There is no good way to get Fired or lose your job in Sweden. But there are better and worse ways. In this article, we explain the difference between uppsagd (termination with notice) vs avskedad (summary dismissal) under Swedish labor law.
The Good Way: Uppsagd vs Avskedad (Termination with Notice)
If you are uppsagd, you are technically fired but you will receive full salary during your whole notice period (uppsägningstid) and you will also have access to all other work benefits that you already have. Understanding uppsagd vs avskedad is important because being uppsagd usually does not necessarily mean that you’ve done something wrong.
Quick guide to Fired in Sweden Uppsagd vs Avskedad in Sweden (updated for 2025).
Usually, uppsägning in Sweden is due to work or financial shortage within the company where you work; circumstances you cannot influence and that have little to do with your performance at work.
Getting fired as uppsagd is therefore not necessarily something that will affect your future employments negatively.
Note: you can get uppsagd if you repeatedly fail to meet the agreements in your contract.
The Bad Way -Avskedad (Termination without Notice)
Getting avskedad in Sweden is another story. The consequences of uppsagd vs avskedad are very different, since fired under avsked means, you have to leave your work immediately and you won’t be able to claim the right to salary or benefits.
Getting avskedad is unusual and mostly happens when you are guilty of physical abuse, threats of violence, theft, misappropriation, unfair competition, or refusal to work.
Getting avskedad is not a good thing, and it will affect your search for future employments negatively.
Understanding uppsagd vs avskedadhelps you protect your rights and prepare for your next career step in Sweden in case of getting fired.
FAQs
How long is the notice period if you are uppsagd in Sweden?
Notice periods vary depending on your contract and length of employment, but they usually range from one to six months.
Can you appeal if you are avskedad?
Yes, employees can challenge an avsked through a union or Swedish labor court under the Lagen om anställningsskydd (LAS).
Notice periods vary depending on your contract and length of employment, but they usually range from one to six months.
Yes, employees can challenge an avsked through a union or Swedish labor court under the Lagen om anställningsskydd (LAS).
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The Career Sweden Team brings together experts in recruitment, communication, and relocation, all working toward one goal: helping international talents find their place in Sweden. We create clear, reliable guides and articles about Sweden’s job market, recruitment, and work culture — as well as practical, fact-based resources on everything that shapes life and career here.
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Fired in Sweden? Uppsagd vs. Avskedad
There is no good way to get Fired or lose your job in Sweden. But there are better and worse ways. In this article, we explain the difference between uppsagd (termination with notice) vs avskedad (summary dismissal) under Swedish labor law.
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Friday, December 5 | 2025
