Gothenburg Facts & figures 2026/2027
The Gothenburg Region is Sweden's fastest-growing and second largest city region. It is a hub for industry and innovation. Since the aftermath of the financial crisis, the region has consistently outperformed both the national average and other metropolitan regions.
This page presents a summary of the report Facts & figures 2026/27.
The Gothenburg Region is an attractive region, growing through a number of exciting transformations. This transformation is reflected in both national and international comparisons.
1. A region moving forward
Gothenburg is an attractive region which is experiencing growth through a number of exciting developments. This transformation is observed in both national and international comparisons.
Growth strategy – to strengthen central Gothenburg and expand the labour market
The Gothenburg region is experiencing rapid growth. The Gothenburg region’s politicians have adopted a new growth strategy (Gothenburg Region 20250) that describes the work to position the region as a leading engine in growth. Major investments in infrastructure and urban development have already led to a sharp rise in both commuting and in-migration.
Growth in the Gothenburg region since 2009
A strong growth engine
Since 2009, the economy in the Gothenburg region has grown by 66 per cent in real terms. This is clearly stronger compared to the Swedish average (+39%) and more than three times as strong compared to the average of the Eurozone (+19%).
The graph shows Real GRP / GDP Growth (Index 2009 = 100), 2009-2024
Leading R&D region
As an innovation leader, the region scores high in several categories such as private sector investments in R&D, cloud computing, patent applications and product innovations within SMEs.
The region is ranked 29th of 234 EU regions. Gothenburg has the 20th highest density of inventors and scientific authors in the world.
billion SEK is invested in R&D by the private sector in West Sweden. Almost 10 BSEK more than the Stockholm region and 35.3% of Sweden’s total spending.
The Nordics' best logistics location
That the Nordics' largest container port is located here is just one of the reasons the Gothenburg region is such a prominent logistics hub.
Some of the reasons why the Gothenburg region is the Nordics' best logistics location are:
- Well-developed railway network that is an important logistical hub for the Nordics as a whole.
- Full service port that is central for both import and export of goods.
- Direct ocean freight services to 60 destinations.
- The Port of Gothenburg is complemented by a land infrastructure linked to strong road, rail and air connections.
- Short distances between the import dock to warehouses result in low logistics costs.
- Access to leading competence within logistics.
- Advanced and rapidly growing transportation infrastructure with an environmental focus.
- National centre for R&D within sustainable logistics solutions and transportation.
The Nordic’s top logistics regions 2026
| Ranking | Region (Country) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gothenburg region (Sweden) |
| 2 | Öresund region (Sweden, Denmark) |
| 3 | Mälardal region (Sweden) |
| 4 | Oslo region (Norway) |
| 5 | Helsinki/Tallinn region (Finland) |
| 6 | Baltics (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) |
| 7 | Jönköping region (Sweden) |
| 8 | Gulf of Bottnia (Norway, Sweden, Finland) |
| 9 | Mid-Jylland region (Denmark) |
2. Rich exchange with the world
Shipping and international trade have been integral to the Gothenburg region for more than 400 years. Of course, the traded content has changed over the years, but the flow of goods continues to play a critical role for the development and growth of the region’s companies. The interest among foreign investors to run companies in the region is great and every sixth employee in the Gothenburg region works in a foreign-owned company.
Gothenburg is the logistics capital of Sweden
Its strategic position near major shipping routes, railways and highways makes the region the country’s leading logistics hub, with around 70 per cent of Nordic industry within a 500 km radius. Seamless connections by sea, land and air put the whole world within reach. The Port of Gothenburg, Scandinavia’s largest port, is complemented by efficient rail, road and warehousing networks, while Landvetter Airport strengthens capacity with international air freight and rapid transshipment.
Major players in logistics and transport operate here, advanced research is carried out here, and cutting-edge technologies are being developed.
Export of goods from companies in the region
Companies in the Gothenburg region have a high export intensity. In 2025 goods were exported for just above SEK 323 billion. The region's total exports make up 80 per cent of Västra Götaland County's total export value and 16 per cent of Sweden's total export value. Some important destinations, among others, are USA, Norway, Germany, UK and Denmark.
