Swedish Tax Deductions 2025 – How to Legally Reduce Your Tax

In Sweden, property owners pay an annual tax based on the type, value and location of the property.

For 2025, the rates are set centrally by Skatteverket, but they vary depending on the type of property.

How Property Value Is Calculated

The property tax is based on the tax assessment value (taxeringsvärde), which is updated every few years by Skatteverket.

This value generally corresponds to around 75% of the property’s market value.

The following factors are considered:

• the size of the building and plot,
• the location,
• the year of construction and technical standard.

Property Tax Rates in 2025

Single-family houses (småhus)

• Tax rate: 0.75% of the assessed value.
• Maximum tax amount: SEK 9,287 per year (2025 limit).

Cooperative apartments (bostadsrätt)

• Individual apartment owners do not pay property tax directly.
• The housing association pays property tax on the collectively owned property.

Commercial buildings

• Tax rate: 1%–1.3% of the assessed value.

Vacant land

• Tax rate: 1% of the land value.

Newly Built Properties

New houses and residential buildings are exempt from property tax for the first 15 years after construction.

The exemption is applied automatically once the property is registered with Skatteverket.

Deadlines and Payment

Property tax is collected by Skatteverket as part of the annual tax settlement.

Information about the amount due appears in the taxpayer’s account on Mina sidor.

The tax can be paid in one instalment or in four instalments throughout the year.

Selling Property – Capital Gains Tax

When selling property in Sweden, a capital gains tax of 22% applies to the profit from the sale.

The gain is calculated as the difference between the selling price and the purchase cost, including improvement and renovation expenses.

Property Tax in Sweden – Key Takeaways

Sweden’s property tax system is relatively straightforward but requires an understanding of how assessment values and tax rates differ for each type of property.

Knowing these principles helps property owners avoid errors and plan their finances more effectively.

Revea assists property owners in analysing costs, reporting property-related taxes and preparing the necessary documentation for annual declarations.

Sweden is a business-friendly country for self-employed professionals, but running your own business comes with certain tax and administrative responsibilities.

To avoid mistakes and unnecessary costs, it’s important to understand the main tax rules for freelancers in 2025.

Registering a Business in Sweden

Anyone working on a self-employed basis must register their business with Skatteverket (the Swedish Tax Agency) and obtain:

• an F-skatt number (entrepreneur’s tax ID),
• a VAT number, if providing goods or services subject to VAT.

Registration allows freelancers to pay their own taxes and social contributions, and to issue invoices to clients.

Preliminary Tax and Annual Returns

Freelancers pay income tax in the form of monthly advance payments (preliminärskatt).

The amount depends on the expected annual income reported to Skatteverket.

At the end of the tax year, you must submit an annual tax return (Inkomstdeklaration 1 or NE attachment) to reconcile the final tax amount.

Contributions and Business Expenses

Self-employed individuals in Sweden are required to pay:

• income tax – around 30–33%, depending on the municipality,
• social security contributions (egenavgifter) – approximately 28.97% of income,
• VAT (moms) – 25%, 12%, or 6%, depending on the industry.

Operating expenses such as equipment, software, travel, or marketing costs can be deducted from taxable income.

Tax Deductions for Freelancers

Freelancers are entitled to the same deductions as other taxpayers, including:

• reseavdrag – travel deductions for client visits,
• deductions for office, equipment and internet costs,
• depreciation of assets worth more than SEK 25,000,
• accounting and business software expenses.

Deadlines and Tax Responsibilities

The deadline for filing the 2024 tax return is 2 May 2025, and for 2025 – early May 2026.

All declarations and payments are handled online through Skatteverket’s Mina sidor portal.

Late payments may result in interest and additional fees, so keeping track of deadlines and balances is essential.

Freelancing in Sweden – Key Takeaways

Working as a freelancer in Sweden offers flexibility and independence – but also demands good organisation and awareness of tax obligations.

Understanding tax rules, rates and deductions helps you optimise your income and avoid costly errors.

Revea supports freelancers and self-employed professionals with accounting, reporting and tax planning, ensuring your business runs smoothly and in compliance with Swedish law.

Investing in Sweden can be highly profitable, but it requires an understanding of how capital gains are taxed.

