Sweden inflation could raise SMI costs for self-employed

Simulations indicate that self-employed individuals in Sweden may face significantly higher costs due to rising inflation. Following an August CPI increase of 4.3%, which was driven largely by a 9.5% rise in transport costs, the minimum interprofessional wage (SMI) for 2027 may need to be adjusted.

While the SMI for 2026 is set at 1,221 euro per month (17,094 euro annually), a 4.3% increase corresponding to recent inflation levels could raise the monthly rate to 1,273.50 euro. For self-employed employers, such increases impact not only direct wages but also the broader base used to calculate business contributions. Under these simulations, the annual cost per worker could rise from approximately 22,590 euro to roughly 23,580 euro.