From 1 April 2026 to 30 September 2027, Swedish employers pay a reduced social security contribution of about 20.81% instead of the standard 31.42% on monthly pay up to SEK 25,000 for employees who have turned 18 but not yet 23 at the start of the year. The Riksdag decided the measure on 25 February 2026; during 2026 it covers workers born 2003 to 2007. Only the old-age pension contribution plus half of the other contributions apply below the SEK 25,000 ceiling.
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Sweden cuts employer contributions for hiring 18 to 22 year olds from April 1, 2026
Why this matters for founders
A founder hiring young staff saves roughly 10.6 percentage points on employer contributions, up to about SEK 2,650 per month per eligible hire; factor this into 2026 hiring plans and payroll setup.
Source: Sveriges Riksdag
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