Aided by peace and neutrality for the whole 20th century, Sweden has achieved an excellent standard of living under a mixed system of high-tech capitalism and extensive welfare benefits. It has a modern distribution system, good internal and external communications, and a skilled labour force. Elise Krentzel has compiled a guide to help you navigate the paperwork necessary to work in or set up business in Sweden.

• Visas and permits
• Setting up a company
• Direct taxation
• Indirect taxation
• Tax payment
• Assessment and appeals
• Useful links

Entry visas

In Sweden, entry visas are governed by the rules in the Schengen Agreement. Under the Agreement, all the EU countries (except Ireland and the UK) as well as the EEA countries of Norway and Iceland have opened their borders to one another. A visa issued for a visit to one of these countries is normally valid in all of the other countries as well. Only in exceptional cases can a person be granted a visa that is valid in one country only.

Together with the other EU countries, Sweden has decided that the citizens of certain countries do not require entry visas. This means they can enter Sweden and stay here for three months without a visa. The citizens of all other countries require visas to enter Sweden (www.migrationsverket.se).

For a business or conference visit, you must enclose an invitation – a letter – with your visa application from the company concerned or from whoever is organizing the conference. The invitation must contain details about you, the applicant, such as: personal particulars; arrival and departure dates; the purpose of your visit; who will support you during your stay in Sweden.

Work permits

You must have a work permit to work in Sweden.

 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Next >