Hire Compliantly Without a Local Entity
Hiring contractors in Sweden involves navigating detailed labor regulations, tax systems, and employee protection laws. Northern Partners provides a local Employer of Record (EOR) solution in Sweden, enabling international companies and recruitment agencies to hire consultants legally—without the need to establish a Swedish subsidiary.
We take on the role of legal employer in Sweden, while you retain full operational control of the consultant’s daily work. We ensure that every employment contract, payroll transaction, and government filing is compliant with Swedish law.
Why Use an Employer of Record in Sweden?
Sweden has strong employee protections, collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), and mandatory benefits such as pension contributions and insurance. Incorrect employment setups can lead to penalties or misclassification.
With Northern Partners as your Swedish EOR, we manage:
- Registration with Swedish authorities
- Employment contracts aligned with Swedish labor law
- Monthly payroll in SEK, including payslips and deductions
- Tax withholding and employer social contributions (arbetsgivaravgifter)
- Administration of holiday pay (semesterlön) and sick leave
- Setup of occupational pension (ITP or SAF-LO, if applicable)
- TGL (group life insurance) and TFA (work injury insurance) where required
Benefits of Using Our EOR Sweden Service
- No need to register a Swedish company
- Faster onboarding: Hire contractors in days, not months
- Local compliance with collective agreements and national rules
- Transparent payroll and contribution management
- Onboarding support for both local and foreign consultants
How the Swedish EOR Process Works
- You select the consultant to work in Sweden
- We issue a compliant employment contract in Swedish and/or English
- We handle tax registration, social security, and insurance
- We process monthly payroll, report income via AGI, and pay employer taxes
- You manage the assignment, while we manage compliance
Can an EOR Help with Hiring Non-EU Nationals in Sweden?
Yes. As your legal employer, we can apply for work permits on your behalf. Sweden offers various schemes for skilled workers, including:
- Swedish work permit for highly qualified professionals
- EU Blue Card (for high-salary roles)
- Intra-corporate transfer permit
We guide you through the entire process, including offer letters, Migrationsverket (Migration Agency) applications, and timeline planning.
EOR vs Setting Up a Company in Sweden
Creating a Swedish entity involves registration with the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket), VAT registration, accounting, and board member requirements. An EOR offers a faster, leaner alternative—ideal for project-based hiring or testing the Swedish market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is an Employer of Record in Sweden? An Employer of Record (EOR) in Sweden is a third-party provider that becomes the legal employer of your consultant or contractor. The EOR manages all payroll, tax, compliance, and reporting duties while you oversee day-to-day work.
- Do I need a Swedish entity to hire in Sweden? No. With an EOR, you can hire consultants in Sweden without establishing a local company. The EOR handles all employment obligations under Swedish law on your behalf.
- What are the employer obligations in Sweden? Employers must register with Skatteverket, pay social contributions (arbetsgivaravgifter), withhold taxes via PAYE, administer holiday pay, and often provide occupational pension (ITP/SAF-LO) and insurances like TFA and TGL.
- Can I hire a non-EU consultant through an EOR in Sweden? Yes. The EOR can support work permit applications and act as the legal sponsor under Swedish migration law, provided the role meets the requirements for a skilled permit.
- How long does it take to onboard a consultant in Sweden? Most onboarding processes are completed within 2–4 business days for EU citizens. For non-EU hires, the processing time depends on work permit approval by Migrationsverket (the Swedish Migration Agency) – which categorises applicants and typically prioritises highly skilled workers.
Summary
Using an EOR in Sweden is a smart way to hire compliantly and efficiently. Whether you’re an agency placing consultants or a business hiring international talent, Northern Partners ensures full compliance with Swedish employment law—without the administrative burden of local incorporation.
Contact our Swedish EOR team to explore how we can support your next consultant hire.
Looking to hire in other Nordic countries?
Northern Partners also supports EOR services in: