The Insider's Guide to Hiring in Sweden

Quick Overview

Can you hire? Yes
Employer cost 31.42%
Best model EOR
Continent Europe
Population~ 10.5 million
LanguageSwedish
CapitalStockholm
Country code+46
Min wageSweden does not have a national minimum wage. Instead, wages are established through collective bargaining agreements and individual employment contracts, which differ across sectors of the labor market. These collective agreements typically outline minimum pay levels that employers must adhere to for different types of workers.
Working hours8 hours per day
WeekdaysMonday through Friday
Work hours per week40 hours per week
CurrencySwedish Krona (SEK)

Can you hire?

Yes

Via entity or EOR. Entity needed: Yes (or use EOR)

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Employer cost

31.42%

On top of gross salary

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Best model

EOR

Recommended for most companies

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Direct Hire

Local Entity

Set up a local entity. Full control, full compliance responsibility.

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Contractor

Freelance

Engage freelance or project-based talent. Lighter compliance, strict scope rules.

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EOR

RemotePass

Hire without an entity. RemotePass handles compliance, payroll, and visa.

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What does a $60,000 hire cost in Sweden?

Drag to adjust salary

Total annual employer cost

Key Takeaways for Hiring in Sweden

  • Minimum wage: No statutory minimum (set by collective agreements)
  • Standard working hours: 8 hours/day per day / 40 hours/week per week
  • Recommended hiring model: EOR
  • Local currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)

Continent

Europe

Capital

Stockholm

Currency

Swedish Krona (SEK)

Language

Swedish

Pay Date

End of the month

VAT

25%

Overview

IndicatorDetails
Population~ 10.5 million
LanguageSwedish
CapitalStockholm
CurrencySwedish Krona (SEK)
Country code+46
Min wageSweden does not have a statutory minimum wage.
Working hours8 hours per day
WeekdaysMonday to Friday
Work hours per week40 hours per week

Payroll

Average employer cost

31.42%

CategoryDetails
13th SalaryNot mandatory; subject to employer discretion.
Avg employer tax31.42%

Tax Breakdown

Personal Income Tax (PIT)

CategoryRate / Details
Up to SEK 598,5000% national tax + municipal tax (approximately 32.41%)
Above SEK 598,50020% national tax + municipal tax (approximately 32.41%)

Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

CategoryRate / Details
Standard Rate20.6%

Social Security Contributions

CategoryRate / Details
Employee Contributions31.42% of gross salary
Employer ContributionsApproximately 7% towards pension insurance

VAT

CategoryRate / Details
VAT25%

Onboarding Process

Onboarding in Sweden typically includes the following steps to ensure a smooth transition for new hires:

  1. Employment Contract — Must be in writing and include job title, duties, salary, working hours, leave entitlements, and termination conditions
  2. Registration with Authorities — Register the employee with the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish Social Insurance Agency
  3. Payroll Setup — Ensure accurate calculation and withholding of taxes and social security contributions
  4. Employee Documentation — Collect personal identification, bank account details, and tax information
  5. Workplace Policies — Provide access to company policies, health and safety guidelines, and any applicable collective agreements
  6. Pre-boarding — Pre-boarding Pre-boarding

Employee Leave Policies

Sick Leave

  • The first day is unpaid; the second to 14th days are paid by the employer; subsequent days are paid by social security at approximately 80% of salary

Maternity Leave

  • 14 weeks; seven before and seven after childbirth

Paternity Leave

  • 10 days

Parental Leave:

  • 480 days, which can be shared between parents

Annual Leave

  • Minimum of 25 days per year

7 Public holidays in Sweden

Note: Some holidays may be observed on different dates or may be extended, depending on regional regulations.

MonthDateHoliday
January1stNew Year’s Day
April6thEaster Sunday
April13thEaster Monday
May1stLabor Day
June19thMidsummer Day
December25thChristmas Day
December26thBoxing Day

Termination Process

RequirementDetails
Notice PeriodEmployee-Initiated: Typically 1 month Employer-Initiated: Varies based on length of service; generally 1 to 6 months
Severance PayNot mandatory; subject to employment agreements
Termination During ProbationEither party can terminate with appropriate notice
Probation PeriodMaximum Duration: 6 months Extension: Permitted if agreed upon by both parties Termination During Probation: Either party can terminate with appropriate notice
Personal DetailsName, contact information, and role of the employee.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is intended for general informational and guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or human resources advice. While we strive to keep the information up to date and accurate, laws and regulations in Sweden are subject to change. We recommend consulting with qualified legal and HR professionals for advice specific to your situation. RemotePass does not accept liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes related to the use of this information.

Supporting Guides

Contractor Rules

Hiring, engagement, and misclassification rules

Read Guide →

Work Visas

Visa types, sponsorship, and permit process

Read Guide →

Payroll

Pay cycles, salary structure, and employer cost breakdown

Read Guide →

Taxes

Corporate tax, VAT, and personal income tax

Read Guide →

Benefits & Leave

Annual leave, public holidays, and statutory benefits

Read Guide →

Termination & Severance

Severance, notice periods, and the offboarding process

Read Guide →

Finally, a Payroll Partner That Actually Gets Sweden

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