The entrepreneur’s guide to Gothenburg – a region of innovation and opportunity
Gothenburg is emerging as one of Europe’s most dynamic places to start and grow a business. Set on Sweden’s west coast – a region long known for engineering excellence, global industry leaders and a collaborative mindset – the city is now building a reputation as a rising force in the international startup scene. For entrepreneurs and talent looking for a supportive, future-focused environment, Gothenburg offers a rare combination of opportunity, openness and quality of life, with innovation taking place in real-world testbeds, labs and collaborative environments – not just in theory.
Your practical guide to starting a business in Gothenburg
This guide is designed to help you navigate that landscape – whether you are based abroad and considering a move, or already in the region and exploring your next step. Here, you will find practical information, key contacts and an overview of the support available to help you build long-term success in the Gothenburg region.
- Why Gothenburg?
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Step-by-step guide to starting a business
a. Check your eligibility
b. Choose your business structure
c. Key administrative steps - Build your network and connect with the community
- Explore the startup ecosystem
- Financing and funding
- International startup stories
- More useful links and contacts
If you are a global company or an SME thinking of expanding to Sweden, don’t miss our Investor’s guide to Gothenburg.
Why Gothenburg?
Innovation thrives here. The region brings together cutting-edge research, strong universities and a uniquely collaborative approach that connects startups, corporates and public organisations. This creates an environment where ideas scale faster, partnerships form naturally, and new technology can be tested, refined, and commercialised.
Gothenburg is also home to some of Europe’s most forward-thinking startups and scaleups, many grounded in Sweden’s long tradition of engineering, design and problem-solving. Combined with a highly educated international talent pool, easy access to decision-makers and a streamlined way of doing business, the region provides fertile ground for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.
Fast facts – Gothenburg’s startup strengths
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8,100
new companies started in the region in 2024.
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SEK 40 billion
– total value of ten Gothenburg-founded tech company acquisitions in 2024.
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#1
in the EU for innovative SMEs collaborating with others (EU Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2025).
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Gothenburg facts and statistics
A growing hub
for deeptech, sustainable mobility, digital health and advanced software development.
2. Step-by-step guide to starting a business
Starting a business in Sweden is a clear and structured process. Once you understand the basic permit requirements, setting up a company is relatively straightforward – whether you are launching a startup, beginning as a freelancer or exploring entrepreneurship alongside your studies or employment. This step-by-step overview gives you the essentials and directs you to the official resources that guide you through each stage.
a. Check your eligibility
EU/EEA citizens
You are free to live, work and start a business in Sweden without a residence or work permit.
Non-EU/EEA entrepreneurs
If you want to move to Sweden to run a business, you need a residence permit for self-employed people. You must demonstrate:
- Relevant industry or business experience
- A viable business plan
- Sufficient funds to start and run the company
- The ability to support yourself for the first two years
Migrationsverket: “Self-employed people”
Changing permit status
If you are already in Sweden on another permit (student, work, family), you may be able to switch to a permit that allows self-employment. Requirements differ depending on your situation.
International Master’s and PhD students
After completing your studies in Sweden, you can apply for a 12-month residence permit to stay in the country to look for work or start your own business, provided you can support yourself financially.
Migrationsverket: “Look for work after completing your studies in Sweden”
Accompanying partners
Partners of someone who holds a residence or work permit generally have the simplest pathway, with the right to work and start a business as long as their partner’s permit remains valid.
Eligibility at a glance
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EU/EEA = Free to start a business
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Non-EU/EEA – Self-employment permit needed
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Students – 12-month post-study permit option
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Partners – Usually allowed to start a business
b. Choose your business structure
Once you meet the permit requirements, setting up a business in Sweden is a well-defined process. Several legal forms are available, each suited to different types of entrepreneurs and companies.
Limited company (Aktiebolag / AB)
The most common choice for startups and growth-oriented businesses.
