Point of single contact for service companies

The EU Services Directive, implemented in Sweden through the Act and Regulation on services in the internal market, aims to remove barriers within the internal market for cross-border services and ensure high-quality services.

Directive 2006/123/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on services in the internal market
Swedish Act 2009:1079 on services in the internal market (in Swedish)
Swedish Regulation 2009:1078 on services in the internal market (in Swedish)

Non-discrimination

Authorities may not stipulate requirements which discriminate against the provision of services on grounds such as nationality or place of residence. They must also ensure that requirements are proportionate and necessary on grounds of public policy, public security, public health and the protection of the environment.

For example, there is normally no legislation in EU countries which require a certain nationality, where the company should have its registered office, form of establishment, financial guarantees, insurance or membership of professional organisations in another EU country. This is subject to the condition that the company is already established in an EU country.

Temporary and permanent service activities

Companies established in an EU/EEA country have the right to provide their services in all Member States, for example by providing performing their services during a shorter period of time or offering services online. They also have the right to establish themselves permanently in another member state, for example through a subsidiary or a branch. Authorities and municipalities may in some cases require companies to comply with national rules in order to sell their services. Different requirements may apply depending on whether the exercise is temporary or permanent.

According to EU regulations, the right for authorities and municipalities to set requirements is generally more limited with regard to temporary service providers compared with service providers who want to establish themselves permanently. The requirements also need to be justified with reference to more important societal interests, such as public health or environmental protection.

Contact points

The Services Directive contains provisions concerning national points of single contact which are required to inform companies and self-employed persons of the applicable requirements in order to provide their services in the various Member States and to simplify procedures, in particular authorisation schemes, which must be capable of being carried out electronically and at a distance.

The electronic point of single contact in Sweden is verksamt.se, for which the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth is responsible. The service Find permits provides general information concerning authorisation and other formal requirements required to access and provide services in Sweden. There are direct links to specific information and application forms with the competent authorities (municipalities, County Administrative Boards and public sector agencies). The site also provides information on dispute resolution and the contact details of advisers in your region. The service can also be used by Swedish service providers.

Find permits

If a dispute arises

Find advisors

Other EU Member States, as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, have similar information and services in their national single points of contact. The single points of contact cooperate under the EUGO network. More information and direct links to all points of single contact can be found on the European Commission’s website.

Go to the European Commission website