The Swedish tax system distinguishes several types of capital income, including profits from the sale of shares, investment funds and property, as well as bank interest and dividends.

What Does Capital Gain Mean in Practice?

A capital gain (kapitalvinst) arises when the sale price of an asset exceeds its purchase price.

This applies to:

• shares and company holdings,
• units in investment funds,
• property or shares in property,
• other financial investments.

Capital gains tax in Sweden applies to both private individuals and businesses.

Capital Gains Tax Rates in 2025

Sweden applies a flat 30% tax rate on most types of capital income, including:

• profits from the sale of shares and funds,
• bank interest,
• dividends.

If you make a loss, it can be partly deducted:

• 70% of the loss can be offset as an expense,
• losses on shares or funds can only be deducted against the same type of asset.

Tax on Property Sales

The sale of property in Sweden also generates capital income.

The tax is calculated as 22% of the gain (which corresponds to 30% of two-thirds of the profit under Swedish tax rules).

Deductible expenses include:

• purchase costs of the property,
• renovations and improvements that increase its value,
• notary fees and brokerage commissions.

Tax on Foreign Investments

Individuals who live in Sweden and have tax residency status must declare all foreign investments and pay capital income tax on their worldwide income.

To avoid double taxation, Sweden has signed tax treaties with many countries – including Poland.

Declaration and Payment of Tax

Capital gains tax is reported in the annual income tax return submitted to Skatteverket.

For the sale of shares, funds or property, all relevant information can be entered through Mina sidor (My Pages).

Skatteverket automatically calculates the amount of tax payable based on the data provided.

Investment Tax in Sweden – Key Takeaways

Understanding how investments are taxed in Sweden helps you avoid mistakes and unnecessary costs.

With proper planning, you can optimise your tax situation and even obtain a partial refund.

If you invest in Sweden or abroad, Revea can assist you in analysing capital gains, accounting for losses and preparing a compliant tax declaration.

Sweden is known for its high taxes – but also for its extensive system of tax deductions.

In practice, this means that even people with moderate incomes can significantly reduce their tax burden, provided they know when and how to use the available deductions.

Below you’ll find an overview of the most important tax deductions in Sweden that are worth considering in your 2025 tax return.

When Are You Entitled to Tax Deductions?

You can claim deductions if you:

• are taxed under the ordinary income tax rules (not the 25% SINK tax),
• earn at least 90% of your income in Sweden,
• have proof of expenses, such as receipts, tickets, or contracts.

Individuals who stay in Sweden for less than six months are usually subject to SINK tax and therefore cannot claim deductions.

Main Tax Deductions in Sweden (2025)

Reseavdrag – Work Travel Deduction

You can deduct commuting expenses between your home and workplace if your annual costs exceed SEK 11,000.

This applies to both fuel and public transport costs.

Dubbel bosättning – Double Household Deduction

For individuals who maintain housing both in Sweden and in their home country.

You can deduct rental costs, travel expenses, and meal costs related to your stay in Sweden.

Tillfälligt arbete – Temporary Work Deduction

Applies to employees who work temporarily in a different location than their permanent residence.

You can deduct accommodation and travel expenses, according to the fixed rates set by Skatteverket.

Expertskatt – Expert Tax Relief

For foreign specialists and executives: a tax reduction of up to 25% of salary for up to five years, provided that the application is submitted to Forskarskattenämnden within three months of starting work.

How to Claim Tax Deductions in Sweden

1. Prepare all expense documentation (receipts, tickets, contracts).
2. Log in to Skatteverket and complete your income tax return.
3. Enter the relevant deductions in the annual declaration form.
4. Submit your tax return on time – no later than early May 2026.

Why Use Tax Deductions?

Tax deductions in Sweden are a real opportunity to save money – especially for people working away from home or maintaining two households.

Understanding the rules and applying them correctly helps you avoid errors and may result in a tax refund.

If you’re unsure which deductions apply to you, Revea can help you assess your situation and prepare an accurate tax return that includes all relevant deductions.

Tax Liability in Sweden – The Basics

In Sweden, everyone who earns income in the country is subject to taxation – regardless of whether they are self-employed or employed.

How and where you pay tax depends on your tax residency status – whether you are considered a resident or a non-resident for tax purposes.

Who Qualifies as a Tax Resident in Sweden?

According to Skatteverket, a person becomes a tax resident in Sweden if they meet at least one of the following conditions:

• They have a permanent home in Sweden.
• They stay in Sweden continuously for at least six months.
• They have strong personal or economic ties to Sweden – such as family, a home, a business, or a stable source of income.

Those who do not meet these criteria are subject to limited tax liability and may pay tax under a simplified system known as the SINK tax (Special Income Tax for Non-Residents).

The SINK Tax in Sweden – For Whom and How It Works

SINK is a flat-rate income tax for individuals working in Sweden on a temporary basis – for example, seasonal work, remote work, or short-term assignments.

• The SINK rate is 25%, deducted directly from gross income.
• There is no requirement to file an annual tax return.
• No deductions or allowances are permitted under SINK.

However, a non-resident can opt out of SINK and choose the standard income tax system instead. In that case, they file taxes as a Swedish tax resident and may claim deductions and potential refunds.

Income Tax for Tax Residents in Sweden

Individuals with unlimited tax liability (residents) must declare and pay tax on worldwide income – income earned both in Sweden and abroad.

Swedish residents pay two main types of income tax:

• Municipal tax (kommunalskatt) – set by the local municipality, averaging around 32%.
• State income tax (statlig skatt) – applies to income above approximately SEK 613,900 per year (in 2025).

VAT and Business Taxes in Sweden

Entrepreneurs operating in Sweden must register with Skatteverket and regularly report and pay taxes, including:

• VAT (moms) – 25%, 12%, or 6%, depending on the goods or services provided.
• Business income tax.
• Employer’s social security contributions (arbetsgivaravgifter) – if employees are hired.

Businesses must also maintain proper bookkeeping and documentation in accordance with Swedish tax law.

The Five-Year Rule for Former Swedish Residents

A person who has been a Swedish tax resident for an extended period may still be considered a Swedish tax resident for up to five years after leaving the country, if Skatteverket determines that they maintain significant ties to Sweden – such as property ownership, family, or an ongoing business.

Tax Resident or Non-Resident – Which Is Better?

Whether it is more beneficial to be a tax resident or non-resident in Sweden depends on your situation.

Short-term workers often benefit from the simplicity of the SINK system, while long-term employees, business owners, and permanent residents usually gain more by being taxed as residents – gaining access to deductions, tax credits, and social benefits.

Before deciding on your tax status, it is always best to consult a professional advisor.

Contact Revea – we can help you determine which option is most advantageous for you: +46 (0)8 678 18 40 • info@revea.se

Why Tax Residency Matters in Sweden

Your tax residency status in Sweden determines where and how you pay taxes.

Understanding the rules on SINK tax, residency, and current tax rates will help you avoid mistakes and penalties from Skatteverket.

Strategic tax planning is the foundation of safe and sustainable business operations in Sweden.

Want to know more about Swedish taxation, VAT, or company registration?

Contact us via revea.se/contact – our experts will guide you through every step of your tax and business process in Sweden.

‍What Is a Tax Audit in Sweden?

If a foreign entrepreneur operates in Sweden for more than six months (183 days), they are considered a tax resident and must comply with Swedish tax regulations. This also means more formalities with Skatteverket. The agency can audit your business at any time to ensure everything is reported correctly.

Audits usually take place at your business premises, where you must present all necessary documentation. Skatteverket will verify whether the information you submitted in your tax return is accurate — and whether you’ve fulfilled your legal obligations. You must notify the agency immediately if any business details change.

Although the audit itself is confidential, its outcome may be published on official government websites. Skatteverket can also request information about your clients or business partners and audit any tax period.

Who Can Be Audited by Skatteverket?

Tax audits may involve both individuals and companies, including:

• Sole proprietors (enskild firma)
• Limited companies (aktiebolag)
• Individuals registered for VAT or as employers
• Anyone who has submitted a tax declaration

What Documents Should You Prepare?

A tax audit may include:

• Payroll summaries for your employees
• Invoices, receipts, and all documents supporting your reported income
• VAT reports and declarations regarding social contributions

If any documents are sensitive or confidential, you have the right to inform the auditor. You may still be required to present them, but you can appeal to an administrative court to seek exemption.

