The short answer
A Swedish provanställning can normally last up to six months. If either side does not want employment to continue, check the notification rules and any collective agreement. If the probation is not ended before the agreed deadline, it generally becomes a tillsvidareanställning. Probation does not remove agreed pay, holiday rights or protection from discrimination.
Check the contract before day one
The contract should state that the job is a provanställning, its start date and duration.
Also confirm pay, working hours, location, duties, benefits and the applicable collective agreement.
The kollektivavtal guide explains what that agreement may add.
| In Swedish | What it means | When you use it |
|---|---|---|
| När övergår anställningen i en tillsvidareanställning? | When does the job become permanent? | |
| Vilket kollektivavtal gäller? | Which collective agreement applies? |
Six months is not a universal notice period
The usual six-month maximum describes the probationary phase, not one notice period for every situation.
Termination and notification rules depend on legislation, which party acts and sometimes the kollektivavtal.
Always request written notification with the exact end date.
Document progress reviews
Set observable goals and a feedback date early rather than waiting for the final week.
After an important meeting, summarise decisions and requested support by email.
Keep the contract, schedules, payslips and messages in a personal file.
As the deadline approaches
Ask explicitly whether the job will continue and in what form.
If there is a dispute, contact your union or legal adviser promptly before signing an exit agreement.
Prepare the conversation with the Swedish interview guide and SvenskaApp tutor practice.
Sources
Rules and processing times change. Check the official page for your own case before acting on anything here.
Questions people ask
- How long can a provanställning last?
- Normally no more than six months, unless a specific legal or collective-agreement framework applies.
- Does it automatically become permanent?
- Generally yes if it is not ended before the agreed probation expires.
- Should notice be in writing?
- Always request written notice; legislation and the collective agreement determine the procedure and timing.
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