Key requirements:
- Minimum share capital: SEK 25,000
- The CEO and at least half of the board must be residents of the EU/EEA
- Annual reporting obligations (audit required only for larger companies)
Useful links:
- Bolagsverket: “Starting a limited company”
- Business Sweden: “Start a company in Sweden”
- Business Region Göteborg: “Choose the right business structure” (available in Swedish)
Sole trader (enskild firma)
A simple option, especially suitable for accompanying partners, freelancers and students starting on a smaller scale.
Features:
- No start-up capital required
- Owner has personal financial responsibility
- Well-suited for consultancy or part-time entrepreneurship
Bolagsverket: “Start a sole trader business
Trading partnership (Handelsbolag / HB)
A business operated by two or more people who share responsibility and liability.
Bolagsverket: “Start a partnership”
Branch office
International companies can establish a branch in Sweden without creating a Swedish legal entity.
c. Key administrative steps
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Register the company with Bolagsverket
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Apply for F-tax + VAT at Skatteverket
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Set up bookkeeping routines
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Open business bank account
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Check employer obligations (if hiring)
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3. Build your network and connect with the community
A strong local network is one of the best ways to accelerate your entry into Gothenburg’s startup scene. The region is known for its openness and collaborative culture, with frequent meetups, workshops and community events that make it easy to meet peers, experts and potential partners.
Tech community and meetups
Gothenburg’s tech community brings together developers, founders, designers, researchers and investors through regular meetups, workshops and informal gatherings. Some groups are international and held in English.
International House Gothenburg
International House Gothenburg offers guidance and activities for newcomers, including support related to work, entrepreneurship and settling in the region. It also hosts networking sessions, seminars and community events that can help you build connections early on.
International House Gothenburg
Gothenburg's Tech Calendar
Gothenburg’s Tech Calendar gathers upcoming events across the region – from deeptech seminars to startup breakfasts and community meetups.
4. Explore the startup ecosystem
Gothenburg offers a uniquely collaborative and innovation-driven environment for startups. The region brings together public support organisations, global companies, universities, science parks and community platforms – all working to help ideas grow and founders succeed. This accessibility and openness is one of the reasons entrepreneurs often describe Gothenburg as a place where it’s easy to make meaningful connections and find support early on.
Support needs and opportunities vary depending on the sector you operate in and the stage of your business. Gothenburg’s key sectors – including tech, automotive and mobility, life science, logistics and advanced industry – each offer specialised environments, networks and opportunities tailored to different types of companies and growth phases.
Public actors: a strong foundation for entrepreneurs
Gothenburg’s public actors provide a reliable foundation for entrepreneurs, offering guidance, advisory services and accessible programmes at every stage of the journey.
- Business Region Göteborg (BRG)
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BRG is a public actor at the heart of Gothenburg’s startup journey, providing support from the idea stage to growth and internationalisationent.
Business advisory services
For people with an idea or early-stage concept, BRG offers free business advisory services. Advisors can support you with budgeting, writing a business plan, understanding permits and exploring how to take your idea forward. Meetings can be booked digitally, and support is available in English.
Business advisory services (available in Swedish)
Growth Programme (Tillväxtprogrammet)
For companies with at least five employees and growth ambitions, BRG’s Tillväxtprogrammet (Growth Programme) helps strengthen strategic capabilities and prepare for sustainable expansion.
Growth Programme (available in Swedish)
Investment advisory services
BRG also supports international companies and investors looking to establish or expand their physical presence in the region. Sector experts cover areas such as automotive and mobility, life science, ICT, green tech and urban development.
Knowledge Bank (Kunskapsbank)
BRG’s Kunskapsbank brings together guides, analyses and practical insights relevant for entrepreneurs and companies at different stages. Topics range from choosing the right business structure and writing a business plan to starting an e-commerce business and understanding key trends in the regional business environment.
- Yesbox – the entrepreneurial one-stop hub
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Yesbox brings together 15 public support agencies under one roof, providing free advice, coaching and activities – many offered in English. The centre acts as an easy entry point for anyone exploring entrepreneurship, with advisors available to help and regular events that connect founders with peers.
