Uppsagd vs Avskedad in Sweden; What’s the Difference?

Uppsagd and avskedad are two different types of termination in Sweden.

• Uppsagd means termination with notice, usually for business reasons.

• Avskedad means immediate dismissal due to serious misconduct.

Understanding the difference is essential for international professionals working in Sweden.

What Is the Difference Between Uppsagd and Avskedad?

• Uppsagd = You keep your job, salary, and benefits during a notice period

• Avskedad = Your job ends immediately, with no salary or notice

Most employees in Sweden are uppsagda, not avskedade.

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.

What Does Uppsagd Mean in Sweden?

Being uppsagd means your employer ends your contract with a notice period (uppsägningstid).

If you are uppsagd:

• You receive full salary during the notice period

• Your benefits continue (pension, insurance, vacation)

• You are still officially employed until the notice period ends

Common reasons for uppsägning:

• Redundancy (arbetsbrist)

• Financial difficulties

• Company restructuring

Important: Being uppsagd usually does not mean poor performance or misconduct.

What Does Avskedad Mean in Sweden?

Being avskedad means you are dismissed immediately.

If you are avskedad:

• There is no notice period

• You do not receive continued salary

• All benefits stop immediately

Typical reasons for avsked:

• Gross misconduct

• Serious breach of trust

• Criminal acts related to work

• Severe disloyalty toward the employer

Avsked is rare in Sweden and requires very strong legal grounds.

Can You Challenge an Avsked in Sweden?

Yes. Under the Employment Protection Act (LAS – Lagen om anställningsskydd), an employee can challenge an avsked.

You can:

• Contact your trade union

• Bring the case to the Swedish Labour Court (Arbetsdomstolen)

Employers must meet a very high legal standard to justify an avsked.

Is Being Fired in Sweden Always Bad?

No.

• Being uppsagd is common and usually neutral

• Being avskedad is serious and can affect future job opportunities

For international professionals, understanding this distinction helps protect both your rights and your career.

Further reading

• Newbie stories
• Work in Sweden guides
• Learn Swedish