Guide to Company Incorporation in Sweden

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Swedish Private AB (Private Limited Liability Company)?
The Limited Liability Company is the most often type of business used by foreign entrepreneurs when setting business in Sweden. The incorporation procedure is straightforward and the minimum capital required is 5.600 EUR.

2. What is the minimum share capital for a Swedish Public AB (Public Limited Liability Company)?
The Public Limited Liability Company is designated for business at a larger scale with 11.200 EUR minimum capital requirements.

3. Are there any special requirements for establishing a Swedish Limited Liability Company?
A Swedish Limited Liability Company may be set up by one or more founders or legal entities. If the incorporator is a legal entity, it must be established by the regulations of a member state of the EEA. The company must have one managing director and a board of directors. The managing director has to be resident in the EEA or obtain a special exemption. Also at least half of the managing board must reside in the EEA. The company to-be must have a registered office in order to be granted the registration certificate by the Swedish Authorities. Usually the whole procedure of company establishment can be completed through power of attorney, provided that certified copies of documents are provided. However opening a bank, an important procedure, may pose some problems as some banks require the presence of the account titular in order to ensure of his/her existence. Prior to engaging in the process of company incorporation it is advisable for the foreign entrepreneurs to document themselves.

4. How can I register for VAT in Sweden?
Entrepreneurs need to decide whether their company can be subject to VAT registration and then commence the registration procedure. The application for VAT registration should be submitted after obtaining the registration certificate and at least two weeks before trading begins. The Swedish Tax Agency provides applicants with a special form that must be completed and submitted at the local tax office. In a short time period the company receives the VAT identification number and the reporting period.

5. How can I open a bank account in Sweden?
A Swedish Limited Liability Company has to open a bank account before engaging in the incorporation process in order to deposit the capital and obtain a bank deed certifying the deposit has been made. The bank account can be opened by the founder/s of the company or by the legal representative authorized with power of attorney. Certain documentation as articles of association of the company, company deed and passports, or identification cards is required for this procedure. The account can be managed online, as many Swedish banks offer the possibility of internet banking.

6. How can I recruit personnel in Sweden?
Sweden is a powerful country economically speaking, and the qualified and productive workforce plays an important part in this aspect. Therefore an employer has to offer high standard workplaces. Companies can hire recruitment agencies that offer best suited solutions for diverse jobs. Also browsing through websites specialized in job placement and creating user accounts for companies provides a good solution to select the personnel needed.
 
7. What is the average salary in Sweden?
The state of Sweden is one of the most developed countries in terms of economy, an aspect that reflects in the average salary which is as high as 6.000 EUR.

8. What is the overall economical situation in Sweden?
Sweden is a powerful country with one of the highest standards of living in the world. The country is highly industrialized and very dependent on foreign trade. The country has a higher export rate than import. Private companies occupy 90% of the industrial output and the workforce is highly trained and productive. The financial crisis has affected the country, but in the past year signs of economical growth have taken a positive influence on Sweden's economy.

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