Lagstadgat

Lagstadgat is a Swedish adjective meaning something that is provided by law or mandated by statute. It describes rules, rights, or obligations that are fixed by legal texts rather than created through mutual agreement, contract, or voluntary practice. The term is used across public policy areas to emphasize a normative baseline set by legislation.

The concept appears in many regulatory domains, especially in labor law, social protection, taxation, and consumer protection. For example, lagstadgad arbetstid refers to working-time limits established by law, while lagstadgad semester covers mandatory paid vacation rights. In addition, statutory requirements exist for social insurance contributions and other mandatory burdens on employers and employees. The term helps distinguish obligations that derive from law from those negotiated in collective agreements or based on industry practice.

A key nuance is that something lagstadgad may still be subject to specific rules, exceptions, and administrative regulations. Laws can be amended, and the practical application of a statutory rule may vary by sector or jurisdiction. In Sweden, there is no universal statutory minimum wage; wages are primarily set through collective agreements, with statutory rules governing related areas such as working hours, safety, and social insurance. The concept of lagstadgat thus emphasizes a legal floor of rights and duties, regardless of negotiated terms.