Financial Services

Business support allowance (näringsbidrag) is a financial benefit that can be granted to persons undergoing military training or serving in the armed forces (recruit or total defense duty) and who derive their livelihood wholly or partly from a business (own enterprise or activity). The allowance is part of the family allowance and aims to compensate for loss of income during service.Applications are made to the Swedish Social Insurance Agency (Försäkringskassan) using a special form. The right to business support allowance is regulated in the Social Insurance Code and ensures that persons with their own business can fulfill their obligations within the total defense system without suffering financially.

Issued by: Swedish Social Insurance Agency

Insurance intermediaries who have received authorization from the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) must register with the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Bolagsverket). This applies to both natural and legal persons who professionally mediate insurance.If you are not tied to an insurance company (tied insurance intermediary), you must first apply for authorization from the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority. Registration with the Swedish Companies Registration Office must be made within six months after authorization has been obtained from the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority.

Issued by: Swedish Companies Registration Office

Those who collect debts on behalf of others (agency debt collection) or debts that have been taken over for collection generally require a permit from the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) to conduct debt collection operations. This applies to both legal entities (companies and organizations) and natural persons with or without business names.No permit is required for own debt collection (own claims), group debt collection (claims within own group), or for those who already have a permit and are under supervision by Finansinspektionen. Lawyers and employees at law firms may also collect debts without a permit.

Issued by: Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority

An audit company registered as an audit firm can be selected as auditor, unlike an audit company that is not registered. For each audit assignment, the company must appoint an approved or authorized auditor as the main responsible auditor. Where an authorized auditor would have been required for a natural person, the main responsible auditor must also be authorized.Audit firms can be partnerships or limited companies. The Swedish Inspectorate of Auditors registers and exercises supervision. Registration is valid for five years. Requirements include that the company is not bankrupt or in liquidation, is owned by auditors or registered audit firms, and that board members, CEO and signatories are auditors.

Issued by: Swedish Inspectorate of Auditors

To become an authorized auditor, you must have passed the auditor exam at the Swedish Inspectorate of Auditors and be professionally active as an auditor. The authorization is valid for five years and the Swedish Inspectorate of Auditors exercises supervision. Before each new five-year period, RI checks that the auditor still meets all requirements.Requirements include that you professionally practice auditing, live in Sweden or another EEA state, are not bankrupt or have a business prohibition, have the required education and experience, have passed the auditor exam and are honest and suitable. The Swedish Inspectorate of Auditors also organizes aptitude tests for auditors from other EEA countries.

Issued by: Swedish Inspectorate of Auditors

A pawnbroking business is a commercial activity that lends money to consumers against a pledge in movable property. To operate a pawnbroking business, a permit from the County Administrative Board is required according to the Pawnbroking Act (1995:1000). Pawnbroking can only be operated by Swedish limited companies or equivalent foreign companies within the EEA area.The borrower does not become personally liable for the loan if it is not repaid - the pledged item is the only security. The pawnbroker determines which goods are accepted as pledges, interest rates, and any fees. The loan period can be up to one year, most commonly four months.

Issued by: County Administrative Board