As a sole trader you are not obliged to register a business name with Bolagsverket, but registering your business name protects it from being used by others in your line of business.

Protection of the name within the county

Sweden is divided in administrative regions – counties (län). If you register a business name it will be given protection in the county where your business has been registered.

If you are going to carry out business in more than one county, you may want to apply for registration in those counties as well. We charge a registration fee for each county.

Bolagsverket examines the name

Bolagsverket will examine your proposed business name to make sure that it differs from other business names and trademarks in your line of business.

Rules for business names

As a sole trader you must not use:

• the word ‘bolag’ (‘company’), or
• a name that gives the impression the enterprise is run by more than one person.

Describe your business activities in detail

Your business name is tied to your business activities. Make sure you describe your business activities in detail so we can examine your name proposal properly. If you, for example, will work as a consultant you must describe within which sector you are going to offer your services. Not describing your business activities accurately may cause a delay in the name approval process.

Before ordering business stationary

Do not order business stationary, business cards, domain name, signs, etc, before your business and your proposed name have been registered.

How to register

If you want to register a business name you must register your business with us. Read about how you register on the page Register as a sole trader from the menu.

E-services

Help to search business name (in Swedish) External link.