The Sweden Business Travel Guide presents and assortment of travel resources and resources aimed at assisting business travellers on their trips. The travel guide contains useful information such as visa information, business customs, culture, tips, facts on Sweden and more. Being aware of and having a good understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and traditions can prove to be a major advantage for business travellers helping to create better understanding, avoid cultural misunderstandings and helping to create a successful business trip.
Sweden is located in Scandinavia in northern Europe; it has an advanced and developed economy with a number of business opportunities. It has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, well known for its high standard of living, 'Nordic Model' social welfare system and ranks highly in a range of measures of national performance including GDP (per capita), education, quality of life and human development index. Sweden is a member of the EU, OECD and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Major trading partners include EU neighbours Germany, UK, Finland, Norway and Denmark. Sweden is a multicultural, multiracial country and home to a number of ethic groups. Sweden shares borders with Scandinavian neighbours Norway to the west, Finland to the east and is joined to Denmark in the south via the Oresund Bridge.
The country has a variety of landscapes including forests, woodland, lakes, mountains and hills. Famous attractions include the Royal Palace, Royal National City Park, ABBA The Museum, Skansen Open-Air Museum, Drottningholm Palace and the Vasa Museum in the capital Stockholm and Lund Cathedral, Oresund Bridge, Liseburg Theme Park and Abisko National Park.
Sweden Guide
Quick Facts on Sweden
Sweden Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Sweden Map
Sweden Weather & Climate
Quick Facts on Sweden
Country: Sweden
Capital: Stockholm
Currency: Swedish Krona (1 krona = 100 ore)
Population: 9.5 Million (UN, 2012)
Area total: 450,000 sq km
Languages: Swedish
Time Zone: GMT +2
Daylight Saving Details: Starts in late March until late October
Electricity: 230V 50Hz
Dialling Code: 46
GDP: USD 558.9 billion (Word Bank, 2013)
Religion: Predominately Lutheran
Political System: Constitutional Monarchy
Internet Domain: .se
Sweden Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Sweden. You can find more details on entry requirements for Sweden, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in Sweden. The information is regularly updated making it a good resource to get the latest travel advice and information on Sweden for both business and leisure travellers. For more information please see: Sweden Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
No visa requirement for national of EU member states. No visa need for US and Canadian nationals for visits less than six months. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Sweden Embassy UK
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business meetings and appointments should be arranged in advance, business dress is conservative and smart, with more casual clothing seen in newer industries such as IT and media; the usual greeting is a firm, short handshake. People are addressed by their first names in contrast to other countries where there is more formality in this area. The communication style is direct, people usually take turns to offer their opinions they do not interrupt other when talking.
The management style is more consensual than authoritarian, good time keeping and punctuality are expected in both the world of work and social circles. Many Swedish business people speak English, interpreters are available should they b required. Most business entertaining is done in bars and restaurants.
Travel Advice and Tips
Sweden in general benefits from being a relatively safe country to visit, levels of crime have been lower than for most countries. The majority of trips to Sweden each year made by business travellers and tourists end up being incident free. The winter can be very harsh, correct clothing and planning ahead to cope with this is essential to avoid putting yourself in difficulty. There are however pick pockets to be aware of in particular passports and cash are sought after. It is always wise to be alert and aware of your surroundings and environment.
Travel Checklist: See our Travellers Checklist containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP for the current advice on whether you require any travel vaccinations up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 10%
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
08.30 to 17.00 Monday to Friday
Many offices operate flexible workings hours and shorter working hours during the months from June to August.
For Banks:
09.30 to 15.00 Monday to Friday (some banks are open to 17.30, but are closed on Saturdays).
NOTE: On the last working day prior to holidays, businesses close at 13.00.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2015):
January 1: New Year's Day
January 6: Epiphany
April 5: Easter Sunday
May 1: Labour Day
May 14: Ascension Day
May 24: Whit Sunday
June 6: National day
June 20: Midsummer's Day
November 1: All Saints' Day
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: St Stephen's Day
December 31: New Year's Eve
Sweden Map
Map of Stockholm, Sweden
View Larger Map
Related Resources
Sweden Weather & Climate
Sweden is located in northern Europe and includes varied geography resulting in a range of climates. Sweden has a number of climatic zones across the country, the most southerly part of Sweden has oceanic climate, characterised by warm summers and cool winters. The central part of the country has a humid continental characterised by warm summers and cold winters.
Whilst the north of the country has a sub artic climate characterised by cool to warm summers and very long very cold winters. The long cold winters can make travel in winter difficult however for those that like the Northern Lights and Winter Sports, the winter offers a great chance to experience these.
Lightweight clothing can be warn in the summer months in southern Sweden; a light coast and water proof clothing is useful to keep. During the winter additional layers and heavy weight warmer clothing are required with plunging temperatures and wind chill.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
