How to Register Your Business in Sweden: A Guide for Coaches, Consultants and Digital Course Creators

Starting a business in Sweden offers unique opportunities and challenges, particularly for coaches, consultants, and digital course creators. While Sweden boasts a streamlined registration process, high digital adoption, and robust social systems, navigating taxes and regulations can feel complex for new entrepreneurs. The good news? Sweden provides room for growth, thanks to its thriving knowledge-based economy and support for small businesses.

This guide will walk you through how to register your business in Sweden, covering the steps for registering a sole proprietorship (enskild firma) or a limited liability company (Aktiebolag, AB) tailored for service-based entrepreneurs.

How to Register Your Business in Sweden as a Sole Proprietorship

If you’re starting small, a sole proprietorship (enskild firma) is a simple and cost-effective way to begin. Here’s how to register your business in Sweden as a sole proprietor:

Step 1: Register with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket)

Start by submitting a registration form for a sole proprietorship (enskild näringsverksamhet) to the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket). You can complete this process online or by visiting a local tax office.

💡 Pro Tip: Submit your application online at Skatteverket’s website.

Step 2: Personal Identity Number (Personnummer)

• Swedish Citizens: Use your personnummer (personal identity number).

• Foreign Nationals: You’ll need a coordination number (samordningsnummer) or a special identification number (särskilt identifikationsnummer) to register.

Step 3: Obtain a VAT Number (if applicable)

If your business revenue exceeds SEK 80,000 annually, you must register for VAT through Skatteverket.

How to Register a Limited Liability Company in Sweden

If you plan to scale or limit personal liability, a limited liability company (Aktiebolag, AB) might be the right choice. Here’s how to register your business in Sweden as an AB:

Step 1: Shareholders and Share Capital

• Decide on the shareholders and their ownership percentages.

• Ensure the minimum share capital of SEK 25,000 is available.

Step 2: Name Search

Choose a unique name and verify its availability with the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket) and make a knockout search to make sure that you dont infringe on names already registered.

Step 3: Draft the Articles of Association

Prepare the Articles of Association (Stadgar), which must comply with Swedish company law. This document outlines your company’s purpose, structure, and shareholder rights.

Step 4: Open a Bank Account

Set up a capital account in your company’s name and deposit the required share capital.

Step 5: Notarize Documents and Collect Signatures

• Have your Articles of Association notarized by a public notary.

• Collect signatures from all shareholders.

Step 6: Register with Bolagsverket

Submit your application online via Bolagsverket’s website. Once approved, you’ll receive:

• A registration confirmation.

• A corporate identity number (organisationsnummer).

Step 7: Register for VAT (if applicable)

If your company’s revenue exceeds SEK 80,000 annually, register for VAT with Skatteverket.

Ease of Doing Business for Coaches, Consultants, and Course Creators in Sweden

Sweden's advanced digital infrastructure and tech-savvy population make it an excellent environment for online and service-based businesses. With strong English proficiency among Swedes, coaches and consultants can easily tap into a global audience. However, the tax system and social contributions can be intricate, requiring careful planning to ensure compliance. While these challenges might seem daunting at first, Sweden’s stable economy and support for innovation create ample room for growth, particularly for entrepreneurs offering digital and knowledge-based services.

FREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU SUCCEED

Step 1: Start with the Free Business Checklist

Get your step-by-step guide to building a strong foundation for your coaching or consulting business.

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Step 2: Watch the Free Training

Learn the five blind spots that can sabotage your success -- How to fix them, legally protect your business and gain peace of mind.

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About the Author

Hi! I’m Vena Verga-Danemar, an Onlinepreneur Legal Strategist. As both a lawyer and an online business owner, I’ve helped dozens of coaches, consultants, and course creators legally start and grow their businesses using strategies that don’t require working 24/7.

Follow me in Instagram and Linkedin for tips and strategies on running a sustainable business that attracts leads and clients without the legal drama.