Sweden has for many years remained an attractive market for foreign entrepreneurs – both in the service sector, as well as project-based, technological and construction industries. An increasing number of companies are executing contracts here, seconding employees or collaborating with Swedish clients on a permanent basis.
In 2026, the taxation rules for foreign companies in Sweden remain largely stable, however the practice of their application is becoming increasingly systematized. The Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) places great emphasis on ensuring that business activities conducted on Swedish territory are correctly classified for tax purposes – especially regarding the place of work performance, employer status and reporting obligations.
For foreign companies, this means the necessity of a conscious and thoughtful approach to their tax obligations, even before starting operations or executing a project in Sweden.
In this article, we explain what tax obligations may apply to foreign companies operating in Sweden in 2026 and what is worth paying attention to in practice.
When can a foreign company be subject to taxation in Sweden?
A foreign company is not always automatically subject to taxation in Sweden. The tax obligation arises only when certain conditions are met, particularly when the company:
- performs work physically on Swedish territory,
- employs workers who perform work in Sweden (also temporarily),
- executes projects or services requiring presence in Sweden,
- has or may be considered to have a permanent establishment (fast driftställe),
- meets the conditions of so-called limited tax liability.
In practice, the decisive factor is the place where work is actually performed, not solely the company's registered office or the country where invoices are issued.
Registration of a foreign company in Sweden
Depending on the nature of operations, a foreign company may be required to register with Skatteverket as:
Employer (arbetsgivare) – if it pays salaries for work performed in Sweden.
F-tax taxpayer – if the activity is of a permanent nature or the company independently handles tax settlements.
F-tax is also significant for relations with Swedish clients.
VAT taxpayer (momsregistrerad) – in case of services or supply of goods subject to VAT taxation in Sweden.
It's worth emphasizing that registration itself does not always mean an obligation to pay income tax, but almost always involves reporting obligations.
Obligations of a foreign employer
If a foreign company employs workers performing work in Sweden, an obligation may arise to:
- register as an employer,
- withhold preliminary tax (preliminärskatt),
- report salaries to Skatteverket.
In standard cases, when an employee does not have an individual tax decision, a preliminary tax rate of 30% is applied.
However, some situations may be subject to exceptions, for example based on:
- double taxation agreements,
- special arrangements (e.g., Öresund agreement),
- work performed entirely outside Sweden.
Each case requires individual analysis.
Obligation to submit "special information"
Foreign companies that do not have a permanent establishment in Sweden but conduct activities related to the Swedish market may be required to submit annual "special information" (särskilda uppgifter).
The purpose of this obligation is to enable Skatteverket to assess whether:
- there is an obligation to file a tax return,
- the company should be registered as an employer,
- a tax obligation arises in Sweden.
The deadline for submitting information is the same as the deadline for tax returns.
Permanent establishment (fast driftställe)
If a foreign company's activity in Sweden is of a permanent nature and involves physical presence – for example, through an office, technical facilities, long-term project or local personnel – a permanent establishment may arise.
In such a case, the company is treated as an entity conducting business in Sweden and is subject to Swedish taxation and accounting rules.
VAT in the operations of foreign companies
Foreign companies may be required to register for VAT in Sweden, among others, when:
- they provide VAT-taxable services in Sweden,
- they sell goods on Swedish territory,
- they have a warehouse or inventory in Sweden,
- they provide services to private individuals.
The applicable VAT rates are 25%, 12% and 6%, depending on the type of activity.
Cooperation with Swedish clients
If a foreign company performs work physically in Sweden and does not have F-tax, the Swedish client may be required to withhold 30% preliminary tax from the remuneration.
Therefore, in practice, F-tax is often a condition for starting cooperation.
Work performed outside Sweden
If all work is performed outside Swedish territory, and the company has no personnel or infrastructure here, as a general rule, no Swedish tax obligation arises, even if the client is Swedish.
Summary
For foreign companies operating in Sweden in 2026, the key factors are:
- correct assessment of the place where work is performed,
- proper registration with Skatteverket,
- distinction between tax obligations and reporting-only obligations,
- conscious management of the relationship with Swedish clients.
Revea – support for foreign companies in Sweden
At Revea, we help foreign entrepreneurs safely and transparently conduct business in Sweden – from initial analysis, through registrations, to ongoing settlements and contact with Skatteverket.
If you want to be sure that your business in Sweden is properly structured from a tax perspective, we invite you to contact us.









