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In this page: FDI in Figures | What to consider if you invest in Sweden | Protection of Foreign Investment | Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment | Office Real Estate and Land Ownership | Investment Aid | Investment Opportunities | Sectors Where Investment Opportunities Are Fewer | Finding Assistance For Further Information

 

FDI in Figures

According to UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2023, FDI inflows to Sweden more than doubled in 2022, reaching USD 45.9 billion, up from USD 21.1 billion one year earlier. The country was thereby the most attractive market in Europe for FDI and reached ninth place globally. In the same year, the stock of FDI stood at USD 353.8 billion. Sweden is also a big investor, with an outward FDI stock of USD 481.7 billion. In terms of FDI stocks, the UK, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Germany, the U.S., and Norway are the main investing countries in Sweden. As of 2021, Sweden's FDI stock totalled SEK 3,722 billion, with a significant presence from neighbouring Nordic and other European countries. European companies collectively hold 85% of foreign-owned assets. Notably, Luxembourg and the Netherlands serve as major investment hubs, although the controlling parent company is often located elsewhere, occasionally even in Sweden. The largest foreign assets are held in legal, professional, scientific and technical activities, manufacturing, the financial and insurance activities sector, wholesale and retail trade, and information and communication. According to the latest figures from the OECD, in the first semester of 2023, FDI inflows to Sweden reached USD 9.9 billion, compared with USD 22.3 billion recorded in the same period one year earlier.

Despite the unfavourable international situation, the country maintains a high level of appeal to foreign investors, because of its multilingual and qualified workforce, very high per capita purchasing power, an economy at the forefront of new technologies and innovation, as well as its advantageous tax regime. The Swedish government has undertaken measures to develop support for investment, focusing on key sectors (biotechnologies and food processing), as well as rapidly growing markets (Baltic countries, India, Brazil, etc.). There are gaps in the food-processing field, as well as in the housing and interior design sectors. On September 13, 2023, the Swedish Parliament approved the FDI Act, creating a national screening system for foreign direct investments. This legislation, effective December 1, 2023, empowers the Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP) to assess FDIs that may impact Sweden's national security, public order or public safety. All foreign investments closing on or after December 1, 2023, must comply with mandatory notification and approval procedures under the FDI Act, regardless of when the investment agreement was initiated. As evidence of the quality of the Swedish business climate, the country ranks high on most international investment lists, including the AT Kearney 2023 Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index (17th worldwide), the Global Innovation Index 2023 (2nd worldwide, the country has been in the top 3 for over a decade), and the 2023 Index of Economic Freedom (9th).

 
Foreign Direct Investment 202020212022
FDI Inward Flow (million USD) 21,51421,13345,963
FDI Stock (million USD) 395,715387,483353,791
Number of Greenfield Investments* 9395125
Value of Greenfield Investments (million USD) 2,3322,8582,616

Source: UNCTAD, Latest data available.

Note: * Greenfield Investments are a form of Foreign Direct Investment where a parent company starts a new venture in a foreign country by constructing new operational facilities from the ground up.

 

FDI STOCKS BY COUNTRY AND INDUSTRY

Main Investing Countries 2022, in %
Luxembourg 19.1
Netherlands 14.6
United Kingdom 12.4
Norway 8.5
Germany 7.9
USA 7.8
Finland 6.4
Denmark 5.0
Main Invested Sectors 2022, in %
Manufacturing 26.3
Financial and insurance activities 25.6
Legal, professional, scientific and technical activities 12.4
Wholesale and retail trade 9.5
Real estate 6.5
Energy and recycling 5.7
Information and communication 4.5

Source: Statistics Sweden, Latest data available.

 
Form of Company Preferred By Foreign Investors
The limited liability company is the simplest and most preferred structure, especially for foreign companies (SMEs wishing to set up in Sweden).
Form of Establishment Preferred By Foreign Investors
A subsidiary or a representative office.
Main Foreign Companies
Over 11,000 foreign companies from the EU, U.S., South Africa, Malta, Saudi Arabia, India and Bahrain are set in Sweden.
Sources of Statistics
Statistics Sweden
Business Sweden

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What to consider if you invest in Sweden

Strong Points
Advantages for FDI in Sweden:

  • The political and economic situation is very favourable and creates a good quality business environment. 
  • According to the World Bank, Sweden is the 10th country in terms of ease of doing business (Doing Business 2020).
  • Corporates taxes are among the lowest in Europe: The country applies participation exemption, authorises a total tax deduction for interest and has no strict capitalisation rules. 
  • The economy is open, diversified (specialised in high-potential sectors such as high-tech products and sustainable economy) and extremely competitive. 
  • Demographics are becoming increasingly dynamic and are fuelling a highly qualified workforce adapted to export trades. 
  • The judicial system is balanced and allows for safe, transparent and reliable decisions. 
  • The quality of management and advisory services is very high, and the business procedures are simple to undertake. 
  • The potential of the domestic market is often underestimated, as Swedish consumers have one of the highest levels of purchasing power in Europe and a growing propensity to consume. 

For more information, visit the Business Sweden website.

Weak Points

Disadvantages for FDI include:

  • High labour costs
  • Rigid labour legislation giving priority to worker protection
  • High household debt (201% of net disposable income)
  • Tensions in the housing market
Government Measures to Motivate or Restrict FDI
Since entering the European Union, the Swedish government has put in place a number of reforms to improve the legal business environment. This allowed the country to attract foreign investors and increase its competitiveness.
There are a number of incentives available to both Swedish and foreign owned companies, including:

  • Financial incentives (such as loans and grants).
  • Favourable tax regimes (such as tax relief for foreign experts and key personnel).

