A Guide to Tax-Efficient Corporate Events in Sweden
- Athéna-Morgane Beinert
- Jan 15
- 3 min read
Planning a corporate event involves more than just choosing a menu; it’s about understanding how to maximise your budget while staying compliant with Swedish tax regulations. At The Pizza Pushers, we believe in providing value beyond the plate.
This guide breaks down the rules for "Internal Representation" (intern representation) and how you can leverage them for your next team gathering.
Understanding "Internal Representation"
In Sweden, meals provided to employees are generally considered a taxable benefit. However, when a meal is part of Internal Representation, it can be tax-free for the employee and deductible for the company. To qualify, the event must be:
Temporary and Short-term: Occurring occasionally (e.g., not a weekly lunch).
Purpose-driven: Such as a staff party, kick-off, board meeting, or internal training.
Documented: The company must record the purpose, agenda, and list of attendees.
The Financial Limits: What You Need to Know
According to Skatteverket, there are two primary categories for VAT (moms) deductions that companies should keep in mind:
1. Food and Drink (Måltider)
For internal representation, such as a staff party or a strategy meeting, companies can deduct VAT on a cost of up to 300 SEK (excluding VAT) per person, per occasion. This limit includes both food and beverages.
How it translates with us: Our Classic and Premium Catering packages, including our drink service options, are designed to fit within these professional budget frameworks. Whether you need food, drinks, or a full setup, we ensure your event remains tax-efficient.
The "Efficient" Option: For board meetings or working lunches where time is limited, our Panuozzo (a Neapolitan pizza-panino hybrid) offers a high-end, mess-free solution that fits perfectly into the spirit of a productive business meal.
2. Side Costs (Kringkostnader)
For staff parties (personalfester), companies are entitled to an additional VAT deduction for side costs. This applies to a cost of up to 180 SEK (excluding VAT) per person, per occasion.
This category covers the "extras" that turn a meal into an event. At The Pizza Pushers, we can provide the following equipment which falls under these side costs:
Audio & Visual: 2 Soundboks speakers with stands and LED party lights.
Atmosphere: Smoke machines and professional party tents.
Service: Mobile Bar and elegant champagne glasses for toasts.
By utilising these deductions, a company can effectively allocate a total tax-optimised budget of 480 SEK per person (300 SEK for food + 180 SEK for side costs) for a staff party.
Special Considerations for Smaller Groups
If your team is smaller than our 40-person catering minimum, you can still benefit from tax-efficient planning.
Our Pizza Masterclass (for up to 12 guests) can often be classified as Internal Training or Group Development. Because it focuses on skill-building and team bonding, it remains a highly professional and deductible way to invest in your company culture.
Summary Table: Tax-Efficient Planning
Event Type | Max Food Deduction (excl. VAT) | Max Side Cost Deduction (excl. VAT) | Recommended Format |
Staff Party | 300 SEK / person | 180 SEK / person | Full Catering + Soundboks & Tents |
Board Meeting | 300 SEK / person | N/A | The Panuozzo (Efficient Lunch) |
Team Building | 300 SEK / person | N/A | Pizza Masterclass |
Plan Your 2026 Events
Understanding these rules allows you to provide a better experience for your team without increasing the tax burden. If you are planning your 2026 calendar, we recommend booking early.
Exclusive Offer: Confirm your event by March 31st, and we will include our homemade Tiramisù for your entire team at no extra cost.
Note: While we strive to provide accurate information based on Skatteverket’s guidelines, we always recommend consulting with your company’s accountant or tax advisor for specific cases.

















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