Starting your own business while you are an asylum seeker

Last updated: 27/2-2024

You can start your own business during your time as an asylum seeker.

 In order to start your own business you have to:

  • Be approved for company taxation. This is known as F-tax.
  • Have a coordination number

Company tax

Company tax (företagsskatt) is always abbreviated F-tax (F-skatt). All companies have to be approved for F-tax by the Tax Agency. You can apply to be approved for F-tax on the Tax Agency's website.

Coordination number

A coordination number is a kind of temporary personal identity number. You cannot apply for a coordination number yourself. If you apply fro F-tax with the Tax Agency, they can apply for a coordination number for you. 

Asylum seeking entrepreneurs cannot apply for a work permit

If you started your own business while you were an asylum seeker, you cannot apply for a work permit if your asylum application was refused. However, if you were employed in Sweden during your time as an asylum seeker, you can apply for a work permit even if your asylum application was refused.