Step 5: Tax registration
Paying taxes in Sweden means contributing to a reliable welfare system.
When you move here for work, you become part of a well-known system that includes healthcare, childcare and public transport. A few tax procedures are good to know before your first salary.
Who you will be in contact with
- The Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) handles your tax matters, including your tax form, tax decisions and the annual tax return.
- State service centres can also help you with tax matters in person if you prefer support on site.
Which tax form applies to you?
There are two forms of tax in Sweden for employees. Most people who move to Sweden for work and plan to stay for several months or longer are assigned general tax (in Swedish A-tax). This means that tax will be deducted by the employer according to a tax table based on your income.
If you come to Sweden for an assignment shorter than six months, such as a project or seasonal work, you may instead be taxed under State Income Tax for non-residents (in Swedish SINK), a flat-rate tax.
Read more about what you need to know about tax forms when you work in Sweden at the Swedish Tax Agency’s website.
How tax registration works
When you are registered in Sweden, the Swedish Tax Agency automatically registers you for tax based on the information you have provided about your stay and your work.
Once you start working, your employer reports your income to the Swedish Tax Agency each month and deducts tax when your salary is paid. They use your personal identity number or coordination number to report your income correctly and link it to the right tax record.
Your responsibility in the tax process is to keep your details up to date and notify the Swedish Tax Agency if anything changes, such as your address or the length of your stay.
If you are taxed under A-tax, you also need to file an annual tax return in the spring following the income year. If you are taxed under SINK, you are not required to file a Swedish tax return.
How much tax you pay
Income tax in Sweden is based on your income and where you live. Most people pay a municipal tax, and if your income is above a certain level, you also pay state income tax. For a broader introduction to the Swedish tax system, see our guide to taxes in Sweden.
Some professionals who move to Sweden may be eligible for a tax relief if they are considered experts, researchers or other key staff, and plan to stay in Sweden for a maximum of seven years. The relief reduces the taxable portion of your income for a limited period. Learn more at the Taxation of Research Workers Board.
Next step
Time to set up your Swedish ID card. For non-Swedish citizens, it is the only Swedish form of physical identification accepted by authorities, so it’s a good idea to get it as soon as you receive your personal identity number.