Tax Audit in Sweden – Step by Step

Step 1: Notification of Audit

You will receive a formal notice from Skatteverket, including:

• The name of the person or company being audited
• The purpose of the audit
• Names of the tax auditors involved
• The person who authorized the audit

In some cases, the audit may take place outside your office, for example at Skatteverket’s office. However, you can request that the audit be carried out at your premises.

Step 2: On-site Audit

The auditor will examine your business records and may temporarily take some documents for review — in such cases, you’ll receive a confirmation document. They may also inspect your:

• Cash registers
• Technical equipment
• Business premises

As an entrepreneur, you are expected to:

• Provide all required documentation
• Allow access to all necessary rooms
• Offer access to computers if needed
• Arrange a workspace for the auditor
• Be available for questions or clarifications

Step 3: Audit Results

If Skatteverket finds discrepancies, they may recalculate your tax and send you a formal decision. You have the right to appeal this decision.

If no irregularities are found, you’ll receive a confirmation letter stating that the audit is complete and no changes were made to your tax filings.

Can You Refuse to Cooperate?

Refusing to cooperate is not recommended. If you decline to provide documents or information, Skatteverket may:

• Issue a formal request requiring you to submit the documents
• Petition the administrative court to secure evidence

This could lead to legal consequences and the forced release of your documents.

Need help navigating Swedish tax audits or Skatteverket communication?

Contact us at Revea – we assist entrepreneurs with accounting, tax compliance, and audit support in Sweden.

More and more migrants in Sweden are choosing not only to work for local employers but also to run their own businesses. Before taking the first steps, it’s important to understand what actions you can take to maximize profits and reduce operational costs. Here’s what you should know about managing company finances and taxes in Sweden.

Income Tax in Sweden

All registered businesses in Sweden are required to pay income tax, which consists of:

• A national component
• A local tax (municipal and regional)

Tax Rates:

• Tax rates vary depending on your municipality
• The effective tax rate ranges from 8% to 55%, depending on income level and location
• Taxes are paid monthly, with a final adjustment at the end of the fiscal year

For legal entities (such as limited companies), the tax rate is flat at 20.6%.

When registering a company, the entrepreneur must estimate their expected annual profit, which is used by the Tax Agency (Skatteverket) to calculate preliminary tax payments. Overpaid amounts are refunded after annual reconciliation; underpayments must be settled.

Preliminary tax declarations can be adjusted during the tax year, but not after the final return is filed.

VAT in Sweden – What You Need to Know

Swedish companies are also generally liable for VAT (moms). Registration is mandatory for businesses that:

• Import/export goods with customs clearance in Sweden
• Provide real estate-related services
• Operate transportation through Swedish territory

Other businesses may voluntarily register, depending on their activity.

VAT registration must be completed at least 14 days before business operations begin. It can be done online.

VAT Rates in Sweden:

Managing Business Expenses

All expenses incurred by a business in Sweden must be properly documented. Companies are required to issue and archive invoices and receipts for several years.

Most entrepreneurs use the help of professional accountants, who:

• Ensure accurate bookkeeping and tax compliance
• Assist in optimizing reporting and cash flow
• Offer strategic planning to reduce costs and increase efficiency

Taxes by Business Structure

The level of taxation in Sweden depends on both income and business type.

Additional taxes:

• VAT – according to the nature of goods and services
• Employer contributions – 31.42% for employees
• Employee tax – between 8% and 55% of gross salary

Tax Optimization in Sweden – How to Increase Profit

Sweden has a complex tax system, but it also offers numerous legal ways to optimize taxes and improve profitability. The most common strategies include:

1. Using Tax Deductions

• Deductions must be documented with invoices or receipts
• Claimed in the annual tax return to Skatteverket
• Common deductions include:
  • R&D expenses
  • Business development
  • Startup costs
• Some deductions apply only to specific amounts or expire after a set time

2. Choosing the Right Business Structure

• Your legal structure impacts:
  • Tax rates
  • Legal responsibility
  • Available deductions

Consulting with a tax advisor before registration can help you choose the best option.

