Grants and loans

Financial incentives

The Swedish government and regional authorities will grant considerable financial and other help to a foreign investor who plans to set up business in Sweden. The BASE region is, in this respect, a highly favoured area.

There are a number of grants and loans available to companies which seek to establish or expand their business. The major part of these incentives are in one way or the other intended for small and medium-sized companies.

Here are a few examples of such financial incentives.

Rural grants

Companies with a maximum of 250 employees may obtain grants up to 35 per cent of the company's investment costs. The maximum amount is SEK 800,000 during a three-year period.

External know-how

Companies with a maximum of 250 employees which buy external know-how may obtain grants up to 50 per cent of the investment costs. The maximum amount is SEK 100,000 during a three-year period.

Industrial development fund loans

For the completion of high-risk technical projects industrial companies with a maximum of 250 employees may obtain conditional loans, credit guarantees, project guarantees and capital in return for royalty. This kind of financing may vary from between 50 up to 75 per cent of the total project costs.

Education of employees

Small and medium-sized companies in the private sector may receive grants up to 50 per cent of the cost for raising the competence of their employees.

EC/US partnership grants

Companies on either side of the Atlantic may obtain grants for participation in joint ventures in education or vocational training.

Co-operative grants

Various kinds of co-operation agreement between at least three companies may be granted up to 50 per cent of the total investment cost. The maximum amount is SEK 800,000 during a three-year period.

Depending on the type of investment and the influence a certain business establishment will have on the future development of the region, the authorities of local areas will be willing to discuss also other agreements to facilitate for a foreign investor.