4,400 exporting companies reside in the Gothenburg region.
Many foreign-owned companies in the region
Since 1990, the number of foreign-owned companies in the Gothenburg region has grown steadily. In 2025 there were approximately 2,300 foreign-owned companies in the Gothenburg region. These foreign-owned companies accounted for more than 3,100 establish-ments in the Gothenburg region.
The graph shows number of foreign-owned companies and establishments in the Gothenburg region 2009-2025
Employees in foreign-owned companies
The number of employees in foreign-owned companies has almost quintupled in the period 1990–2025. In 2025, just above 103,000 people were employed in foreign-owned companies in the Gothenburg region. This amounts to just above one sixth of the total employment in the region. Of these, Chinese companies employ the most, followed by companies from Norway, France, USA and Germany.
The graph shows number of employees in foreign-owned companies 2009-2025
The composition of the region's exports and imports
The majority of the region’s exported goods comprise motor vehicles and other means of transportation – an industry which is also the largest in terms of the import value of goods. In absolute terms, exports of goods within automotive corresponded to just above SEK 152 billion. The product groups ‘other machines and manufactured goods’, ‘computers, elec-tronics and optical products’ and ‘chemicals, pharmaceuticals, rubber and plastics’ also account for substantial shares of the goods exchanged with trading partners.
The bar chart shows imports and exports of goods, by product group 2025
The Gothenburg region is the best logistics location in the Nordics
Did you know...
of sweden’s foreign trade goes through the Port of Gothenburg
of Swedens container trade is handled at the Port of Gothenburg
of Scandinavia’s industry and population falls within a radius of 500 km, including three capitals cities
direct ocean services
3. Growth and labour market
The business environment in the Gothenburg region is characterised by global, knowledge-intensive companies such as Volvo, SKF and AstraZeneca. The total wage sum in the Gothenburg region is growing at a faster rate than Sweden as a whole. Overall, employment in the region is growing at a faster rate than the national average. A rapidly expanding knowledge-intensive business services sector supports the manufacturing companies, and the region’s business environment is gaining further nuance through growing businesses within information and communication, construction, hotels and restaurants and commerce.
Gothenburg, a hub for knowledge-driven growth
The Gothenburg region is growing rapidly and has developed into Sweden’s centre for knowledge-intensive industry. Here, strong manufacturing meets a growing tech and research environment, a combination that drives innovation and employment.
In the Gothenburg region you will find:
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The highest share of people educated in engineering and natural sciences in Sweden
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The largest private investments in research and development
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A labour market that attracts talent from across the world
Small companies account for the majority of the region’s establishments
The Gothenburg region’s numerous small companies provide the majority of the region’s establishments. The sector with the largest number of establishments, just above 31,000, is business services, with a clear majority made up of smaller establishments. Commerce, cultural and personal services as well as property, construction and information and communication also have many establishments in the region.
Lowest unemployment among metropolitan regions
During the Covid-19 pandemic, unemployment increased throughout all of Sweden. The development during 2021 and up until 2023 shows, however, that the unemployment rate has decreased. A weaker economy has deteriorated the situation in the labour market over the last two years. In 2025, unemployment in the Gothenburg region averaged at 6.5 per cent and remains lowest among the country’s metropolitan regions. Gothenburg region's unemployment rate is about half a percentage point lower than the national average.
The graph shows unemployment among persons 16-65 years old, annual average
Sweden is centre for scientific and technical work
During the Covid-19 pandemic, unemployment increased throughout all of Sweden. The development during 2021 and up until 2023 shows, however, that the unemployment rate has decreased. A weaker economy has deteriorated the situation in the labour market over the last two years. In 2025, unemployment in the Gothenburg region averaged at 6.5 per cent and remains lowest among the country’s metropolitan regions. Gothenburg region's unemployment rate is about half a percentage point lower than the national average.
