Entrepreneurs who start a company will need to obtain a business license in Sweden suitable for the industry in which the legal entity will activate.
Business licensing is an essential step for those who wish to open a company in Sweden. Our team of company incorporation agents will give you detailed information on whether your company needs additional permits and licenses to function and will assist you when applying for these with the right Swedish agency or institution. We can also give you details about any other needed notification requirements.
The business license, which is the equivalent of a special permit for a specific activity, is issued after the company is registered.
Our team specializing in company formation in Sweden assists investors who wish to apply for company registration and business licensing.
We also assist foreign companies interested in setting up a branch in Sweden.
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How to obtain a special business license in Sweden
Some types of businesses require special permits or licenses to function. Examples of activities that require licensing include the following: agriculture, forestry, fishing, activities involving buildings, energy and extraction, food, drink and lodging, gambling, events, healthcare, social services, medicines, law, manufacturing, media and communication, school and education, tourism, transport.
Below, our team also lists some of the authorities responsible for issuing licenses and permits:
- The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority: permits for banking, financial, insurance and securities businesses;
- The Swedish Food Agency: permits for companies involved in the food business, for the slaughter of poultry and farmed game, as well as wine producers, among others;
- The Swedish Medical Products Agency: for companies involved in operating pharmacies, the distribution of some non-prescription medication or the manufacturing, exporting or trading in narcotics;
- The Swedish Transport Agency: issues the business license in Sweden used by companies involved in car rental activities, driving schools, permits for taxi drivers as well as many types of driving and training instructors;
- The Health and Social Care Inspectorate: permits for homes for care or residence, non-institutional care, personal assistance, supported housing, etc.;
- The Mining Inspectorate of Sweden: permits for mining, permits for companies involved in both exploration and exploitation;
- The National Board of Housing, Building and Planning: permits for certified energy experts, fire safety experts, accredited companies for the inspection of lifts and other devices, etc.;
- The Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency: administers permits for travel agents, tour operators, authorized translators and interpreters.
Please keep in mind that the lists above are not exhaustive and other special permits and licenses issued by other authorities are also required for doing business in Sweden.
If you are ready to set up a business and need to apply for a business license in Sweden that will allow your business to engage in a particular activity, our team can assist you.
Business license applications for the food industry
As seen above, different agencies or regulatory bodies handle the receipt of different types of special permits and licenses. A business license in Sweden is obtain after a successful application with the governing agency that regulates the selected industry.
When investors open a company in Sweden that will fall under the food establishment category, they will apply for registration with the Swedish Food Agency. This will be the regulatory agency that will grant the license for functioning. Below is a brief description of how to apply for a food establishment license:
- Prepare for licensing: this includes making sure that you provide the authorities with all the needed documents, such as the company registration ones;
- Schedule your application: the submission must be made at least two weeks prior to starting the business;
- Make sure you pay the fee: the authority charges a fee, which may be subject to change from time to time.
It is important to keep in mind that the Swedish Food Agency issues either registrations (for most types of food businesses) or approvals (granted for some types of food production activities). Our team can give you more information about this difference.
The trade license in Sweden
Some types of companies require a trade license according to the items they will be trading or for general trading purposes. The latter is often the import and export permit, and the license issued is for trading in goods.
A specific trade license in Sweden is for trade in weapons. Another example is the license issued for trade in technical spirits and alcoholic preparations. The requirements for these two types of trade licenses are issued by the Swedish authorities.
For example, the license to trade in firearms or to receive weapons for repair or servicing is issued by the Swedish Police. Applying for a trade in weapons license is subject to specific requirements.
Generally, a trade license in Sweden is an umbrella term for companies that will be trading in goods and, in some cases, it also refers to those that will be trading in services. When a Swedish company trades with another legal entity, it is subject to the applicable rules for selling goods (and importing these, where applicable).
Different rules apply for trading within the EU compared to non-EU countries. Our experts in company formation in Sweden can answer questions on this topic.
Company formation in Sweden
All types of companies in Sweden, except for sole traders, are required to register with the Swedish Companies Registration Office before they commence their activities.
Some of the most important steps required to open a company in Sweden can be detailed upon request by our local team of incorporation specialists. Ongoing assistance during the process is possible with the help of our team.
The business license in Sweden for a particular business sector is applied for once the formalities for registration with the Companies Registration Office are complete.
We list the expected processing times for company formation in Sweden below:
- e-service company formation: 5 working days for processing a complete file;
- form submission for company formation: 6 working days for complete company formation submissions;
- the registration of a new association: 7 working days, the estimated time in September 2022;
- change of business name: 8 working days, estimated in September 2022; the change of a company’s address was estimated at 7 business days.
Please note that each application processed by the Swedish authorities is different, therefore the processing time is estimated.
Services for those who set up a company in Sweden
Investors who are interested in other matters, such as taxation or payroll in Sweden, can reach out to our team. There is no applicable payroll tax in the country, however, employers do need to follow a set of rules for issuing a payslip upon the payment of their employees, as well as keeping accurate records for these payments.
Business licensing is just one step for investors interested in company registration in Sweden. Prior to handling the licensing submissions, investors are required to properly conduct and complete the incorporation process. Our team provides complete company formation solutions according to business needs and the chosen type of company. Moreover, we also offer virtual office services.
Contact us if you want to know more about the business license in Sweden.