Provanställning

Provanställning, or probationary employment, is a form of initial employment in Sweden where the employee and the employer test mutual suitability for a permanent position during a defined period. The purpose is to evaluate the employee’s skills, performance, and fit with the workplace before confirming permanent employment.

Duration and terms are typically specified in the employment contract. A provanställning commonly lasts up to six months, though the exact length can be agreed upon between the parties and may be influenced by collective agreements. If not extended or converted, the employment ends when the probationary period expires. During the probationary period, either party may terminate the arrangement with the notice stated in the contract or, if no specific notice is listed, with the statutory or otherwise applicable shorter notice. In general, termination during a provanställning does not require the same formal justification as a later dismissal related to a permanent position, but discrimination or illegal dismissal is prohibited.

Rights and protections during provanställning align with those for regular employment in most respects. The employee accrues salary and statutory benefits, and has rights to safe working conditions, a fair wage, and protection against discrimination. Vacation accrual generally applies according to the same rules as for permanent staff.

Transition to permanent status occurs if the employer offers continued employment after the probationary period. If the employment ends during provanställning due to unsatisfactory performance or other reasons, the relationship terminates without triggering the higher standards for termination applicable to permanent employees. In many workplaces, provanställning is used alongside collective agreements that set specific terms.