Collaboration arenas: connecting startups with industry
Gothenburg has several collaboration arenas where startups can work closely with established companies, researchers and industry leaders. These programmes provide access to expertise, real-world testing environments and opportunities to co-develop new solutions.
- MobilityXlab
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A platform where startups collaborate with leading companies in the mobility sector to develop future transport solutions.
- BioVentureHub
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Hosted by AstraZeneca, BioVentureHub offers life science and health tech companies a unique environment to grow alongside global industry experts.
- CampX by Volvo Group
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This is Volvo Group’s global innovation arena, designed to accelerate the development of sustainable transport technologies through collaboration with startups.
- SKF Ventures
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SKF’s innovation initiative is focused on open innovation, emerging technologies and venture building. The initiative works with startups and partners to explore new ideas, validate solutions and build scalable businesses that complement SKF’s core operations.
- GoCo Health Innovation City
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This life science innovation destination brings together companies, startups, researchers and healthcare actors in a shared environment. The area is designed to enable collaboration, knowledge exchange and long-term innovation across the life science ecosystem.
- Näst Innovation Destination
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Näst is a collaborative innovation destination focused on materials, energy, software and mobility. It connects industry, startups, researchers and public actors to explore new technologies and accelerate innovation through cross-sector collaboration.
Incubators and accelerators: supporting early-stage growth
Gothenburg has a strong network of incubators and accelerators that help early-stage startups develop their business models, build capabilities and prepare for growth. These programmes provide structured guidance, coaching and access to peers, mentors and investors.
- CO-AX at Sahlgrenska Science Park
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The largest accelerator for health innovation companies in the Nordics, supporting founders within life science and health tech.
- Brewhouse
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An incubator with a strong focus on creative industries and tech-related innovation.
- Founders Loft
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An incubator for scalable tech and impact startups, offering business development support and community.
- Yuncture
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An incubator programme for early-stage founders, providing coaching and support for startup development.
- Chalmers Ventures
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A deep tech incubator and investor offering structured programmes such as Startup Camp, with strong links to research and advanced technologies.
- GU Ventures
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An incubator connected to the University of Gothenburg, supporting scalable ideas in life science and tech.
Science parks: environments that connect research and industry
Gothenburg’s science parks bring together companies, researchers and innovation actors in focused clusters. They offer environments where startups can access specialised knowledge, connect with research-driven partners and take part in activities that support growth and development.
Science parks play an important role in the regional ecosystem, especially for founders working within technology, life science and knowledge-intensive fields.
Starting out in Gothenburg was a natural choice for me. It’s an industrial city, home to major companies, with a strong startup ecosystem. Most importantly, it boasts a rich talent pool thanks to Chalmers, the local technical university and one of Europe’s leading institutions.
Co-working spaces and hubs: flexible places to work and connect
Co-working spaces and hubs are an important part of Gothenburg’s startup environment. They offer flexible and cost-effective workspaces, making it easy for entrepreneurs to get started without major upfront commitments. As a rough guide, in Central Gothenburg a hot desk will cost around SEK 1,500 to 5,800 per month, depending on things like location, amenities and services, contract flexibility and networking opportunities.
Many hubs also host events, workshops and informal meetups, creating opportunities to connect with like-minded people and become part of the local community. There are many options across the region – below are a few examples.
- United Spaces
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Centrally located, offering flexible office solutions and a strong professional community.
United Spaces
- A Working Lab Johanneberg
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A sustainable co-working environment close to Chalmers, often used by tech- and research-focused entrepreneurs.
A Working Lab Johanneberg
- The Yard
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A co-working space located in Gothenburg’s Lindholmen area, offering flexible workspaces in close proximity to tech companies, researchers and an active innovation community.
- GoCo House
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Part of GoCo Health Innovation City, providing co-working and collaboration opportunities for life science companies.
GoCo House
- Health Innovation Labs
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Part of Sahlgrenska Science Park, offering space and support for health and medtech innovation.
