Payroll & Employment Guide Sweden flag

Payroll & Employment Guide Sweden

Sweden is one of the most attractive countries in Europe for global employers, known for its strong labour protections, transparent business practices, and highly skilled workforce. With a modern economy and a high standard of living, Sweden offers great opportunities for companies looking to hire remote talent or expand their presence in Northern Europe.

Payroll & Employment Guide Sweden
CurrencySwedish Krona (SEK)
LanguagesSwedish
Minimum wageNo minimum wage
Employment cost31.42%
Working hours40 hours per week
VAT25%
Probation periodUp to 6 months
Paid leave days25 days per year
Categories

Hiring guide

Sweden is a highly developed labour market with unique employment practices shaped by strong trade unions and collective bargaining. Employment terms, including wages and working conditions, are typically governed by collective agreements, even if the employee isn’t part of a union.

Discover more about salaries, employment costs, and legal requirements for hiring in Sweden. Get the full hiring guide now!

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Employment contracts

All employment in Sweden must be governed by a written agreement. Employment contracts can be permanent or fixed-term and must clearly define job duties, salary, working hours, probationary period (if applicable), and other terms.

Notice periods: 1 - 6 months

Termination of employment: Must follow strict labour laws and, in most cases, must be objectively justified.

Want to get all the details of employment contracts in Sweden? Get our full template now!

Employee benefits

Sweden offers one of the most comprehensive benefits systems in Europe. In addition to mandatory social protections, employers often provide additional perks to stay competitive in the talent market.

  • Mandatory benefits: Pensions, healthcare, and unemployment insurance.
  • Common perks: Private health insurance, flexible working hours, remote work options, meal and transportation allowances, wellness benefits, and professional development.
  • Leave policies: Annual leave, parental leave, sick leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave

Want a full breakdown of all the employee benefits available in Sweden?

Taxes

Sweden has a progressive income tax system and high social contributions. Employers are responsible for withholding taxes and reporting payroll details to the Swedish Tax Agency.

  • Income tax: Progressive rates from 30% to 57%, combining municipal (around 32%) and state taxes (20-25% for higher incomes).
  • Social security contributions: Employers pay 31.42% of gross salary, covering pensions, healthcare, and unemployment insurance.
  • Value Added Tax (VAT): Standard rate is 25%, with reduced rates for certain goods and services.

Capital gains tax: Generally 30% on investment income.

Payroll

Payroll in Sweden must align with the employment contract and relevant collective agreements. Employers are responsible for paying salaries, withholding taxes, and submitting monthly payroll declarations.

Salary payment deadline: Typically by the 25th of each month (can vary)

Taxes and contributions payment deadline: By the 12th of the following month

Payroll declarations deadline: By the 12th of the following month

Payroll currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)

EOR services

EOR services in Sweden enable you to legally employ individuals in the country without opening legal entities. Your EOR will take over all the legal responsibilities as an official employer, including:

  • Legal employment and contracts
  • Payroll processing
  • Tax withholding
  • Benefits administration
  • Onboarding/offboarding employees

PEO services

PEO services in Sweden provide HR and administrative support, while you remain the legal employer for your team. They are ideal for employers who already have legal entities in Sweden but need support to manage their workforce operations, including:

  • HR support and workforce administration
  • Payroll and benefits management
  • Compliance and local labour law guidance
  • Employment contracts assistance

Payroll calculator

Native Teams’ payroll calculators are adjusted to 85+ countries’ local labour laws, including Sweden. Using our calculator, you can easily estimate net and gross salaries, employer/employee contributions, and other mandatory deductions in the country.

Note: The information provided above is for general guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting with qualified professionals who specialise in local labour laws before making any hiring decisions. While the data was accurate at the time of writing, labour regulations are subject to change, and it is your responsibility to stay informed about the latest developments.

Last update: August 11, 2025

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Frequently asked questions

When working with gig workers or freelancers in Sweden, it’s important to define the relationship clearly to avoid misclassification. Freelancers are considered self-employed and manage their own taxes and social security contributions. They typically work under a service contract rather than an employment contract.

Employers must avoid exercising control similar to that of a traditional employee, such as setting fixed working hours or integrating freelancers into their internal team structures.