freelancing

new roots2 minutes

Freelancing in Sweden is simpler when you combine proper registration with modern fintech tools. Register for f-skatt, open a Swedish bank account or a fintech hub like Revolut, invoice clients in SEK (including VAT where necessary), and track your income and expenses.

With fintech apps, you can receive international payments faster, avoid steep currency conversion fees, and still report all income in SEK to Skatteverket. Set aside money for taxes and file your annual return — fintech makes compliance painless while keeping your cash flow smooth.

 

Whether you’re an EU or non-EU citizen living in Sweden, freelancing, consulting, creating, or running a side hustle, this guide shows how to get paid efficiently without getting tangled in bureaucracy — all while keeping more of your money in your pocket.

Thanks to modern apps like Revolut and Wise, receiving international payments is faster, cheaper, and cleaner than ever. Gone are the days of expensive wire transfers or waiting days for money to arrive.

step 1
☐ register for f-skatt (freelance tax status)
  • Go to verksamt.se
  • Sign in with BankID or Freja eID
  • Register as self-employed (enskild näringsverksamhet)
  • Apply for f-skatt
  • Optionally register for VAT (moms)
step 2
☐ open a bank account or fintech hub
  • Needed to receive payments and connect to invoicing
  • Swedish bank: required for BankID, Swish, and local compliance
  • Revolut or Wise are optional but highly recommended for international clients:
    • Multi-currency accounts
    • Real FX rates
    • Instant or same-day transfers
    • Seamless invoice-to-payment workflow
step 3
☐ start invoicing

Your invoice should include:

  • your name & address
  • your f-skatt number
  • client details
  • description of services
  • amount in SEK
  • VAT if applicable

Free templates are available from Verksamt. With fintech, you can even generate invoices digitally and attach payment links for clients.

real-world example

A freelance developer from Spain living in Stockholm works with clients in Germany and the US.

  • Invoice €3,000/month
  • Send invoice via Revolut or Wise (instant conversion to SEK)
  • Track SEK income in your accounting tool
  • Pay preliminary tax in Sweden
  • Declare total income at year-end

Clients abroad? Handled. 

Payments in SEK for taxes? Taken care of. 

Fast, cheap, digital? Done.

Many freelancers get paid directly into Revolut in EUR, USD, or GBP, then convert to SEK for reporting. No unnecessary bank fees.

  • Swish for Swedish clients = instant, casual, painless
  • Revolut / Wise for international clients = fast, cheap, and transparent
  • Always keep records in SEK for tax reporting

creative example: Receive a commission from NYC in USD, convert to SEK instantly in Revolut, then use Swish to pay a friend for fika in Malmö — zero cash, zero stress.

Understanding your taxes:

  • Freelance income = taxable income in Sweden
  • Pay preliminary taxes monthly or quarterly
  • Deduct legitimate expenses (home office, tools, travel)
  • End-of-year: file INK1 tax return
  • Consider forming a limited company (AB) for higher income
  • Maintain f-skatt for solo freelance work
  • VAT registration is key for EU cross-border clients
  • Keep a simple spreadsheet or fintech tool tracking income vs expenses
  • You can register VAT (moms) and employer contributions simultaneously

☐ Register for f-skatt 
☐ (optional) Register for VAT (moms)
☐ Open a Swedish bank account
☐ Get BankID or Freja eID for identification
☐ Consider a Revolut or Wise account for international payments
☐ Set up invoicing (tool or template)
☐ Include f-skatt and SEK amounts on invoices
☐ Decide on pricing (consider VAT if applicable)
☐ Track income and expenses (spreadsheet or fintech app)
☐ Set aside money for taxes regularly
☐ Pay preliminary tax if required
☐ File annual tax return (INK1)
☐ Keep records of foreign payments and exchange rates

  • Freelancers are taxed where they live: Swedish residence means paying Swedish tax
  • International payments don’t change this
  • VAT & currency conversions must be handled in SEK
  • Swedish bank account + BankID = survival kit
  • Fintech apps = efficiency, transparency, and cheaper FX

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or professional advice. Rules and regulations may change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult a qualified professional or relevant authority for advice specific to your situation.

Learn more about international transfers using fintech apps 
Learn more about opening a bank account, BankID and Swish

↗︎ Learn more about f-skat at Skatteverket 
↗︎ Register for f-skatt
↗︎ Skatteverket – taxes and VAT
↗︎ Revolut — modern, feature-rich, user-friendly 
↗︎ Wise — multi-currency account, good for large transfers
↗︎ OFX — large FX transfers 
↗︎ Get BankID
↗︎ Get Freja eID