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.
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.
Written by
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.
