Business Sweden’s annual analysis of foreign direct investment (FDI) shows that Sweden secured third place among Europe’s leading recipient countries, advancing from fourth place in 2024.
With FDI in Sweden totalling SEK 287 billion last year, this marks the highest level of investments since the record year of 2022, significantly above the average for the past decade. Sweden thereby bolsters its position in the global competition for foreign capital and new establishments.
“Sweden’s rise to third place in Europe behind the UK and Germany proves that international companies continue to have strong confidence in the Swedish market. In a world shaped by uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and fierce competition for investments, this is an important marker of trust,” says Lena Sellgren, Chief Economist at Business Sweden.
Global FDI rose by 6 per cent in 2025 to USD 1,624 billion despite continued geopolitical uncertainty and growing protectionism. Europe recorded the strongest regional performance with investments rising by 38 per cent, while FDI in both Asia and North America declined slightly.
“Companies continue to adapt their value chains, locate production closer to strategic markets and prioritise investments that strengthen resilience and competitiveness,” explains Lena Sellgren.
Sweden has long been an attractive destination for cross-border investments. Total FDI stock in Sweden amounted to SEK 4,701 billion in 2024, corresponding to more than 70 per cent of GDP. European companies account for nearly two-thirds of FDI stock in Sweden while US companies are the largest investor group, representing 24 per cent of total assets.
Around 65 per cent of FDI stock is concentrated in the services sector, primarily in finance and insurance, trade and logistics, and real estate. Manufacturing accounts for 35 per cent of the assets with particularly strong investments in chemicals and pharmaceuticals, as well as automotive.
“Foreign direct investment is ultimately about companies’ long-term confidence in a given market. The investments made today help drive tomorrow’s production, skills, innovation capacity and exports. Sweden must continue to secure strategic investments by developing favourable and competitive conditions for international companies,” says Lena Sellgren.
Business Sweden’s analysis is based on compiled statistics from UNCTAD and Statistics Sweden (SCB), providing an overall picture of the FDI performance globally and in Sweden. Explore the analysis here.
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Business Sweden is Sweden’s trade and investment council. We support Swedish companies in increasing their global sales and assist international companies in investing in and expanding within Sweden. Our advisers and industry experts provide market analyses, strategic guidance and practical support in more than 40 locations worldwide.