3. Managing Investment Income Strategically

• Profits from selling a company can be tax-free if reinvested in business activities
• Sweden has double taxation treaties with many countries, simplifying international business transactions

4. Monitoring Legal and Tax Changes

• Changes in tax laws can increase or reduce your costs
• Staying updated allows businesses to adjust and stay compliant

Should You Work With a Tax Consultant?

Yes – working with a local tax advisor is highly recommended. A good consultant will:

• Analyze your business situation
• Identify areas to save money
• Recommend legal, efficient solutions
• Ensure full compliance with Swedish tax law

It’s especially important to choose an accountant familiar with Swedish regulations, which differ significantly from Polish law.

Need help navigating Swedish tax rules or optimizing your finances?

📩 Contact us – our team supports entrepreneurs with bookkeeping, tax planning, and ongoing business advice tailored to Swedish conditions.

More and more entrepreneurs in Sweden are choosing to run their own businesses. Starting a company in Sweden is not difficult – as long as you understand the key requirements. Lack of knowledge may impact your operations, so it’s worth reviewing this guide or contacting an accounting firm for help.

Steps to Starting a Business in Sweden

There are three main steps to setting up a business in Sweden:

1. Choose a legal form of business
2. Register with the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket)
3. Register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket)

1. Choose the Type of Business Entity

In Sweden, you can choose from several legal business structures:

• Sole trader (Enskild firma) – the simplest form of business, requiring no start-up capital or co-owners. The owner has unlimited liability.
• Limited company (Aktiebolag, AB) – the most popular form. It has legal personality, and owners are not personally liable. Requires a minimum capital of 25,000 SEK.
• Trading partnership (Handelsbolag, HB) – a company run by two or more people. Partners have full liability.
• Limited partnership (Kommanditbolag, KB) – doesn’t require start-up capital but requires annual financial reporting.
• Branch (Filial) – a Swedish branch of a foreign company. Must appoint a managing director and maintain Swedish-standard bookkeeping.
• Simple company (Enkel bolag) – a cooperative structure for at least two people without legal personality. Each partner is personally liable.

Other legal entities include economic associations, foundations, and European companies (SE).

2. Registering with Bolagsverket

Most companies must register with the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket). Sole traders are exempt but may choose to register voluntarily.

Required documents:

• Company formation deed (dated within 6 months)
• Articles of association
• Bank certificate confirming share capital deposit (starting from 25,000 SEK for AB)
• Registration form

Registration cost: approx. 700–1,700 SEK

Processing time: usually 3–6 weeks

3. Registering with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket)

The final step is to register the business with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket).

You’ll need:

• Copy of passport or ID
• Form SKV 4632
• Registration via verksamt.se (requires BankID for online submission)

Upon registration, you’ll receive:

• F-tax certificate (self-employed taxpayer status)
• VAT registration
• Employer registration – if you intend to hire staff
• FA-tax – if you’re both employed and self-employed

Other Things You Need to Know

Residence permit

Issued by:

• Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket)
• The Swedish embassy or Polish consulate

Valid for 5 years. After 2 years, your business must be able to support you financially.

Population registration

Mandatory if your intended stay exceeds 12 months.

You must register your address in Sweden before registering your company.

Personal identity number (personnummer)

Apply using form SKV 4620 at the Swedish Tax Agency.

Registration with Försäkringskassan (Swedish Social Insurance Agency)

Required if you:

• Want to apply for social benefits
• Need EU health insurance card (EHIC)
• Intend to claim dental or medical reimbursements

Swedish bank account

A business bank account is necessary for:

• Depositing share capital
• Managing payments and tax deductions

Business Taxes in Sweden

Income tax (individuals):

• 0% – income up to 598,500 SEK
• 20% – income exceeding this threshold

Municipal tax:

Set by each municipality and region – ranges from 30% to 35%

Corporate income tax (CIT):

• 20.6% (as of 2022)

VAT (Value Added Tax) in Sweden

Social Contributions (Employer Fees)

As an entrepreneur, you must pay social security contributions totaling 31.42% of the salary base. These include:

• Health insurance
• Retirement (pension) contributions
• Payroll taxes
• Other statutory contributions

Need help?

Our accounting firm supports English-speaking entrepreneurs in Sweden with company registration, tax declarations, payroll, and ongoing financial advice.