The Swedish government offers certain incentives to set up a business in targeted depressed areas. A range of regional support programs, including location and employment grants, low rent industrial parks, and economic free zones are available.

Sweden does not have a national security screening mechanism for inbound foreign investment.  However, the government is considering how to implement the EU Commission’s investment screening framework.

Business Sweden is the investment promotion agency tasked with facilitating business.

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Protection of Foreign Investment

Bilateral Investment Conventions Signed By Sweden
Sweden has signed over 70 bilateral agreements. To see the list of conventions and countries, click here.
International Controversies Registered By UNCTAD
The ISDS Navigator contains information about known international arbitration cases initiated by investors against States pursuant to international investment agreements. Sweden is involved in 10 cases as Home State of claimant.
Organizations Offering Their Assistance in Case of Disagreement
ICCWBO , International Court of Arbitration, International Chamber of Commerce
ICSID , International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes
Member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency
Sweden is a signatory to the MIGA Convention.
 
Country Comparison For the Protection of Investors Sweden OECD United States Germany
Index of Transaction Transparency* 8.0 6.5 7.0 5.0
Index of Manager’s Responsibility** 4.0 5.3 9.0 5.0
Index of Shareholders’ Power*** 7.0 7.3 9.0 5.0

Source: The World Bank - Doing Business, Latest data available.

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Procedures Relative to Foreign Investment

Freedom of Establishment
In general, Sweden imposes no restrictions on foreign investments or foreign shareholders. However, in certain sectors, conditions aimed at limiting foreign ownership can be imposed as a requirement for obtaining the necessary permits. Confirmation usually takes two to three weeks once the Swedish Company Registration Bureau has received the written application.
Acquisition of Holdings
Taking a majority holding in the capital of a Swedish company is allowed. For more information on mergers and acquisitions please visit Bolagsverket.
Obligation to Declare
The Swedish Act (1992:160) on Foreign Branches applies to foreign companies operating through a branch and also to people residing abroad who run a business in Sweden.

The investment promotion agency in the country gives information about the authorisations necessary for establishing a business.

Competent Organisation For the Declaration
The Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket)
Requests For Specific Authorisations

Sweden does maintain some limitations in a select number of situations:

  • Accountancy: Investment in the accountancy sector by non-EU-residents cannot exceed 25 percent.
  • Legal services: Investment in a corporation or partnership carrying out the activities of an “advokat,” or lawyer, cannot be done by non-EU residents.
  • Air transport: Foreign enterprises may be restricted from access to international air routes unless bilateral intergovernmental agreements provide otherwise.
  • Air transport: Cabotage is reserved to national airlines.
  • Maritime transport: Cabotage is reserved to vessels flying the national flag.
  • Defense: Restrictions apply to foreign ownership of companies involved in the defense industry and other sensitive areas.

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Office Real Estate and Land Ownership

Possible Temporary Solutions
Temporary office solutions:  Regus
The Possibility of Buying Land and Industrial and Commercial Buildings
There are generally no restrictions on overseas companies entering into acquisition agreements or lease agreements.
Risk of Expropriation
Expropriation is possible for public aims. It is not discriminatory. There is reasonable compensation in conformity with established principles of international law.

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Investment Aid

Forms of Aid

There are a number of incentives available to both Swedish and foreign owned companies, including:

  • Financial incentives (such as loans and grants).
  • Favourable tax regimes (such as tax relief for foreign experts and key personnel).
Privileged Domains
The Swedish government offers certain incentives to set up a business in targeted depressed areas develop innovation and R&D.
Privileged Geographical Zones
Sweden has foreign trade zones with bonded warehouses in the ports of Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Jönköping. Goods may be stored indefinitely in these zones without customs clearance, but they may not be consumed or sold on a retail basis.  Permission may be granted to use these goods as materials for industrial operations within a free trade zone.
Free-trade zones
Sweden has foreign trade zones with bonded warehouses in the ports of Stockholm, Goteborg, Malmo, and Jonkoping.
Public aid and funding organisations
Ministry of Finance
 
 

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Investment Opportunities

The Key Sectors of the National Economy
Automotive, businesses, cleaning, natural resources (including the mining industry), packaging, mechanical industry, ICT.
High Potential Sectors
Automotive, retail, cleaning, real estate, natural resources, packaging, information and communication technologies, life sciences, transport, renewable energies (wind, biofuels and geothermal), eco-construction.
Privatization Programmes
Privatisation policies are debated in Sweden. Some measures concerning the privatisation of education and health divide opinion. The government has a mandate to divest or liquidate its holdings in various companies in the vehicle inspection, automotive and export credit sectors.
Tenders, Projects and Public Procurement
Tenders Info , Tenders in Sweden
Ted - Tenders Electronic daily , Business opportunities in EU 27
DgMarket , Tenders Worldwide

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Sectors Where Investment Opportunities Are Fewer

Monopolistic Sectors
Post, delivery

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Finding Assistance For Further Information

Investment Aid Agency
Business Sweden Agency: The Swedish Trade and Invest Council
Almi Foretagspartner
Other Useful Resources
Invest in Stockholm
How to start and run a business in Sweden - Invest in Skane
Doing Business Guides
KPMG country report on Sweden
How to invest in Sweden - The Balance
Doing Business in Sweden - UHY
 
 
 
 

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Latest Update: September 2024