Sweden’s Ministry of Finance has proposed reforms to the tonnage taxation system under the 2026 Budget Bill to enhance the competitiveness of Swedish shipping. The measures expand eligible activities, ease vessel qualification criteria, and increase flexibility for bareboat chartering and tax fund usage.
Sweden’s Ministry of Finance has proposed changes to the Swedish tonnage taxation system through the Bill 2025/26:243 to strengthen the competitiveness of Swedish shipping on 14 April 2026.
The proposal would extend the system to cover certain activities in specialised shipping. It would also expand the ability of tonnage-taxed companies to lease qualified vessels without crew (bareboat chartering). At the same time, the criteria for a vessel to qualify under the regime would be amended, and more generous conditions would be introduced for the use of a so-called over-depreciation fund. The regulatory framework would also be clarified and adjusted to better align with EU state aid rules.
According to the proposal, shipping is described as essential for Sweden’s international trade, and the government states that Swedish shipping companies should operate under competitive conditions comparable to those in other European countries. The bill is based on an agreement between the government and the Sweden Democrats.
The legislative amendments are proposed to enter into force on 20 July 2026 and to apply for the first time to fiscal years beginning after 31 December 2026.
