Sweden

As the largest market in the Baltic Sea region, Sweden serves as a gateway not only to the Baltic region, but also to Northern Europe, and the EU, making Sweden a strategic location for investment. Though the Swedish market is one of the smaller markets in the EU, it ranks as one of the nations with the highest rate of foreign investment, and is home to a variety of large multinational companies in a range of sectors. According to the World Bank Report of 2015, Sweden is the eleventh easiest country to do business in.

Confirming this title was Sweden’s resilience during the global financial crisis, where its economy did not falter but rather flourished. Sweden’s investment climate has been quickly improving subsequent to its membership in the European Union. Following its membership, the country saw a greater harmonization between business practice and its legislation; sectors became more efficient, and there was an overall reduction in prices. This continued improvement can be attributed to Sweden’s stable political environment.

Attesting to the highly successful development of the Swedish business environment are Sweden’s rankings in numerous economic reports: Transparency International 2016 ranks Sweden the 3rd least corrupt country in the world; World Economic Forum 2015-2016 ranks Sweden as the 9th most competitive and productive country in the world; the IMF ranks Sweden 11th in GDP per capita. These results provide reassurance to any investor deliberating entering the Swedish market.