share class, and who owns them. Minimum 25,000 SEK total. You can own 100% or split ownership with co-founders.
Designate directors and signatories
Name at least one director (can be you, can be someone else). The director doesn't need a personnummer but must provide their ID number (passport, or other country's equivalent).
Confirm share capital payment
Pay 25,000 SEK into a Swedish bank account (or have your bank confirm the funds are committed). Verksamt will give you a reference code to use. This can be done before or immediately after registration — most people set this up in parallel with the Verksamt process.
Submit and wait for approval
Verksamt processes the application. Bolagsverket (the company registry) reviews it — usually 3-5 business days. You'll get confirmation via email with your organisationsnummer (company registration number).
Common Stumbling Blocks for Foreigners
- BankID requirement: Verksamt requires Swedish BankID or eID to submit. If you don't have BankID yet, use Freja eID (a digital identity alternative) or ask a Swedish accountant to help with submission.
- Registered address: You need a Swedish address. This can be your apartment, a co-working space, or a virtual office service (many provide registered addresses for ~500 SEK/month).
- Share capital payment: The 25,000 SEK must be in a Swedish bank. This creates the "chicken-and-egg" problem: you need a bank account to deposit funds, but you need a company registration to open a business account. Solution: Open a personal account first, or work with a bank that allows business setup in parallel.
F-skatt and Tax Registration
F-skatt is your business's tax identification number — it's separate from your company registration number and essential for taxes.
What Is F-skatt?
F-skatt stands for "företagsskattekonto" (company tax account). It's issued by Skatteverket and is used to:
- File VAT returns (moms, if you're VAT-registered)
- Report income and expenses
- Pay preliminary tax (preliminär skatt)
- Interact with Skatteverket generally
How to Get F-skatt
If you register via Verksamt.se, F-skatt is automatically issued. You'll receive a letter from Skatteverket within 2-3 weeks confirming your F-skatt number. If you register manually (older method, rarely done now), you'll need to apply to Skatteverket directly.
VAT Registration (Moms)
You're automatically VAT-registered if your business is Swedish. This means:
- You charge VAT (25% standard rate) on most sales
- You can reclaim VAT paid on business expenses
- You file VAT returns quarterly (moms deklaration)
There are VAT exemptions for some services (consulting, financial services, etc.), but the default is VAT-registered. Your accountant will clarify this based on your business type.
Opening a Company Bank Account
You need a Swedish company bank account for the 25,000 SEK share capital and for daily operations (salary, invoicing, etc.).
The Challenge: Timing
Most banks require your organisationsnummer (company registration number) to open a business account, but you need funds in a bank to deposit the share capital before registration. Solutions:
- Open a personal account first: Use your passport and proof of residence. This takes 1-2 weeks.
- Pre-registration agreement: Some banks (Handelsbanken especially) allow you to set up share capital deposit before the official registration. They'll hold the funds and help with timing.
- Accountant's trust account: An accountant can hold the share capital temporarily and then help transfer it once the company is registered.
Which Banks Are Expat-Friendly?
| Bank | Flexibility | English Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handelsbanken | High | Good | Most accommodating for foreigners, pre-registration options |
| Swedbank | Medium | Decent | Large network, standard requirements |
| SEB | Medium | Good | Also accommodating, modern digital tools |
| Nordea | Medium | Good | Scandinavian bank, widely used |
What Documents You'll Need
- Passport or ID
- Proof of residence (lease agreement, employment contract)
- Company registration documents (organisationsnummer certificate from Bolagsverket)
- Articles of association (bolagsordningen) — you'll print this from Verksamt
- Proof of directors' identities
Timeline and Costs
Timeline for AB Registration
| Step | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Get personnummer (if needed) | 2-4 weeks | Start immediately if you don't have one |
| Open personal bank account | 1-2 weeks | Sometimes same day at some banks |
| Prepare registration documents | 1-2 days | Can overlap with other steps |
| Verksamt registration + approval | 3-5 business days | Once submitted, usually fast |
| Receive organisationsnummer | Same as above | Given immediately upon approval |
| Open company bank account | 1-2 weeks | Often faster once registration confirmed |
| F-skatt confirmation letter | 2-3 weeks | Arrives by mail from Skatteverket |
Realistic Total Timeline
From idea to fully operational company with bank account and F-skatt: 4-6 weeks if you already have a personnummer, or 6-10 weeks if you need to get one first. Most of this is waiting time, not active work.
Costs Breakdown
- Share capital (AB): 25,000 SEK (required, but it's your company's money)
- Verksamt registration: Free
- Bolagsverket (company registry): Free
- Bank account: Free or 100-300 SEK/month depending on the bank
- Virtual office address: ~500-1,000 SEK/month if needed (optional)
- Accountant setup assistance: 2,000-5,000 SEK if you hire one for registration help (optional)
- Legal review of articles: 1,000-3,000 SEK if you want a lawyer to review (optional)
Total DIY cost: 25,000 SEK + bank fees + maybe virtual office. Total with accountant help: 25,000 + 3,000-8,000 SEK.
When to Hire an Accountant
Can You DIY?
Registration itself is manageable for foreigners who speak English and are comfortable with forms. Verksamt.se is straightforward, and many guides exist. However, accounting and tax compliance afterward are more complex.
When to Hire an Accountant
- You're unsure about share capital or ownership structure: An accountant can explain tax implications and optimal setup.
- You don't have BankID or Freja eID: An accountant can submit on your behalf.
- You're worried about personnummer delays: An accountant can advise on workarounds.
- You have multiple founders or international ownership: Structuring this requires expertise.
- You're post-registration and drowning in tax compliance: Most small businesses benefit from accountant support for monthly bookkeeping and tax filings.
Finding an Accountant
Look for accountants (revisor or redovisningskonsult) who have experience with startups and non-Swedish founders. Many offer packages for small companies:
- Registration + setup: 2,000-5,000 SEK
- Ongoing bookkeeping + quarterly VAT: 1,000-3,000 SEK/month depending on volume
- Annual tax return (deklaration) + audit: 2,000-5,000 SEK
Get 2-3 quotes before committing. Many offer free initial consultations.
Bottom Line
Registration is simple and fast if you have a personnummer and Swedish bank account. The real work starts after: bookkeeping, VAT filings, deklaration, and tax strategy. Unless accounting is your strength, budget 1,000-2,000 SEK/month for an accountant — it's worth the peace of mind and ensures compliance.
What Comes Next?
Once your company is registered and your F-skatt is confirmed, you'll need to:
- Set up bookkeeping: Use software like Visma eEkonomi or Manual Books (both are Swedish-standard, English-friendly).
- Understand tax obligations: Quarterly VAT filings, annual deklaration, monthly payroll tax if you have employees.
- Get business insurance: Liability, professional indemnity, etc. depending on your industry.
- Register with relevant bodies: Försäkringskassan (social security) is automatic, but some industries require sector-specific registrations.
Many of these topics are covered in other Gothenburg Expats guides. Check back regularly for updates on tax, hiring, and compliance.