Hiring employees in Sweden

Download our guide to employing staff in Sweden

Our team of international HR, payroll, compensation & benefits experts have compiled everything you need to know when employing in Sweden so that you can meet your global expansion objectives.

The guide covers the fundamentals you need to be on top of, including the key piece of employment legislation in Sweden, the Employment Protection Act 1982.

The Act applies to almost all employees, with a few exceptions, notably those at senior management levels. 

Other important sources of legislation include the Co-Determination Act 1976, which regulates the relationship between employers and trade unions, the Discrimination Act, the Sick Pay Act, the Working Environment Act 1977, the Working Hours Act 1982, and the Annual Leave Act 1977.

This guidance will enable you to navigate Sweden’s key legislation, providing you with the knowledge needed to operate compliantly. 

The full contents of the detailed guide to employing staff in Sweden are as follows: 

• Employment of foreigners
• Employment contracts
• Probation
• Remuneration
• Working hours and time off
• Leave
• Social security coverage
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Supplemental benefits
• Termination of employment
• Discrimination
• Industrial relations
• Data protection

This country guide is intended to be a summary of the major areas of employment law & HR practice and does not constitute legal or HR advice. The guidance was correct at the time of publishing and professional advice should always be sought as specific needs arise.