Setting up a Joint Stock Company (Publikt Aktiebolag) in Sweden

The Joint Stock Corporation in Sweden is actually a Public Limited Liability Company (Publikt Aktiebolag). As opposed to the Private LLC in Sweden, a Public AB is able to turn to the stock market.

Capital

At least 500,000 SEK are necessary as a share capital in order to establish a Public AB in Sweden. The capital has to be paid up in full and if the contribution is made in assets (property, machines) or know-how, the contribution has to be in connection to the company’s activity. It is also important to know that non-cash contribution has to be evaluated by a registered accountant. The capital is divided into different types of shares that give different voting powers.

Shareholders

In order to establish a joint stock corporation in Sweden, at least one founder is needed. Exemptions in terms of residence and nationality are usually permitted, so a foreign investor can incorporate a business in Sweden from any part of the world.

Management

Public limited liability companies in Sweden must have at least three directors and a managing director. It is recommended that at least half of the members of the board have to be from a EEA member state. However, it is possible that the Companies Registration Office in Sweden accepts exceptions. If the company has more than 25 employees, there may be two board members who represent them.

Control

Any company with foreign capital in Sweden must have an auditor in the person of a public accountant, registered by the Supervisory Board of Public Accountants. That person has to issue an annual financial statement that contains information about balance sheet and accounts. The statement, together with a report of administration, has to be sent to the Companies Registration Office in Sweden.

Other requirements

When it comes to the registration procedure of a Swedish AB, the company needs to have a name. This name has to be unique and it must contain the word “aktiebolag” or the abbreviation AB.

BridgeWest offers company registration in Sweden, including virtual office and other related services.