Invoicing without a company – how it will work in 2026
It is completely normal to think that starting and running your own business seems very complicated—accounting, VAT, tax returns, and everything else that goes with it. For many people, invoicing without a company is an easier way to get paid without having to start a company right away.
TL;DR
Invoicing without a company means that a self-employment platform invoices the customer and pays compensation as salary (A-tax).
Often suitable for: hobby income and small assignments, side hustles, creators and consultants who want to avoid administration, and people who want to work in Sweden without starting their own company.
How it works in brief:
The assignment is agreed with the customer (price, scope, terms and conditions).
The platform sends the invoice to the customer.
When the customer pays, compensation can be paid as salary, with tax deductions and reporting.
Cost: Often a percentage per invoice or a fixed monthly fee (varies between providers).
F-tax required: No, not for self-employment (salary/A-tax).
On this page: comparison of alternatives (AB, sole proprietorship, self-employment), VAT in brief, and FAQ.
What does it mean to invoice without a company?
Invoicing without a company is a way of accepting paid assignments without starting a limited company or sole proprietorship. The arrangement is normally based on a self-employment platform acting as the invoicing party to the customer, while the person performing the assignment receives compensation in the form of a salary. This usually means tax deductions according to A-tax and that the income is declared as salary.
For those who are testing an idea, doing small jobs alongside their studies or employment, or want to avoid ongoing accounting, this can be a practical compromise. At the same time, there are situations where having your own company gives you more control, for example, with larger and recurring volumes, investments, or when you want to build a company over time.
Read also: How self-employment works
Need help assessing the setup? Read more on our support page
| Options | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limited liability companies | Clear company structure, scalable, brand | More administration, costs, responsibility | Long-term entrepreneurship |
| Sole proprietorship | Easy to start, control | You handle VAT/tax yourself and mix private money with the company's money. | Regular assignments, but simple structure |
| Self-employment | Salary (A-tax), less/no admin | Fee per invoice/month, less "company control" | Test, small assignments, side hustle, or avoid administration |
Swipe sideways to see the entire table →
Three paths: Limited company vs Sole proprietorship vs Self-employment
Quick comparison:
How to invoice without a company - step by step
Create an account
You normally provide personal details and account information for payment, as well as information needed for tax purposes.
Send your invoice
You enter the customer, assignment, and amount or hours. The platform sends the invoice and handles standard formalities such as VAT, payment terms, and references.
You will receive your salary
Once the invoice has been paid, compensation can be paid out as salary. The platform deducts tax and reports in accordance with applicable rules. The exact process and conditions vary between operators.
VAT in brief
VAT can be 25%, 12%, or 6% depending on what is being sold, and certain areas may be exempt from VAT. Therefore, it is always necessary to base your calculations on the content of the assignment and the customer's requirements for documentation.
Quick guide (simplified):
25%: common for many services
12%: common for food and certain foodstuffs
6%: may apply to culture and certain publications/events
When is it appropriate to invoice without a company?
It is often appropriate when:
Want to try freelancing without starting a company
perform assignments alongside studies or employment
want to minimize administration (accounting, VAT, tax returns)
wants compensation in the form of salary with clear reporting
Common types of assignments: IT and technology, marketing, design, photography/film, education, project management.
What is your take-home pay after taxes and fees when you invoice without a company?
How much remains depends, among other things, on the invoice amount, tax rate, and the fees and terms that apply to the platform you use. Many providers offer a salary calculator where you can see an estimate based on the amount and municipal tax.
Security: salary, insurance, and terms and conditions
The structure and terms vary between platforms. Some offer insurance and support regarding agreements, while others primarily handle invoicing and payments. When comparing services, people usually look at:
fee model (percentage vs. fixed)
payment terms
insurance/pension (if included and under what conditions)
support and handling of documentation/VAT
Examples of self-employment platforms in Sweden
Worknode is an example of a platform that offers invoicing without having your own company. Terms, fees, and arrangements may vary between different providers.
Links:
Example: Percentage fee (Worknode FLEX)
Example: Fixed monthly fee (Worknode PRO)
Reviewed by: Per Hedelin, +20 years of experience in freelance invoicing and labor market issues. [LinkedIn]
Frequently asked questions about invoicing without a company (FAQ)
How much does it cost to invoice without a company?
It varies between different self-employment platforms. Common pricing models are a percentage fee per invoice or a fixed monthly fee. In addition to the platform fee, the net amount is affected by tax deductions and employer contributions, as well as whether the service includes insurance and pension.
Do I need F-tax to invoice without a company?
No, F-tax is not usually required if you invoice via a self-employment platform, as the income is normally paid as a salary with A-tax. F-tax becomes relevant if you invoice as your own company (sole proprietorship or limited company).
What is self-employment and how do you invoice without a company?
Self-employment means that a platform invoices the customer and pays compensation as salary to the person who performed the assignment. The platform usually handles tax deductions, employer contributions, and reporting in accordance with applicable rules. The exact arrangement may differ between operators.
How is income taxed when invoicing without a company?
The income is normally taxed as salary (A-tax). This means that tax deductions are made from the salary and that the income is normally reported as salary in the tax return. How much remains depends, among other things, on municipal tax and any deductions.
How does VAT work when invoicing without a company?
VAT is usually handled on the invoice based on what is sold and the rules that apply to the assignment. Many services help with VAT lines and documentation, but in practice, responsibility for ensuring that the information is correct lies with the content of the assignment. If you are unsure, you should check what applies to the specific service.
What should you use for freelance invoices for small jobs?
For small or one-off assignments, self-employment can be a way to get started without starting a business and handling ongoing accounting. The alternative is to start a sole proprietorship, but then you need to handle VAT, taxes, and accounting yourself.
Can you invoice private individuals without a company?
It may be possible, but it depends on the platform's terms and conditions and the type of assignment. Many services are primarily designed for invoicing companies and organizations. Always check what applies before sending the invoice.
Can you invoice foreign customers without a company?
It often works, but it depends on the customer's country, whether the customer is a business or a private individual, and which VAT rules apply. The rules can be more complex, especially when invoicing outside the EU or for certain services, so it is common to need support from the platform or to check the setup yourself.
How quickly can you receive payment?
Usually, payment can be made after the customer has paid the invoice, but times and conditions vary between operators. Some platforms offer faster payment subject to conditions or fees. Always check the payment terms.
Are insurance and pension included when invoicing without a company?
It varies. Some platforms include insurance linked to the assignment and offer occupational pensions, while others have more limited coverage. When comparing services, it is common to check what insurance is included, whether occupational pensions are offered, and what terms and conditions apply.
Is it possible to have your own business and invoice via a platform?
Yes, it is common to combine the two. For example, you can invoice certain assignments as a sole trader and other assignments as a self-employed person. It is important to keep the assignments separate and follow the rules for each arrangement.
Who is invoicing without a company best suited for?
This is often suitable for people who want to try freelancing, take on assignments alongside their studies or employment, take on smaller assignments without starting a business, or minimize administration.