Doing Business with Sweden

Exporting goods to Sweden involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Research Market Requirements

   • Understand Sweden’s import regulations and product standards.

2. Identify Your Product’s HS Code

   • Determine the Harmonized System (HS) code for tariff and regulation details.

3. Prepare Documentation

   • Gather necessary export documents: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and bill of lading.

4. Check Tariff and Non-Tariff Barriers

   • Verify any tariffs and ensure compliance with non-tariff measures.

5. Select a Reliable Freight Forwarder

   • Choose a logistics provider experienced in shipping to Sweden.

6. Comply with Labeling and Packaging Regulations

   • Ensure your products meet Swedish labeling and packaging standards.

7. Arrange for Insurance

   • Secure insurance to cover potential shipping risks.

8. Submit Customs Declaration

   • Work with your freight forwarder to submit the necessary customs declaration.

9. Track and Confirm Delivery

   • Monitor the shipment to ensure it reaches the destination safely.

Key Contacts

• Swedish Customs
  • Website: Swedish Customs
• Business Sweden
  • Website: Business Sweden

Importing goods into Sweden involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Register as an Importer

   • Ensure your business is registered and has a European Union Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number.

2. Classify Your Goods

   • Determine the Harmonized System (HS) code for your products to understand tariffs and duties.

3. Check Import Requirements

   • Verify if your goods need specific licenses or permits under Swedish and EU regulations.

4. Prepare Documentation

   • Gather necessary documents: commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, and certificate of origin.

5. Select a Customs Broker

   • Engage a licensed customs broker to assist with the import process.

6. Submit Import Declaration

   • File the import declaration through the Swedish Customs’ online portal.

7. Pay Duties and Taxes

   • Calculate and pay any applicable import duties and VAT.

8. Arrange for Cargo Clearance

   • Coordinate with your freight forwarder or customs broker for the clearance and delivery of goods.

Key Contacts

• Swedish Customs
  • Website: Swedish Customs
• Business Sweden
  • Website: Business Sweden

Incorporating a company in Sweden involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Choose a Business Structure

   • Decide on the type of company, such as a Limited Liability Company (AB).

2. Register the Company Name

   • Reserve your company name through the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket).

3. Draft Articles of Association

   • Prepare the Articles of Association, outlining the company’s structure and operations.

4. Deposit Share Capital

   • For a Limited Liability Company, deposit at least SEK 25,000 in a Swedish bank account.

5. Submit Registration Application

   • File the application with Bolagsverket, including the Articles of Association and proof of share capital.

6. Register for Taxes

   • Register the company for VAT, employer contributions, and income tax with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket).

7. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

   • Apply for any industry-specific permits or licenses if required.

Costs

• Registration Fee: Approximately SEK 1,900–2,200
• Minimum Share Capital: SEK 25,000 for a Limited Liability Company

Key Contacts

• Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket)
  • Website: Bolagsverket
• Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket)
  • Website: Skatteverket

Setting up a manufacturing plant in Sweden involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Conduct a Feasibility Study

   • Assess market demand, location suitability, and resource availability.

2. Choose a Business Structure

   • Decide on the type of business entity, such as a Limited Liability Company (AB).

3. Register the Company

   • Register your business with the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket).

4. Secure Financing

   • Arrange funding through banks or investors.

5. Select a Location

   • Choose an industrial area with access to necessary infrastructure and resources.

6. Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses

   • Apply for environmental, health, and safety permits from local authorities.

7. Design and Construct the Facility

   • Hire architects and contractors to design and build the plant according to regulations.

8. Purchase and Install Equipment

   • Acquire machinery that meets safety and operational standards.

9. Hire and Train Employees

   • Recruit skilled workers and provide necessary training.

10. Set Up Supply Chain and Distribution

    • Establish relationships with suppliers and distributors.

Key Contacts

• Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket)
  • Website: Bolagsverket
• Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
  • Website: Naturvårdsverket
• Business Sweden
  • Website: Business Sweden

Registering a trademark in Sweden involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Conduct a Trademark Search

   • Check the availability of your trademark through the Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV).

2. Prepare Your Application

   • Gather necessary details, including the trademark design and list of goods/services.

3. File the Application

   • Submit your application to PRV, either online or in person.

4. Pay the Application Fee

   • Confirm the current fee with PRV. Standard fees start at around SEK 2,000.

5. Application Examination

   • PRV examines the application for compliance and potential conflicts.

6. Publication for Opposition

   • If approved, the trademark is published for opposition, allowing others to contest it.

7. Receive Registration Certificate

   • If no oppositions are filed, you receive the official trademark registration certificate.

Costs

• Application Fee: Starting at SEK 2,000

Key Contacts

• Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV)
  • Website: PRV

Resolving commercial disputes in Sweden involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Consult Legal Counsel

   • Engage a lawyer experienced in Swedish commercial law for advice.

2. Attempt Negotiation

   • Try to resolve the dispute amicably through direct negotiation with the other party.

3. Mediation

   • Use mediation services to facilitate a resolution. This approach is often quicker and less costly.

4. Arbitration

   • Consider arbitration for a binding decision. Sweden is known for its robust arbitration framework.

5. Litigation

   • If necessary, file a lawsuit in the appropriate Swedish court. Prepare for a formal legal process.

6. Enforcement of Judgments

   • Ensure the court’s or arbitration’s decision is enforced through the relevant authorities.

Costs

• Legal Fees: Vary depending on the complexity and duration of the dispute.
• Court Fees: Required for litigation and depend on the case specifics.
• Mediation/Arbitration Fees: Vary based on the service provider.

Key Contacts

• Swedish National Courts Administration
  • Website: Domstolsverket
• Stockholm Chamber of Commerce Arbitration Institute
  • Website: SCC Arbitration

When considering doing business in Sweden, it’s important to understand various factors that can impact your operations. Here’s an overview:

Social Factors

• Language
  • Swedish is the official language. English is widely spoken in business settings.
• Work Culture
  • Emphasizes equality and consensus. Punctuality and efficiency are highly valued.

Cultural Factors

• Business Etiquette
  • Formal greetings are important. Expect direct communication and respect for personal space.
• Diversity
  • Sweden is culturally diverse, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability.

Political Factors

• Government Structure
  • Constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy with a stable political environment.
• Regulatory Environment
  • Transparent and efficient regulatory framework. Sweden ranks high in ease of doing business.

Foreign Exchange

• Currency
  • Swedish Krona (SEK) is the official currency.
• Exchange Rate
  • The exchange rate is generally stable but should be monitored for financial planning.

Rule of Law

• Legal System
  • Based on civil law. Strong protections for property rights and contract enforcement.
• Intellectual Property
  • Robust intellectual property protections are in place.

Additional Resources

• Business Sweden
  • Website: Business Sweden
• Swedish Companies Registration Office
  • Website: Bolagsverket
• Swedish Tax Agency
  • Website: Skatteverket