About the employment forms

In Sweden there are five main forms of employment. If there is any doubt about the type of employment contract, it is presumed to be a permanent contract. Use the Lew Lex templates to ensure that your employment contract complies with the law. Collective agreements may regulate these forms of employment.

Permanent employment

The most common form of employment, also called permanent employment. It lasts until one of the parties terminates the contract. The employer needs objective reasons for termination, such as lack of work or personal reasons.

Special fixed-term employment

A fixed-term contract lasting between two specific dates. If the worker has been employed for a total of 12 months over a five-year period, the employment becomes permanent. Even if there have been three or more fixed-term contracts within a month, this counts as one continuous period.

Substitute

It is used when a permanent member of staff is temporarily absent, for example due to parental leave. A temporary post can be converted into a permanent post if it has lasted for two years within a five-year period.

Seasonal employment

Common in industries such as agriculture, where tasks can only be performed during certain parts of the year. The requirement is that work can only take place during specific seasons.

Probationary employment

A form of employment used when the employer wants to test the employee's skills before permanent employment. Probationary employment may last for a maximum of six months and can be terminated without cause during this period.