The graph shows unemployment among persons 16-65 years old, annual average
Ne-employed refers to the following occupations:
| R&D managers | Chemists | Engineers |
| Managers within architectural practices | Civil engineers | Technicains |
| Managers within engineering practices | Architects | Operations technicians |
| Physicists | Surveyors | Process supervisors |
| Source: SCB |
4. Business
The Gothenburg region is home to a broad and multifaceted business environment. 94 per cent of Sweden's industries are represented in the region, which corresponds to 760 industries. Some of the world's leading companies within their sectors are headquartered in the region. The Gothenburg region is also characterised by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and just above 8,500 companies were started in 2025.
The largest companies by employees
The majority of the largest companies in the Gothenburg region engage in research and development at a world-leading level. Volvo Cars, with its development and production in Torslanda, is the single largest employer in the private sector in the Gothenburg region. In total, the Volvo Group has approximately 12,700 employees in the Gothenburg region.
| Rank | Company | Number of employees 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volvo Cars | 16 475 |
| 2 | Volvo Technology* | 4 175 |
| 3 | Veteranpoolen | 3 825 |
| 4 | Volvo Trucks* | 3 525 |
| 5 | Chalmers University of Technology | 3 375 |
| 6 | SAAB | 2 925 |
| 7 | AstraZeneca | 2 725 |
| 8 | Samhall | 2 125 |
| 9 | SKF | 1 950 |
| 10 | Lernia Bemanning | 1 725 |
* Included in the Volvo Group, which employs approximately 12,700 people in the Gothenburg region.
Home to Sweden’s two largest companies
The list of the companies, with HQ in Gothenburg Region, reporting the highest turnover is topped by the Volvo Group and Volvo Cars, which also are the two companies with the highest turnover in Sweden. SKF takes the third place, followed by the Stena Sphere, Hedin Mobility Group and Carl Bennet.
Newly started companies in the Gothenburg region
A total of 8,530 new companies were started in the Gothenburg region in 2025, an increase of just over 400 compared with 2024 (8,106).
Every tenth company is started in the Gothenburg region
The Gothenburg region is making great efforts to facilitate the process for starting a company. Since 2000, the number of newly started companies in the region has doubled. In 2025, just above 8,500 new companies were started in the Gothenburg region, corresponding to 11.5 per cent of all newly started companies in Sweden.
The graph shows the number of newly started companies in the Gothenburg region 2009-2025
The region's SMEs account for…
5. Population, lifestyle & education
More people are choosing to live in the Gothenburg region and as of today more than one million people live here. The population is relatively young and more highly educated compared to the national average. Access to academic education and world-class companies makes the region more attractive.
The Gothenburg region’s two universities collectively have around 69,000 students. Gothenburg ranks high internationally when it comes to human capital, lifestyle and liveability.
Population growth continuing
For many years, the Gothenburg region has had birth and migration surpluses. During 2025, the region’s population increased by approximately 6,000 residents. By 2035, the region is expected to be home to just above 1.1 million people.
The Gothenburg region has 1,093,760 residents in 2025.
is the number of residents in the Gothenburg region in 2025.
Stronger population growth than Sweden as a whole
The Gothenburg region’s population has, on average, increased by around one per cent throughout the entirety of the 2000s. Every year since the start of the millennia, the population growth in the region has been stronger than for Sweden as a whole.
The bar chart shows yearly population growth 2009-2025
Democratic stability
The Nordic countries play a central role in the stability of full democracies and Sweden ranks the sixth most stable democracy in the world.
Tertiary education level higher than the national average
Compared to Sweden as a whole, a larger proportion of the 25–64 age group in the Gothenburg region has a post-secondary education, which here also includes research education.
The bar chart shows highest level of education completed age group 25-64, 2025
6. Costs & taxes
The Gothenburg region is a competitive location for businesses. The corporate tax rate is low and the rental market is among the hottest in Europe. In addition, foreign key workers in Sweden are granted a certain degree of tax relief.