How does the Swedish pension system work, and how can you best prepare for the future? In this article, we explain the structure of Swedish pensions, who is entitled to benefits, and how to save for retirement—through the state, your employer, or on your own.

Public Pension – The Foundation of Retirement in Sweden

The Swedish pension system differs from the Polish one. The total amount of your pension consists of a public pension paid by the state and income-related components based on your lifetime earnings in Sweden.

This portion is managed by the Swedish Pensions Agency (Pensionsmyndigheten) and is funded annually through work and taxes. Even during parental leave, the state contributes to your pension for the first four years after childbirth.

Your pension can also be increased by:

• Receiving student aid during university studies
• Completing military service, including basic training
• Receiving disability or activation benefits
• Being on unemployment benefits

The longer and more actively you work in Sweden, the higher your public pension. You can also choose your own pension fund for investment purposes.

How Is the Public Pension Structured?

The public pension is paid for life and consists of:

• Income pension (inkomstpension) – based on lifetime earnings
• Premium pension (premiepension) – based on annual contributions
• Basic or guaranteed pension (garantipension) – for low-income earners
• Pension supplement – based on income and working years

Each year, 2.5% of your income is directed to the premium pension. You can choose whether these funds go to a private pension fund or the default state fund AP7 Såfa.

Additional Support for Low-Income Pensioners

Those with a low public pension may be eligible for:

• Housing supplement – based on income, living situation, and costs
• Elderly support allowance – for those without full pension eligibility

These are only granted under strict conditions and require a separate application.

Survivor’s Pension – Financial Support After the Loss of a Loved One

The public pension system also includes a survivor’s pension for close family members—spouse, partner, or parent (in the case of a child).

• This benefit covers part of the income the deceased provided
• To qualify, the deceased must have lived and worked in Sweden
• The amount depends on how much pension the deceased accrued

Employer-Funded Pension (Tjänstepension)

Many workers in Sweden also receive a pension from their employer—called tjänstepension. This typically applies to:

• Public sector employees
• Private sector white-collar and blue-collar workers

Employers are not legally required to offer occupational pensions, so it’s important to check your contract.

Self-Employed? No Automatic Occupational Pension

If you’re self-employed, you do not receive tjänstepension unless you save independently. This is why many entrepreneurs choose to set aside funds privately.

When and How Is the Occupational Pension Paid?

If your employer contributed to a pension fund, the provider will typically contact you a few months before you turn 65. At that time, you decide:

• When to start drawing your pension
• Whether to receive payments for 5, 10, 15, 20 years, or for life

What Else Does Tjänstepension Include?

Occupational pensions can also include:

• Supplemental health insurance – beyond Försäkringskassan
• Survivor protection – for your family in case of death

How Does a Swedish Pension Interact With Foreign Pensions?

Pensions received in Poland or another country do not affect your Swedish income pension, premium pension, or supplementary pension.

However, they may impact:

• Your basic guaranteed pension
• Housing supplement
• Elderly support allowance
• Pension supplement

This is assessed individually, based on income and benefits from abroad.

Leaving Sweden – Can You Still Collect Your Pension?

Yes. If you’ve worked in Sweden and later move away, you are still entitled to receive:

• Income pension
• Premium pension
• Supplementary pension

However, you may lose housing or elderly supplements, which are only granted to residents of Sweden.

Private Pension Savings in Sweden

Just like in Poland, many people in Sweden also choose to save privately for retirement—especially those who:

• Are self-employed
• Don’t qualify for tjänstepension

Common methods of saving include:

• Bank savings
• Private insurance plans
• Investment savings accounts (ISK)
• Capital-based pension insurance

Paying Off a Mortgage as Retirement Planning

Another form of long-term saving is paying off your mortgage. This can offer both financial and tax benefits:

• After repayment, you own your home outright
• You avoid future rent or housing costs
• You benefit from tax relief during the repayment period

This is ideal for those who prefer tangible, long-term assets over financial products.

Need Help Navigating the Swedish Pension System?

Do you have questions about Pensionsmyndigheten, your pension rights, or how to apply for supplements or retirement benefits?

Contact us – we’ll help you make informed decisions about your retirement in Sweden.