Can my employer dismiss me in Sweden?
Only with a valid ground — either objective grounds (personal) or redundancy. Under the Employment Protection Act (LAS) you cannot be dismissed arbitrarily. The notice period from the employer is at least 1 month and rises with service to 6 months at 10 years. A probationary employment may last at most 6 months and can be ended by either side. In redundancy, the order of selection ("last in, first out") applies, but the employer may exempt up to 3 especially important people. Since 2022 employment ends at the end of the notice period even if the decision is disputed.
📋 The rules
- Dismissal needs objective grounds or redundancy
- Notice 1–6 months by length of service
- Probationary employment max 6 months
- Redundancy: order of selection, but 3-person exemption
- Since 2022: employment ends at notice's end despite a dispute
🔓 Exceptions
- Summary dismissal (gross misconduct) happens with no notice
- A fixed-term post converts to permanent after 12 months
- A collective agreement can fully replace the selection rules
⚠️ Penalties & fines
An invalid dismissal can be annulled with a right to back pay, plus standardised damages that can reach very large amounts depending on length of service. Disputes are heard by the Labour Court.
📎 Official sources
- Employment Protection Act (1982:80) · Riksdagen →
- Verksamt.se · Ending employment →
- Public Employment Service · If you are dismissed →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I be dismissed without reason?
No. The employer needs objective grounds (personal) or redundancy. Arbitrary dismissal is not allowed.
How long is the notice period?
At least 1 month, rising with service up to 6 months at 10 years of employment.
How long can a probationary period last?
At most 6 months. It converts to permanent employment if not ended before then.
What does order of selection mean?
In redundancy, "last in, first out" applies, but the employer may exempt up to 3 important people.
Do I get pay during a dismissal dispute?
Since 2022 employment ends at the end of the notice period; during the dispute you instead receive unemployment benefit.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can my employer dismiss me sweden”
- “notice period las table”
- “objective grounds dismissal sweden”
- “probationary employment 6 months”
- “order of selection 3 person exemption”
- “las 2022 reform”