This section can be read in full on pages 31–34 of the report
Employer contributions
All employers pay social security contribu-tions for their employees. These comprise of contributions for pensions, healthcare and other social benefits. The contributions amount to a total of 31.42 percent.
| Statutory employer contributions | % of wage 2026 |
| Retirement pension | 10,21 |
| Survivor's pension | 0,30 |
| Health insurance | 3,55 |
| Parental insurance | 2,00 |
| Occupational injury insurance | 0,10 |
| Unemployment insurance | 2,64 |
| Payroll contribution | 12,62 |
| Total statutory employer contribution | 31,42 |
Competitive corporate tax
In a European context, Sweden’s corporate tax rate is competitive. The corporate tax rate in Sweden in 2026 is 20.6 per cent.
The graph shows corporate tax rates, a European comparison
Comparison of taxes
Sweden has become one of the most attractive places in the world for holding companies and, in addition to the low corporate tax rate, around 80 tax treaties are offered with various countries. Sweden's tax climate also holds up well in comparison to other countries, as companies are not taxed on interest income, share dividends and royalties.
The table shows witholding tax rates that apllies to non-residents
| Type of tax | SE | DK | NO | FI | FR | DK | NL | UK | US |
| Interest | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Dividends | 0% | 0% | 0% | 20% | 25% | 25% | 0% | 0% | 30% |
| Royalties | 0% | 22% | 0% | 20% | 25% | 15% | 0% | 20% | 30% |
Nordic cost comparison 2026 in SEK
| City | Meal | Monthly fee preschool | Office rent m² CBD | Price m² city APT |
| Gothenburg | 130 | 1 847 | 4 200 | 60 859 |
| Stockholm | 150 | 1 847 | 9 500 | 111 322 |
| Copenhagen | 214 | 7 009 | 3 357 | 94 649 |
| Oslo | 237 | 1 442 | 6 070 | 100 779 |
| Helsinki | 160 | 3 320 | 6 213 | 89 420 |
The table above refers to:
- An inexpensive meal
- Maximum amount for one child, including food, per month in preschool
- Office rent per square metre in the CBD per year
- Average price per square metre for an apartment in the city centre
Exchange rates from NOK to SEK, DKK to SEK, and EUR to SEK calculated on 20 February 2026.
7. A driving force for sustainable development
The Gothenburg region is a pioneer in climate change, environmental technology and sustainable development. Here, the private sector, academia and the public sector collaborate to create innovative solutions to global challenges. Companies in areas such as electrified mobility, circular economy, green energy and sustainable construction are driving development forward – both nationally and internationally.
Through initiatives such as Gothenburg Green City Zone, innovation clusters and world-leading research, the region is positioning itself as a hub for future sustainable solutions.
Gothenburg’s vision for 2030
Gothenburg aims to become an ecologically sustainable city by 2030, guided by its environmental and climate programme with clear priorities for climate, living conditions and biodiversity.
Key ambitions and international position
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Almost zero climate footprint by 2030 at the latest
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A healthy living environment for residents
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High biodiversity in the city
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One of the EU’s 100 climate-neutral and smart cities
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One of ten mentor cities leading Europe’s green transition
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First in the world to issue green bonds
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Explore why Gothenburg is a sustainability front-runner
Front-runner in sustainability
A greener Port of Gothenburg
The Port of Gothenburg plans to reduce carbon emissions by 70 per cent by 2030 including emissions from vessels sailing in and out of the port traffic area. In order to reach the target, the Port works with world leading solutions such as:
- shoreside power for tankers
- infrastructure and access to fossil-free fuels for heavy vehicles and vessels
- fossil and emission free battery powered vessels
- actively participating in the Green Corridors initiative, where Gothenburg-Rotterdam has been identified as a route to move away from fossil fuels – expected to be operational in 2026
The Port of Gothenburg collaborates with Volvo Group, Scania and Stena Line within the Tranzero initiative to increase the pace of the transition of the transportation sector to fossil-free alternatives.
Did you know...
Climate-neutral construction
Gothenburg’s platform for climate-neutral construction brings together around 180 actors in the construction industry. The entire value chain work together to enable a transition to a climate-neutral construction industry.
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