Swedish employees can claim up to 5,000 SEK per year in tax-free wellness benefits for approved activities like massage therapy. Choosing a trusted, experienced massage therapist and keeping proper receipts ensures your wellness benefit remains both rewarding and compliant.
Swedish employees enjoy one of Europe’s most forward-thinking workplace perks: the friskvårdsbidrag, or wellness benefit. This system allows companies to offer tax-free allowances for activities that support employee health and well-being, including professional massage treatments.
Employees typically use their benefit through a simple reimbursement process — they pay for an approved wellness service, submit the receipt to their employer, and receive repayment up to their annual allowance. This straightforward method ensures that both employees and companies stay compliant with the Swedish Tax Agency (Skatteverket) guidelines.
Massage is one of the most popular ways to use the friskvårdsbidrag, as it provides tangible health benefits such as reduced stress, improved circulation, and relief from workplace tension. With growing awareness of preventive care, more employees are using their allowance to invest in treatments that support long-term well-being.
According to Skatteverket, the maximum tax-free wellness benefit is 5,000 SEK per year (including VAT). Any amount above that becomes fully taxable income — not just the excess. Careful tracking of your wellness spending helps ensure compliance and avoids unexpected tax consequences.
Some employers offer smaller annual amounts, such as 2,000-3,000 SEK, to keep administration simple. Always confirm your company’s policy before booking services so you can plan your wellness spending wisely.
Massage therapy is considered a non-exercise wellness activity, which means each session must cost no more than 1,000 SEK (including VAT) to remain tax-free.
This rule ensures that the wellness benefit supports genuine preventive health and stress reduction, not luxury spa treatments. Fortunately, most professional massage services in Sweden fall within this price range, allowing employees to enjoy multiple sessions over the year.
If your total annual wellness spending exceeds 5,000 SEK, the entire amount becomes taxable income. It’s an all-or-nothing rule, so keeping track of total spending across all activities — such as gym memberships, yoga, massage, or mindfulness — is essential.
Employees are responsible for staying within these limits, even when services are purchased from multiple providers.
Most employers approve massage treatments with proven wellness benefits, such as:
These techniques are recognized for easing muscle tension, improving circulation, and enhancing overall physical well-being. They align with the friskvårdsbidrag’s purpose of promoting health and preventing stress-related illness.
According to Skatteverket, beauty and medical treatments are not eligible for the wellness benefit. Services such as facials, cosmetic injections, or medical rehabilitation do not qualify, even if they promote relaxation.
Massage centres that offer both therapeutic and beauty services must clearly separate qualifying treatments. When booking, always check that your session is categorized as “massage” or “friskvårdsmassage” on your receipt to ensure reimbursement eligibility.
Because massage therapy is not strictly regulated in Sweden, experience and reputation matter most. Look for centres employing therapists with at least ten years of hands-on experience and a proven record of professionalism.
Trustworthy providers are transparent about their background and training and can explain their approach clearly. If a centre avoids discussing their therapists’ experience or cannot provide basic information about their methods, that’s a red flag.
When selecting a provider, confirm that they issue clear, itemized receipts suitable for wellness reimbursement. These receipts should specify the service type (e.g., “friskvårdsmassage”) and total cost, including VAT.
Avoid providers who lack proper documentation or who make it difficult to obtain receipts, as this can cause delays or denials in your employer’s reimbursement process.
Employers ultimately decide which wellness services qualify under their wellness benefit policy. Some maintain internal lists of recommended providers, while others review employee-submitted receipts individually.
Employers also have a legal duty to ensure wellness benefits remain within Skatteverket’s tax-free guidelines, so they may decline certain services or receipts that don’t meet compliance standards.
If you’re unsure, check with your HR department before booking — this avoids confusion or reimbursement issues later.
Not all employers offer the wellness benefit, but if yours does, it’s worth using strategically. The 5,000 SEK allowance can significantly support your health when planned carefully.
To make the most of it:
Using your friskvårdsbidrag wisely allows you to care for both your mental and physical health — turning a tax-free workplace perk into a meaningful, lasting investment in your well-being.
