Doing
Business in Sweden
Trade policy
The Swedish trade policy looks back at a liberal trade tradition.
Sweden is strongly dependent on foreign trade. Since 1 January
1995 Sweden participates completely in the customs union and
the common trade policies of the EU.
Joint Ventures/Licensing
In Sweden a joint venture is an agreement between two or more
parties to carry out a project. It is not a legal entity,
but only an agreement, and a legal vehicle must be formed
to pursue the project. This legal vehicle may be either a
limited liability company (AB), with the joint-venture participants
as shareholders, or a partnership (HB), with the joint-venture
participants as partners. Agreements for production in Sweden
of indigenous products are common. Royalty and license fee
payments may be freely transferred out of Sweden.
Steps to Establishing an Office
There are no restrictions on foreign-owned firms establishing
companies in Sweden. The legally recognized forms of business
enterprise in Sweden are:
- Limited liability company (aktiebolag, abbreviated AB)
There are two types of limited companies: public and private
- Branch of a foreign company (filial)
- General or limited partnership (handelsbolag, kommanditbolag)
- Sole proprietorship (enskild firma)
- Economic association (ekonomisk forening)
Foreign investors in Sweden historically have favored the
limited liability corporate form. A subsidiary of a foreign
company established in Sweden in accordance with Swedish law
is considered a Swedish company in all respects, and generally
no legislative distinction is made between companies whose
shares are wholly or principally owned by foreigners and those
owned by Swedes.
It initially may be advantageous to conduct business through
a branch office of the parent organization. Partnership or
sole proprietorships are seldom used by foreign investors.
The founding of a company is governed by the Swedish Companies
Act. However, an investor need not bother with these proceedings
as it is much easier to acquire a already registered shelf-company
and adapt its articles of association to the needs
and intents of the investor.
Business Hours:
Businesses: Generally, Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Shops: Usually 9:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m. (some shops open on Sunday)
Shopping hours are largely flexible. Banks: Major banks are
open Monday - Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m, Saturday: 9:30
a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
More Information
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