Setting up a business in Sweden
14 November 2009by Ina Dimireva -- last modified 14 November 2009
An overview of the process of starting a new business in Sweden.
Based on article 43 of the Treaty establishing the European Community, the freedom of establishment principle allows entrepreneurs to set up a company in any EU country.
Freedom of establishment (article 43 EC Treaty)
The EU is making it easier, faster and cheaper to set up a new company thanks to points of single contact and one-stop-shops.
Points of single contact
The European Services Directive, which has to be fully implemented by the end of 2009, obliges EU Countries to simplify all procedures involved in starting and carrying out a service activity. By end 2009 it must be possible for companies and individuals providing services to complete all necessary formalities, such as authorisations, notifications, environmental licences, through points of single contact - from a distance and by electronic means.
Handbook on the implementation of the Services Directive
Providing services - European Union
One-stop-shops for all sectors
National governments have agreed that, by the end of 2007, they will:
- set up some form of one-stop shops for business start-ups - so entrepreneurs can carry out all the required procedures (e.g. registration, tax, VAT and social security) via a single administrative contact point, either physical (an office), virtual (web) or both;
- reduce the time taken to register a new business to one week ;
- reduce the fees for business start-ups.
Although compliance has improved, the level of achievement varies considerably from one country to another.
Start-up procedures: progress in 2008
This commitment has been renewed in the Small Business Act where, in addition, EU countries also commit themselves to shortening the time required to obtain business licenses.
The European Council of December 2008 adopted the Commission's European Economic Recovery Plan which calls for additional reductions in the procedures for starting up a company. The new targets are:
- costs for starting up a company must be reduced to zero ;
- time for starting up a company must be reduced to 3 days ;
- countries must have a one-stop-shop for new businesses.
European Economic Recovery Plan
Council Conclusions - December 2008
The EU will monitor how far national governments are delivering on these commitments.
As well as smooth start-up procedures, any successful new business requires a sound commercial strategy and secure financing.
Starting your own business - golden rules
Personalised help and advice
The Enterprise Europe Network provides information and advice to budding entrepreneurs.
About Enterprise Europe Network
Enterprise Europe Network - contact points
SOLVIT helps businesses deal with problems that arise when national authorities wrongly apply EU market rules.
Source: European Commission