Health Innovation Labs
- Entreprenörsgatan
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A co-working space designed for entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, offering flexible workspaces and a community-oriented environment in central Gothenburg.
Entreprenörsgatan
We have collected more examples of co-working environments across the region.
Testbeds: real-world environments for developing and validating innovation
The Gothenburg region has around 60 testbeds – more than any other region in Sweden.
Testbeds provide startups with access to real-world environments where ideas and new technologies can be tested, validated and refined — moving innovation beyond theory. This reduces risk and the need for large upfront investments, and also creates opportunities to collaborate with companies, the city, researchers and institutes.
Testbeds in the region cover a wide range of areas, including mobility, electrification, life science and urban development. Through the testbed overview on the link below, founders can explore different environments and identify the ones that match their specific needs and areas of innovation.
What can you use testbeds for?
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Testing and validating prototypes
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Collecting real-world data
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Refining technical solutions
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Exploring collaborations with corporate or public partners
5. Financing and funding
Gothenburg offers a range of financing options for startups, from early-stage public funding to venture capital, international investors and specialised programmes. The region has a growing investment landscape and strong connections to national and international funding opportunities.
Venture capital
Venture capital is a form of investment for early-stage companies with high growth potential. In addition to funding, venture capital investors often contribute expertise, networks and strategic support during key phases of a company’s development. In Gothenburg, investors are active within areas such as biotechnology, information technology, software and environmental technology.
Public funding
Public funding in Sweden includes grants, innovation support and co-funded development programmes designed to help startups test ideas, develop new technologies and grow. Funding is available through national agencies such as Vinnova, as well as through EU programmes that support research collaboration and early-stage innovation. These instruments reduce risk for founders and make it easier to move from concept to market.
Investor networks and international platforms
Investor networks connect startups with investors through events, matchmaking activities and international innovation platforms. In Gothenburg, several initiatives bring together founders and investors, helping companies gain visibility and build relationships. Examples include GoWest, Gothenburg Tech Week and healthtech investor meetings at Sahlgrenska Science Park.
For an overview of financing opportunities and investor-related initiatives in the region: Financing and funding (available in Swedish)
For tech startups or established companies looking to expand to Gothenburg, Business Region Göteborg’s investment advisors can provide tailored support in navigating the financing and funding landscape.
Unique conditions in Sweden
In Sweden, researchers at universities typically retain the rights to the ideas and results they develop, rather than these being owned by the university. This is referred to as the ”professor’s privilege” or ”teacher’s exemption”, which gives academics greater flexibility to explore commercial applications, start companies or collaborate with industry.
This framework supports research-based entrepreneurship, making it easier for founders working with advanced technologies or scientific discoveries to turn their ideas into startups. It is one of the reasons Sweden has a strong and growing deeptech sector.
6. International startup stories from Gothenburg
Gothenburg is home to a growing number of internationally founded startups. These examples highlight how founders from different backgrounds have established and grown their companies in the region’s collaborative and innovation-driven environment.
Meela Health has developed a platform focused on personalised mental health support. The company has been recognised internationally, and co-founder Tiffany Boswell received the Female Founder of the Year award. Meela has also raised several million euros in seed funding.
Amferia develops antimicrobial materials for applications in human and animal health. The company was founded by an international research team with strong academic roots and continues to build on research-based innovation.
Eneryield works with AI-driven technology to improve power grid performance. The founding team has an international background and the company grew out of advanced research within energy systems and machine learning.
Emigreat provides a digital platform that simplifies relocation processes for companies and employees. The startup was founded by an international team and has been active in the regional startup community through programmes and pitch events.
Mycorena was founded by Dr. Ramkumar Nair, an Indian researcher based in Sweden, and became a pioneering company within foodtech. The company attracted significant funding in earlier stages and has since transitioned under new ownership.
7. Useful links and contacts
We are here to help!
Business Region Göteborg is Gothenburg’s economic development agency, supporting companies, investors and entrepreneurs in exploring opportunities and growing in the region.
Contact us to discuss your needs and explore the unique opportunities available in the Gothenburg region.