When does a small Swedish company need a statutory auditor?
An auditor is required once the company exceeds more than one of three limits, more than 3 employees on average, a balance sheet total above SEK 1.5 million and net turnover above SEK 3 million, in each of the two most recent financial years.
What the rules say
- The Companies Act: a private company may state in its articles that it will not have an auditor.
- The Companies Act: the exemption does not apply where more than one limit is met in each of the two most recent financial years.
- The Companies Registration Office: the change to the articles must be filed for registration.
The requirements line by line
| Question | Requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Main rule | A private company may opt out of an auditor unless it exceeds more than one of three limits in each of the two most recent financial years. | SFS 2005:551, aktiebolagslagen |
| Limit, employees | The average number of employees in each of the two most recent financial years exceeds 3. | SFS 2005:551, aktiebolagslagen |
| Limit, balance sheet total | The balance sheet total in each of the two most recent financial years exceeds SEK 1.5 million. | SFS 2005:551, aktiebolagslagen |
| Limit, net turnover | Net turnover in each of the two most recent financial years exceeds SEK 3 million. | SFS 2005:551, aktiebolagslagen |
| Registration | The opt-out must appear in the articles of association and be filed with the Companies Registration Office. | Bolagsverket, starta aktiebolag |
Thresholds and limits
| Limit | What it triggers | Source |
|---|---|---|
| More than 3 employees on average | One of three limits | SFS 2005:551, aktiebolagslagen |
| Balance sheet total above SEK 1.5 million | One of three limits | SFS 2005:551, aktiebolagslagen |
| Net turnover above SEK 3 million | One of three limits | SFS 2005:551, aktiebolagslagen |
| More than one limit, two years running | An auditor is required | SFS 2005:551, aktiebolagslagen |
What it means for the company
The limits are measured two years running, so growth reaches the audit duty a year later. Decide on an auditor before the annual meeting, not after the closing.
What it means for the individual
A single owner without employees is almost always below the limits, though banks and larger customers may still ask for audited accounts.
Source lines
- Svensk författningssamling, RiksdagenSFS 2005:551, aktiebolagslagen · read 2026-08-25 · proof a533a1c219b4a8d5
- BolagsverketBolagsverket, starta aktiebolag · read 2026-08-25 · proof a533a1c219b4a8d5
Next step
Take the last two years and tick off each limit separately. Two of three exceeded in both years means an auditor is required.
This page reports what the sources say, with the identifier and address of the publisher. It is not legal advice and does not decide an individual matter.
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